23 November 2005

Grateful

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5023760

NPR ran a piece last night that is a testimony to God's spirit at work in the world. As I've written about before, Brian and Lisa Cain (founding directors of God's Helping Hands) are part of the Rochester Church family. When they were down and out, the shepards of this church stepped in and paid their mortgage. Overcome with relief, joy, and sheer gratitude--in addition to the sickness and eventual death of their son Kevin--the Cain's were broken by the things that break the heart of God.

God's Helping Hands is primarily supported by the Rochester Church in addition to help from local congregations. Many are just now showing interest--the future looks bright for this ministry.

On Saturday, GHH helped over 200 families (800 people). 140 disciples of Jesus volunteered to spend the majority of their Saturday engaged in this great work.

Today and this week I'm grateful to be a part of a group of people who are committed to becoming transformed, as each day passes, into the image of Jesus.

I had the priveledge of interviewing many of the individuals and families who are supported by God's Helping Hands. Many single mothers (young and old) told stories of pain and sheer tragedy. When asked, "What would you say to those Christians who financially support this ministry," many of the people cried in thanksgiving. To think that our crumbs are an overwhelming gift to these people is something I can't quiet get over.
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1 comment:

C.Jenko said...

I feel very blessed to have been able to help that Saturday at GHH. I was able to interact with and interview many of the people. I am always amazed at the grateful attitudes of people. I spoke with a woman who takes care of both her parents who have Alzheimer’s as well as her sick Uncle. She seemed worn out but her face lit up when you would talk with her. She has long hair, but doesn't own a brush, only a comb. She said without GHH she wouldn't be making it.
The truth is times keep getting harder. More and more people are losing jobs and are unable to pay their electric bill. Almost everyone we interviewed testified to the fact that times are harder than last year.
Many people were just hoping to get some toys so they could give their kids a good Christmas. I don't know about all of you, but at my house we never had a huge Christmas, but I always received plenty of presents and never felt that I lacked as a child. How would you feel to go to school and hear everyone talking about all the toys they wanted for Christmas and knowing that you wouldn't get anything?
GHH helped a lot of families who live right in our own backyard. It could just as easily have been you standing in that line on that chilly Saturday. The people we helped are no different than us. They are also no less important than starving children in Africa. God Loves All of Us Best.
If you are feeling like there is nothing you can do to make a difference in the world right now I would say you are thinking too big. Many of us are called to be missionaries, but all of us are called to serve. We can serve right here in our own community and make a difference.
In the end it's not all about making a difference but about becoming like Jesus. We need to approach service with a Servants Heart, not as a "requirement" for Christian living.
Pray about what it is that you can do to serve this Christmas. Who is in need of a friend? Who is in need of food? Who is in need of Love?
We are all in need of Love, the Love of God and the Love of others. Jesus said when we do it to the least of these we are doing it for him.
Jesus is hungry,
Let's feed Him.
Jesus is naked,
Let's clothe Him.
Jesus is crying out for Love,
Let's Love Him.
~Courtney Jenko

30 November, 2005

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