Matthew 25:35-36 says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Andrea, a dear friend of mine, just arrived back in the states this weekend after spending two weeks in Ghana. It was a very special trip for her and her son, Evan. They were going to meet two precious boys, Askia and Joseph. Andrea and her husband are in the process of trying to adopt these two boys.
I have known Andrea for a couple of years, but over the last 10 months or so I have gotten to know her on a more personal level. Andrea is one of those people who enter a room and from that moment everyone is aware of her presence. Now, we all have friends like that, and sometimes that isn’t such a good thing: however, in this case it is a very good thing.
I was blessed to be able to go to New York with her last fall and that is when I really saw her true colors. No matter where we went Andrea sought ways to bless someone else. Whether it was through her words, buying coffee for some weary new friends we had just met, or surprising all the kids with One Direction T-shirts, her generous and giving spirit immediately convicted and challenged me.
Her personality lights up even the darkest places and that was evident as I looked at all of the pictures from her trip to Ghana. I am sure all those she came in contact with will agree Ghana will never be the same. Each day Andrea posted photos of her with the children in the orphanage and I read her messages describing life in Ghana. And when I saw the pictures of the painted toe nails, I knew that meant Andrea was giving pedicures! Not only was she changing their world, the transformation that was taking place in her heart was clear. Her heart was breaking and her mission field was growing!
As Caleb and I prepare to leave for Botswana, Africa in just 25 short days, my heart is changing as well. And it needs to. We are so blessed here in America and others have so little. When we look at photos like Andrea posted, do we truly understand that these are real people and children living in these conditions? I have looked at countless images before and been moved, but nothing like I have these last two weeks. Perhaps seeing someone I know in the midst of the poverty made it seem more real, I am not sure.
Our hearts are supposed to hurt for what breaks God’s heart. Too often my heart breaks, but I still do nothing to help. We are called to help those in need and our mission field is all around us. God please break my heart and light a fire under me to help those in need today.
Have a great Monday!