We each find satisfaction in separate things. Some enjoy ice cream, others prefer a Hershey's candy bar. Some crave a steak, others crave vegetables. I'm reading a book named Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. It is really good. The truth is that many are starving their souls. They're trying to feed it with so many things that they think will satisfy it...but only the love of God can feed it. Doing what the Lord created you to do- satisfies it.
Me- I have been designed and purposed. To be in Haiti. To serve. To love. In December of 2008, I heard God speak and in the middle of the Barnes and Noble Starbucks cafe, I almost fell off the chair. If you've only recently began reading my blog, you do not know the story of the past year of my life. God has been so good, and He is so near.
I've been learning a lesson. I've been learning about passions, loves, and creations. And my professor has been the Lord. He is taking time to show me how HE is the one who gives us our passions. It is because He did, indeed, create us for His plan. We are but human, and we cannot contain every passion that the Lord has. In fact, we can only hold but a portion of one of his passions. This isn't 'rocket science,' and I realize some of you that read this will be confused or think this is old news. But, God is teaching me something, and I want to share it with you.
He has created me, and birthed into me a love for people. More specifically, a passion to see people to come to know Him and live in the passions He designated for them before they were born. And a step deeper, a love for the Haitian people. One that feels blood deep. I don't just love them, they are family to me. One of the lessons I have learned is that, (duh), not everyone has the same passion as I do. Some people do! I've talked to some that do! But others do not have the slightest clue as to why I would want to live somewhere that is in such a desperate place of neediness. Perhaps it's because I realize what a hopeless mess I was when Jesus came and lived in me. Some people are fearful for me. Most believe I won't follow through with the calling of my God.
A few things come to mind when that is implied. 1) Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 2)If He is for me, who can be against me. (Italics mine). and 3) The calling of the Lord is irrevocable. Long long ago, when I was a pre-teen, I told the Lord that every breath I took, and every step I took was His. I would do whatever, go wherever, and do it whenever He asked me to do and go. I have an opportunity to go to this country in November, and I am praying that God be glorified in any decision I must make regarding the trip.
Please learn this with me. The passion in my heart is God-given. He has allowed my heart to feel what He feels for this country and it's people-HIS people. You may have a passion to place orphan children in foster/adoptive homes. That passion is God-given. He has allowed your heart to feel what He feels for those children. You may have a passion to start a cafe, a passion to birth children, a passion to be a scientist. You must understand your passions are not of yourself. They are given to you by an all-knowing, omnipresent, and fearless God. They are His passions. Let Him do the work through you. Understand that other people's passions are from God and they are just as important to Him as your passion is to Him. (Because they are ALL His!) Be mindful of that. Would it be a little weird for me to remind you to support God's passions? Though sometimes we allow our feelings to be hurt, and we become offended because we think someone isn't paying enough attention to our passion and dream. Two things to that: 1) Be respectful of other's dreams and play into them. Give contacts, pray hard, and offer your help to someone who shares their dreams with you. And 2) Don't get offended. It's GOD's passion. He will get done what He wants to get done. Just be His vessel.
I'm stoked about what I'm learning, and I hope that you have gotten something out of this late night post! In 5 hours, I'm awaking for my day at the hospital!! Bring on the learning because one day, Haiti, I am coming to help you! And, until then, my soul will remain slightly starved, because until I'm working in the passion the Lord has given me, I will still crave home. Haiti.
Satisfied? Or do you still crave?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Guilt and Love
Ya know, It's really hard for me to even justify the feelings I have for Haiti. The sadness... I'm trying to remember to be proactive. I'm not there. I've never been there. But I long to be there. Tonight during the service at James River, a man delivered a Word from the Lord. It was intense. A lot of what the Lord had to tell us was about just whole hearted openness to Him. Be willing to let Him use you no matter what it may cost you. It's hard to picture the next several years of my life. Honestly, past the month of May, I am blind. But, I do know I want May to get here quick.
I think about what they lack and what I have. I thank God for His provisions. I am blessed. But, I can't help but think about water and food wasting here. Every single night when I lay down in my bed, I almost feel guilty. Thousands are sleeping on dirt streets.
My heart is burdened. And I know the most powerful thing to do is pray. So, I'm going to go spend time in prayer.
...and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
I think about what they lack and what I have. I thank God for His provisions. I am blessed. But, I can't help but think about water and food wasting here. Every single night when I lay down in my bed, I almost feel guilty. Thousands are sleeping on dirt streets.
My heart is burdened. And I know the most powerful thing to do is pray. So, I'm going to go spend time in prayer.
...and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
Thursday, February 11, 2010
*Haiti*
Convoy of Hope (check out www.convoyofhope.org) sent out a really awesome tweet the other day. It read something like this, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." It's one of those sentences that impacts you at 200 mph, and breaks your heart. It leaves you thinking, What can I do? Knowing full well that there is only so much money one person can give. Don't get me wrong, I know there is MORE that you can do besides just give financially, including raising awareness, possibly going to the ground to aid, and prayer. But sometimes it all feels so very insignificant. I am one person. How can one person make a difference?
It is then that I am reminded by our most powerful God how much difference one person CAN make. Elijah prayed against rain, and for like 70 years it did not rain. That's rather significant, don't you think? Last night at church, we learned that the most powerful kind of prayer is consistent prayer. Hour by hour, day by day, night after night... consistence. The full weight of that responsibility did not hit me 24 hours ago, when I heard it. It is making impact right now. I can't help but find correlation between Haiti/media/prayer in my own life. I prayed literally every second of the day for a solid two weeks for this country and those serving in it, but as time progressed, so did I.
I caught myself about a week ago updating my twitter status. It was going to read "kaylaaiken: is starving. Must stop and eat." When I realized my words, I was so ashamed of myself. We are blessed. I am so blessed. Blessed isn't even the word for it, I feel sometimes. I'm downright spoiled. I take advantage of my situation, and millions more do too. When I'm hungry, I eat. When they're hungry, they wait it out. When they're hungry, they find their stash of mudpies. But when I'm hungry, I drive to the next drive-thru and order a $5.00 meal. FIVE dollars is a week's wages in Haiti.
I have been following a family from Minnesota. They have been missionaries working with two ministries, one of which is Heartline. It is a medical team. They have several children, and reading Troy and Tara Livesay's weblog...it is life altering. It keeps me from becoming too numb. It reminds me of the devastation. Check out their weblog and pray for them. Pray hard for them. They have recently (this week) flew to the United States to be with their children. They put their children (all of them) on an airplane short notice to get them out of Haiti. Not even knowing exactly where that plane was going. Can you imagine? Can you i-m-a-g-i-n-e??
They were reunited with their children and their son-in-law captured the reunion through photos. Viewing them brought tears to my eyes. This family needs prayer. They are sorting through a lot emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
As Convoy of Hope said, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." Pray, friends. Pray really hard. Haiti needs your prayers. We are all called to intercede for them.
I love you!!
~Kayla~
It is then that I am reminded by our most powerful God how much difference one person CAN make. Elijah prayed against rain, and for like 70 years it did not rain. That's rather significant, don't you think? Last night at church, we learned that the most powerful kind of prayer is consistent prayer. Hour by hour, day by day, night after night... consistence. The full weight of that responsibility did not hit me 24 hours ago, when I heard it. It is making impact right now. I can't help but find correlation between Haiti/media/prayer in my own life. I prayed literally every second of the day for a solid two weeks for this country and those serving in it, but as time progressed, so did I.
I caught myself about a week ago updating my twitter status. It was going to read "kaylaaiken: is starving. Must stop and eat." When I realized my words, I was so ashamed of myself. We are blessed. I am so blessed. Blessed isn't even the word for it, I feel sometimes. I'm downright spoiled. I take advantage of my situation, and millions more do too. When I'm hungry, I eat. When they're hungry, they wait it out. When they're hungry, they find their stash of mudpies. But when I'm hungry, I drive to the next drive-thru and order a $5.00 meal. FIVE dollars is a week's wages in Haiti.
I have been following a family from Minnesota. They have been missionaries working with two ministries, one of which is Heartline. It is a medical team. They have several children, and reading Troy and Tara Livesay's weblog...it is life altering. It keeps me from becoming too numb. It reminds me of the devastation. Check out their weblog and pray for them. Pray hard for them. They have recently (this week) flew to the United States to be with their children. They put their children (all of them) on an airplane short notice to get them out of Haiti. Not even knowing exactly where that plane was going. Can you imagine? Can you i-m-a-g-i-n-e??
They were reunited with their children and their son-in-law captured the reunion through photos. Viewing them brought tears to my eyes. This family needs prayer. They are sorting through a lot emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
As Convoy of Hope said, "As Haiti's story leaves the news, please do not let it leave you." Pray, friends. Pray really hard. Haiti needs your prayers. We are all called to intercede for them.
I love you!!
~Kayla~
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Be the One
I have had so many short words from the Lord that I have wanted to share with you, but no time to put them on to my blog this week. So, I'll just share what the Lord laid on my heart today.
Today was Vision Sunday at my church. It only happens one time a year, and it is a collection of blessings and stories of how God has gone before us AND pulled up the rear of all the projects the church has stepped out in faith to accomplish. It is also a compilation of what dreams and visions the church has for the next year. I can't share with you everything because it would just take too long, but let me just emphasize that it was so very special. I cried out of joy during the entire thing. God's SO faithful, which simply blows. my. mind. When a door is opened to you, step through it, even if you're unsure of what's on the other side.
A few Sunday's ago, Pastor Scotty preached about getting involved and how it is our job as Christians to serve, no questions asked. Jesus served, so get past pettiness and just go for it. I have had such a rough time getting connected at James River, but over half my trouble has been brought on my own self. Whether that be shyness (which I really am not), fear (again, usually not a problem), or indecisiveness (which IS a problem...). However, I decided to fill out a volunteer card, and I got contacted by all three of them. I chose to go with the Red Carpet ministry. (Check out www.jamesriver.org to learn more.)
This morning, they hosted a meeting for those who want to be a part of the Outdoor team. I have always appreciated the greeters on the sidewalks, and entrances to the property, and just LOVE to love on others, so I thought this would suit my personality best. And, most of the greeters I have seen have been close to the same age as myself, so I think it will be a good connecting point! I volunteered to help set out cones beginning at 6:30 in the morning. How early?! But how much fun, right? Then I will greet for the first service, then attend first service and go home. Awe! I know it's gonna be early, and cold for a while, but I am gonna LOVE this.
The Lord and I were having a little conversation as I was driving earlier, and we were talking about my desire for marriage and a family soon, (which we have a lot), and I felt God's approval of what I decided to do in the area of volunteering this morning. He also gestured that what I want in a husband and lifelong partner, I must be myself. I know some of you reading this are like, "Duh..." It definitely hit me in a different way today.
Here's a few things that are musts in a mate:
:of the Faith.
:willing to take giant God risks.
:serve wholeheartedly and faithfully.
:be mentored by those wiser than he.
:a leader who follows.
:a lover of the house of God.
And, if I want all of those things in my man, then I, too, must want those things. I say I am. But, in truth, have I been? Have I been willing to take giant risks for God, serve faithfully (not late...), willing to follow before leading, have I truly LOVED the house of God, and the church therein? I'd like to say I've given my ALL in those areas, but in truth, I know that my fleshly tugs have definitely reigned in some of those areas.
Here's the thing, when I begin to do what I want my future husband and wonderful father of our children to do, I will probably meet him. Currently, all I'm doing is warming a church seat for the next guest, (which is rather comfortable), but I would never date someone who wasn't active in the church...
Sounds so goofy, I know...
An application from MY lesson tonight: Be the friend your ideal friend would look like. Be the servant of Christ your idea of a Christ-server is. Be the sister that You would want to have. Be the daughter, wife, momma.... It might be really uncomfortable, but when you step out, God will reward you. And, a gentle nudge of approval from the Lord feels way better than the 'best' this earth could give.
Today was Vision Sunday at my church. It only happens one time a year, and it is a collection of blessings and stories of how God has gone before us AND pulled up the rear of all the projects the church has stepped out in faith to accomplish. It is also a compilation of what dreams and visions the church has for the next year. I can't share with you everything because it would just take too long, but let me just emphasize that it was so very special. I cried out of joy during the entire thing. God's SO faithful, which simply blows. my. mind. When a door is opened to you, step through it, even if you're unsure of what's on the other side.
A few Sunday's ago, Pastor Scotty preached about getting involved and how it is our job as Christians to serve, no questions asked. Jesus served, so get past pettiness and just go for it. I have had such a rough time getting connected at James River, but over half my trouble has been brought on my own self. Whether that be shyness (which I really am not), fear (again, usually not a problem), or indecisiveness (which IS a problem...). However, I decided to fill out a volunteer card, and I got contacted by all three of them. I chose to go with the Red Carpet ministry. (Check out www.jamesriver.org to learn more.)
This morning, they hosted a meeting for those who want to be a part of the Outdoor team. I have always appreciated the greeters on the sidewalks, and entrances to the property, and just LOVE to love on others, so I thought this would suit my personality best. And, most of the greeters I have seen have been close to the same age as myself, so I think it will be a good connecting point! I volunteered to help set out cones beginning at 6:30 in the morning. How early?! But how much fun, right? Then I will greet for the first service, then attend first service and go home. Awe! I know it's gonna be early, and cold for a while, but I am gonna LOVE this.
The Lord and I were having a little conversation as I was driving earlier, and we were talking about my desire for marriage and a family soon, (which we have a lot), and I felt God's approval of what I decided to do in the area of volunteering this morning. He also gestured that what I want in a husband and lifelong partner, I must be myself. I know some of you reading this are like, "Duh..." It definitely hit me in a different way today.
Here's a few things that are musts in a mate:
:of the Faith.
:willing to take giant God risks.
:serve wholeheartedly and faithfully.
:be mentored by those wiser than he.
:a leader who follows.
:a lover of the house of God.
And, if I want all of those things in my man, then I, too, must want those things. I say I am. But, in truth, have I been? Have I been willing to take giant risks for God, serve faithfully (not late...), willing to follow before leading, have I truly LOVED the house of God, and the church therein? I'd like to say I've given my ALL in those areas, but in truth, I know that my fleshly tugs have definitely reigned in some of those areas.
Here's the thing, when I begin to do what I want my future husband and wonderful father of our children to do, I will probably meet him. Currently, all I'm doing is warming a church seat for the next guest, (which is rather comfortable), but I would never date someone who wasn't active in the church...
Sounds so goofy, I know...
An application from MY lesson tonight: Be the friend your ideal friend would look like. Be the servant of Christ your idea of a Christ-server is. Be the sister that You would want to have. Be the daughter, wife, momma.... It might be really uncomfortable, but when you step out, God will reward you. And, a gentle nudge of approval from the Lord feels way better than the 'best' this earth could give.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I'm a stethoscope...
About a week ago, the mom of the family that I live with turned 37. She was able to get this great house on Table Rock Lake through their TimeShare, and got to keep it 3 days, 2 nights. How cool, right? Well, she (and I) (and girls in general) LOVE to talk. She happens to be one of the greatest conversation topic starters I know. After we had tossed around different topics, one of the ladies there shared about a little message she used to speak on with a small women's ministry that traveled and spoke in different areas. (At least, that's the way I understood it.) I had her repeat the verses she based it off of twice, but to my despair, I still can't remember them. Oh well, I guess I can use it as an excuse to get together with her! ;-)
It went something along the lines of understanding that God has created and designed us all for different purposes, and some verse in the Bible does some crazy comparison to which she has came up with finding an item to describe who you are.
Ex. Cindy is a book, because she loves to write, (books!), and she is full of information, and knowledgeable, etc...
Which leads me to explaining the title of this blog post. I've thought about sharing it with whoever reads this silly thing for awhile, and now I am!
I am a stethoscope. Aside from the obvious reason of it being a medical instrument, and that I wear it around my neck (which is technically a no-no), one of the reasons I thought of was that I really like to get to the heart of a person. I love learning about who they are in the Lord, what passions they have, how they're going to change the world. What kind of mom they are, wife they are, sister, daughter, leader... I can hear skipped beats during conversation and immediately want to console and treat the root of the problem. Then, Melinda, (the mom of the family I live with...), chimed in and mentioned that I ask frequently, "How are you?", which is true I do. And I typically receive the classical, "I'm good, how are you?", when I truly want to know what the other person's life is currently like. Granted, some people find that intrusive, but others see my heart and understand I truly care.
Then, blessed Cindy, (who doesn't know me at all), said that when she thought stethoscope, she thought about how they are sensitive. They pick up on every little noise, and they know how to keep distance from loud things. Things that would cause too harmful a vibration. How cool is that? I just love it! I'm a stethoscope. I'm sure I could find many things that I could describe myself in, but this one is definitely a top for me.
What about you? What would you be? Don't think too hard or it won't work!
xoxo,
Kayla
It went something along the lines of understanding that God has created and designed us all for different purposes, and some verse in the Bible does some crazy comparison to which she has came up with finding an item to describe who you are.
Ex. Cindy is a book, because she loves to write, (books!), and she is full of information, and knowledgeable, etc...
Which leads me to explaining the title of this blog post. I've thought about sharing it with whoever reads this silly thing for awhile, and now I am!
I am a stethoscope. Aside from the obvious reason of it being a medical instrument, and that I wear it around my neck (which is technically a no-no), one of the reasons I thought of was that I really like to get to the heart of a person. I love learning about who they are in the Lord, what passions they have, how they're going to change the world. What kind of mom they are, wife they are, sister, daughter, leader... I can hear skipped beats during conversation and immediately want to console and treat the root of the problem. Then, Melinda, (the mom of the family I live with...), chimed in and mentioned that I ask frequently, "How are you?", which is true I do. And I typically receive the classical, "I'm good, how are you?", when I truly want to know what the other person's life is currently like. Granted, some people find that intrusive, but others see my heart and understand I truly care.
Then, blessed Cindy, (who doesn't know me at all), said that when she thought stethoscope, she thought about how they are sensitive. They pick up on every little noise, and they know how to keep distance from loud things. Things that would cause too harmful a vibration. How cool is that? I just love it! I'm a stethoscope. I'm sure I could find many things that I could describe myself in, but this one is definitely a top for me.
What about you? What would you be? Don't think too hard or it won't work!
xoxo,
Kayla
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I'm interceding for you, Haiti
Yesterday I started my last first day of Nursing school. What a milestone, huh? In less than four months, I will hopefully be beginning to work as a graduate nurse. Then, after I take my boards (NCLEX) I will be able to officially write RN after my name. Like this:
Kayla Aiken, RN
I mean, that is just really cool to me. I'll have just turned 21, and hopefully will no longer have braces in my mouth.
Let me talk to you about something more meaningful:
I didn't purposely wait another week to update my blog for it to be on the 2 week anniversary of the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti's world and those diligently working in the country. Even as I type the name Haiti, I am brought to tears. I'll only say it once, (b/c I could go on and on about it), but I LOVE that country. I LOVE those people.
Last week, especially toward the end of the week, I was just so emotional. Because I can't go to aid the country right now, I felt like being involved and staying caught up in the news was the best thing I could do. Truth is, it didn't do anything but cause me depression. Awareness is key to move hearts of people to pray, give, go... I already prayed, continue to pray, already gave, but I just couldn't go. It has bothered me to know that I have skills to help those that are hurting, and I feel like I'm hoarding my gift, because I can't actually reach them... This might sound weird, but the truth is my 'spiritual' gift (if you may) is healing. When I see people hurting, I seriously break down. It's bittersweet. Bitter because I can't always help them, and sweet because I know God is the one who feels that for the broken, and I am the vessel being used by Him.
Saying all of this, (it's such a scattered post), the disaster in Haiti has reignited my fire for prayer. I was having a sincere struggle understanding the purpose of praying and feeling it never went above the clouds, but it was all because I thought I had to plead a case and pray hard enough, say scripture verses in my prayer, and remind God of all His prior answers to prayer. False. Truth?: Just give it to Him, and if I feel it continually on my heart, intercede. If you pray the way I described above, it's exhausting. At least it was for me. When I thought about praying, I shut down because I was too tired to come up with reasons why God should answer my prayer. Now, I know better. God doesn't need that info. Whatever your passions are for, God's the one who has given them to you. He knows the facts. He hasn't forgotten promises in the scripture, He hasn't forgotten the past. And, He's in the future. Keep interceding. I'm interceding for you, Haiti.
God, Haiti needs help. May we all be empowered by the Spirit to be the vessel You've designed us to be. Bring hope. Amen
Kayla Aiken, RN
I mean, that is just really cool to me. I'll have just turned 21, and hopefully will no longer have braces in my mouth.
Let me talk to you about something more meaningful:
I didn't purposely wait another week to update my blog for it to be on the 2 week anniversary of the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti's world and those diligently working in the country. Even as I type the name Haiti, I am brought to tears. I'll only say it once, (b/c I could go on and on about it), but I LOVE that country. I LOVE those people.
Last week, especially toward the end of the week, I was just so emotional. Because I can't go to aid the country right now, I felt like being involved and staying caught up in the news was the best thing I could do. Truth is, it didn't do anything but cause me depression. Awareness is key to move hearts of people to pray, give, go... I already prayed, continue to pray, already gave, but I just couldn't go. It has bothered me to know that I have skills to help those that are hurting, and I feel like I'm hoarding my gift, because I can't actually reach them... This might sound weird, but the truth is my 'spiritual' gift (if you may) is healing. When I see people hurting, I seriously break down. It's bittersweet. Bitter because I can't always help them, and sweet because I know God is the one who feels that for the broken, and I am the vessel being used by Him.
Saying all of this, (it's such a scattered post), the disaster in Haiti has reignited my fire for prayer. I was having a sincere struggle understanding the purpose of praying and feeling it never went above the clouds, but it was all because I thought I had to plead a case and pray hard enough, say scripture verses in my prayer, and remind God of all His prior answers to prayer. False. Truth?: Just give it to Him, and if I feel it continually on my heart, intercede. If you pray the way I described above, it's exhausting. At least it was for me. When I thought about praying, I shut down because I was too tired to come up with reasons why God should answer my prayer. Now, I know better. God doesn't need that info. Whatever your passions are for, God's the one who has given them to you. He knows the facts. He hasn't forgotten promises in the scripture, He hasn't forgotten the past. And, He's in the future. Keep interceding. I'm interceding for you, Haiti.
God, Haiti needs help. May we all be empowered by the Spirit to be the vessel You've designed us to be. Bring hope. Amen
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
He is not shaken, nor surprised...
12, January, 2010-One week ago, the country of Haiti shook violently and mercilessly while it was the pawn in the hand of a ravaging earthquake. The whole world knew minutes after the tragedy occurred, and began to respond quickly. The running line you saw most news articles beginning their story with was these words, "homes, hospitals, businesses, everything is flattened..." Many people are dead. The Red Cross currently estimating 70,000 but very likely more. It's been 7 days. Medical opinion speaks that the likelihood of finding anymore alive is virtually zero. Yet many are still missing loved ones. Which places the death poll possibly even higher.
In the midst of simply searching for survivors, panic, grief, pain, injuries, chaos, and sadness have no doubt prevailed through the cities. As a sister in Christ, I grieve with them. As a daughter of the Most High King, I am called to intercede on their behalf. Haiti was already a desperate nation. They were already starving. They already struggled to find clean water. They were already desperate for work to support families. They were already needing a desperate refreshing from the Lord.
Praise You, God, for organizations that have been established in Haiti for an extended period of time. Thank You, Lord, for the Convoy of Hope, Samaritans Purse, Messengers International, World Vision, Compassion International, and many more who have invested so much to help the nation. The country of Haiti has needed the attention it is receiving now a long time ago. The awareness of the crucial state Haiti lies in. Hunger is prevailing. Disease is bombarding the weak and immune-suppressed. AIDs is transmitted in Haiti and is killing God's children. There WILL, no doubt, come a point where we will have to say this: "What you did in the heat of the moment was astonishing. Now, what will you continue to do? This is vital to not just recovery, but growth."
I've followed Haiti for a little over a year now. In October of 08, I had the privilege through to begin sponsoring a baby girl age 9. Through a monthly contribution, it has been made possible for little Cheline to go to receive a hot meal everyday while receiving an education, as well as help for her entire family. She is involved in church and loves to play with babydolls and sing at church. Although I am a thousand miles away, she is in a sense my first daughter. And I love her.
Thirteen months ago, the Lord told me very clearly that He made me to serve Haiti. He designed me to help them. Although I am a thousand miles away, Haiti is where my heart lives. I share God's heart and passion for the Haitian people. I desire each one of them to come into an enriching relationship with the same God I serve and am blessed by. I hurt when they hurt. I cry when they cry. I laugh when they laugh. I will walk with them here, and when it is time, I will walk with them where they, (and I, myself), call home; the country of Haiti.
You may have a passion to go to the country to aid in relief, (as I do, also!) but the fact remains that sometimes, even when something is a passion, we have to yield our feelings to our Creator for Him to control. I am learning that this burden I have been under for 7 days (+ one year) is not because God wants me there on the ground at this moment. It is because He has called me into a time of intercession for His people there. Currently a time of intercession for the Haitians, the United Statesmen, the British, the Australians, the Venezuelan's, and many others assisting in the relief, recovery, and sustainability process. If God wanted us on the ground, believe me, we'd be there. For who can stop God? Who can thwart His plans? Who's plans are higher than His?
Stand your ground. Out of major events, comes major faith. Out of major faith, comes amazing works of our God.
God, You are not shaken. You are not taken by surprise. The people of Haiti and those helping need Your rest and comfort to be brought upon them, for they are weary. You are in control, and all things work in accordance to Your end for them. We love you, Lord. We place our worry and fear in You. Amen
P.S. If you have not given your coffee money away, or spared yourself from Kohls, Target, or the local mall to give financially to a reliable organization that has history working with the country of Haiti and is actively aiding right now, I highly encourage you to do so. I gave 10 dollars because it is what I have right now. But effective organizations can make that 10 dollars stretch to 40 dollars and possibly as high as 70 dollars.
I recommend www.convoyofhope.org as they are backed by the Better Business Bureau, and have achieved the highest rating of four stars by Charity Navigator. Do it. Do it for Cheline, and her friends. Do it because you know you can.
In the midst of simply searching for survivors, panic, grief, pain, injuries, chaos, and sadness have no doubt prevailed through the cities. As a sister in Christ, I grieve with them. As a daughter of the Most High King, I am called to intercede on their behalf. Haiti was already a desperate nation. They were already starving. They already struggled to find clean water. They were already desperate for work to support families. They were already needing a desperate refreshing from the Lord.
Praise You, God, for organizations that have been established in Haiti for an extended period of time. Thank You, Lord, for the Convoy of Hope, Samaritans Purse, Messengers International, World Vision, Compassion International, and many more who have invested so much to help the nation. The country of Haiti has needed the attention it is receiving now a long time ago. The awareness of the crucial state Haiti lies in. Hunger is prevailing. Disease is bombarding the weak and immune-suppressed. AIDs is transmitted in Haiti and is killing God's children. There WILL, no doubt, come a point where we will have to say this: "What you did in the heat of the moment was astonishing. Now, what will you continue to do? This is vital to not just recovery, but growth."
I've followed Haiti for a little over a year now. In October of 08, I had the privilege through
Thirteen months ago, the Lord told me very clearly that He made me to serve Haiti. He designed me to help them. Although I am a thousand miles away, Haiti is where my heart lives. I share God's heart and passion for the Haitian people. I desire each one of them to come into an enriching relationship with the same God I serve and am blessed by. I hurt when they hurt. I cry when they cry. I laugh when they laugh. I will walk with them here, and when it is time, I will walk with them where they, (and I, myself), call home; the country of Haiti.
You may have a passion to go to the country to aid in relief, (as I do, also!) but the fact remains that sometimes, even when something is a passion, we have to yield our feelings to our Creator for Him to control. I am learning that this burden I have been under for 7 days (+ one year) is not because God wants me there on the ground at this moment. It is because He has called me into a time of intercession for His people there. Currently a time of intercession for the Haitians, the United Statesmen, the British, the Australians, the Venezuelan's, and many others assisting in the relief, recovery, and sustainability process. If God wanted us on the ground, believe me, we'd be there. For who can stop God? Who can thwart His plans? Who's plans are higher than His?
Stand your ground. Out of major events, comes major faith. Out of major faith, comes amazing works of our God.
God, You are not shaken. You are not taken by surprise. The people of Haiti and those helping need Your rest and comfort to be brought upon them, for they are weary. You are in control, and all things work in accordance to Your end for them. We love you, Lord. We place our worry and fear in You. Amen
P.S. If you have not given your coffee money away, or spared yourself from Kohls, Target, or the local mall to give financially to a reliable organization that has history working with the country of Haiti and is actively aiding right now, I highly encourage you to do so. I gave 10 dollars because it is what I have right now. But effective organizations can make that 10 dollars stretch to 40 dollars and possibly as high as 70 dollars.
I recommend www.convoyofhope.org as they are backed by the Better Business Bureau, and have achieved the highest rating of four stars by Charity Navigator. Do it. Do it for Cheline, and her friends. Do it because you know you can.
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