A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything!
As Americans we take so many small things for granted… like decent beds, clean sheets, and comfortable pillows. We had the privilege of spending five days loving widows and providing comfort through a good night of sleep.
Our mission trip project was to hold women’s bible study and to deliver five brand new, badly needed beds to five of the widows in our program. We thought we would only be able to provide three beds with the money we had, but God provided five beds for the same budget identified for three.
God is always good to provide what is needed. In fact, Matthew 6:25-28 says “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.”
It was a blessing to see the looks of surprise, joy, and thankfulness on their faces. I love how God uses his children to be his hands and feet when we are willing. Years of back pain, unrest, makeshift and crowded beds will hopefully be no more. Well, maybe not the crowded beds… I have a feeling the grandkids will want to enjoy these beds too!
The Promises of God
Our women’s bible study was based on the book Unshakeable Hope by Max Lucado where he talksabout God’s promises for his children. There’s nothing we experience, no circumstance or situation that God doesn’t provide some promise for. I was surprised to learn that there are 7,484 promises in the Bible. That’s a lot of promises for us to trust in!
God is unchanging, strong, faithful, and truthful. He never lies so we can live with the hope that he will do what he says he will do. It was a great message for both the US team and the women we were able to fellowship with. And a great reminder that it doesn’t matter how different we may appear to be on the surface, we all experience difficulties in this life; we all have struggles; we all are sinful; we all need hope; and we all need a savior. Good news is that Jesus Christ is THE savior we need. He came for every person on this earth. The team was able to witness several people make the decision to trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Sometimes this happens and sometimes it doesn’t. We are not responsible for the salvation of others… we are just the seed sowers. God is “the Lord of the Harvest” (Matt 9:38)!
I saw people step out of their comfort zones, grow in their faith and walk with Jesus, and give of themselves to people who love a good “Americana” hug! It’s common to go on a mission trip with the thought that you will impart your American wisdom on the people you are going to serve. However, I have found that a good and successful mission trip teaches you as an individual so much more about life than what you knew when you arrived… lessons of unselfishness, gratefulness, gratitude, joy, and a servant’s heart.
Sponsor a Widow and Change a Life
We have 6 widows who are currently in need of a sponsor. A gift of $100 a month or a one-time gift of $1,200 will provide them with the essentials they need. You can also join us on an upcoming mission trip or plan your own trip focused on widows care. There are many needs to be met and more widows to be added to the program! Visit http://gohmm.org/sponsorships/widows to learn more and prayerfully consider how you can get involved.
