By the time you read this, I will have kissed my babies good-bye and boarded a plane to fly halfway around the world…all because God taught me to see the invisible.This Mentor M.O.M. will be traveling to the Philippines. We still aren’t clear how we will be serving or what exactly we will be doing, but I do know this; God planned it.
How does a busy working mom of three who is planning a vow renewal ceremony for her 15 year wedding anniversary suddenly drop everything to go to a country that’s still recovering from a history’s biggest typhoon?
How God Opened My Eyes
It all started with the dryness in my soul. Life wasn’t so picturesque anymore. I would lay awake at night and truly wonder—Is this all there is? Cheering on my kids, taking care of my husband, and working on books and articles?
Little things started to work on edges of my sanity like:
- My kids cringing back from their plates and claiming upset stomachs because there were carrots in the dish.
- I was floored by the über amounts friends were spending on garage doors
- I was troubled two of my friends were irritated that God forbid, the man serving their tea touched the inside of the cups
- And I couldn’t really enjoy my first Husker Football Game. I sat among 91,000 people–all chanting for the Huskers and all talking about the amount of cash they dropped for the game…
Something wasn’t right….. Something was SO wrong with this picture and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until Jen Hatmaker, Pastor Jeff Baker, and Jesus got a hold of me.
Life turned upside down when I heard Jeff speak about the Invisible Poor. Jesus said to feed his lambs (John 21:15) and yet 9,700 kids here in Nebraska ( a.k.a. beef country where cows and corn outnumber people) don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Not only was I awakened to the needs in my own city, my heart was opened to those living in another world. While I lived on a modest income here in the US, half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 day while 13,700 children will die today from hunger…
Here I was waiting for God to put his plans into motion for me— the kind of plans where I ministered to moms, sang and danced, and maybe gave a hug or two. Instead, my heart was changing. I suddenly yearned to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a different way. My heart was moved not only to minister to a mother’s heart but to feed those who are hungry, to warm those who are cold, to love those who are unlovable.
The thought of standing before God one day and to hear him ask, “Heather, did you feed my lambs?” causes me to tremble. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to take God’s word literally. I want to be the door that allows heaven to touch the earth, which is why I will be en route to the Philippines by the time you read this. I want to show those people God is real. He cares. So do I.
And as heavy as my heart is to leave my babies for two weeks, I want to show them how to open love others. Jesus isn’t just a bedtime story, it’s a way of life.
So what does this have to do with you? Yes, you? How about your family?
My question is this, can you teach your family to have a missional heart? Can you feed his sheep?
Your calling to serve may not be the same as mine, God may not be calling you to go halfway around the world for two weeks. Instead, he may be asking you to teach your family about those in need in your own neighborhood. There are hundreds of different ways to teach your children to have missional hearts and to learn how to serve. It will truly open their hearts to love others and to see just how great their God is.
How to serve:
Volunteer at a soup kitchen
This is the perfect way to involve your family. They will see the poor and needy and will literally be able to see the passage of Matthew come to life in front of their eyes. They will learn compassion and how to serve the poor with respect and passion.
Volunteer at a food pantry and take food to homes
Volunteer to either take food to homes of shut ins or to collect items for the food pantry.
Often those in need are the loneliest. Take the time to hear their stories and to show their life–their voice has value.
Volunteer to do yard work for a single mom
Single moms are busy being both mom and dad to their children. Take time to mow her grass and do other yard work.
Donate your old and gently used belongings
Each child has a box in their room where gently used items of clothing, games, books, and toys go. This box is either donated to a church or another charity who works with serving the poor.
Create a Casserole Drive
Often churches, soup kitchens, and shelters are in need of providing nutritious meals to persons who are hungry and/or homeless in the community. Gather your family or friends and cook several casseroles and take them to the appropriate place.
Stay Aware
Don’t become like those we are surrounded by. Stay awake and stay aware of the growing problem of poverty in your community as well as world-wide.
Photo Credit: Martina Photography Flicker
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REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
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