Sunday, June 29, 2014

Why bother?

In just one week our team of 13 will begin our week of service.  What can we possibly hope to achieve in one week in Haiti?  Will our small acts of kindness make a lasting impact?  Will helping a child carry a bucket of clean water to her shack matter?  It's not a sustainable solution; why bother?  Will singing songs with the elderly, praying and sharing smiles make a difference?  It's just one day and one person.  Why bother?

Today's gospel tells us that it does matter.  We should bother.  Acts of kindness are our Christian imperative.  When we welcome the poor into our hearts and minds, we welcome Christ into our lives.

Matthew 10: 40-42 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.  Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple--truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

Thank you God for this message. Our behavior and deeds of mercy reveal God's kingdom to others.  With small acts of kindness we participate in the good character of Christ.  When we serve others we are in the company of Christ's ways.  Small acts of kindness matter.

I pray that our team radiates Christ to all who we encounter in Haiti next week.

Peace,
Joyce

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Preparing

We're starting to pack our bags for our July 7-14 mission trip.   Here's a team member who is bringing baby bottles filled with formula to share with families at General Hospital.