A constant change of perspectives

We returned on Saturday from Zimbabwe after a week of research for upcoming ministry. The goal is to reach a million children in Zimbabwe starting at the end of the year. Our research was to find out the spiritual condition within the country. An issue we have faced in South Africa is that Christianity is mixed with ancestral worship and that Jesus is often not portrayed as our savior who desires a intimate and loving relationship with each of us. These findings in SA have helped us in our ministry to speak truth into children's lives about who He really is.We were also looking to see what the needs and struggles were among the children and families in the country. Sometime we can assume that we know what the issues people are facing are but when we dig deeper it reveals that we are not always correct.Once we know all these contributing factors we will begin on a ministry plan to affect lives through the love that only Jesus can offer. The political system in Zimbabwe has brought a lot of hurt to the country and seeing people struggling to survive under the devastating conditions is hard to understand the"why's" sometimes. I heard someone say that although things are hard and we don't always understand Gods reasoning we can trust that it is giving God a platform to do incredible things in this country. The church we partnered with there was started by volunteers of a feeding program in Bulawayo who saw the need to spiritually feed people alongside tending to the physical needs.They set an incredible example of a God centered , outward driven church! God is so wonderful and He deserves all to worship Him!!! God has continually been providing for every aspect of my extended stay. Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging messages.I'm so fortunate to have such wonderful support team !!!

One final thought from 2 Peter 1:5-6

"So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others"

The more I read this passage it so important that we as Christians take advantage of every moment that we are given. So often we can forget that God has people and opportunities in our path and we need to be ready to be His tools in whatever he calls us to.I know that I have often waited for big opportunities to serve God and meanwhile missing all the other things that God asked of me. The beginning verse says not to loose a minute and how true that is. There is a hurting world all around us that desperately needs Jesus. We are all instructed to have a sense of urgency in helping and loving those around us. As I was reading Hudson Taylor's Biography awhile ago and I read that he was able to share Jesus with a man who was very thankful for Gods love but then asked how long had he known about this Jesus ... Hudson Taylor responded by saying for most of his life. The man had started to become upset and when Taylor inquired as to why ,the man said to him, where were a few years ago??.. his father had passed away still searching for hope and purpose in life and had never heard about Jesus. This conversation changed Hudon Taylor's views of being sure that we are where God wants us and are earnestly seeking His direction and guidance .This outlook alowed him to do amazing things in his ministry and his life. May we all be alert to whatever , or whomever God puts in our path.