Change for CHANGE

I wasn't the only one to go on a missions trip this summer.
My sister Amber went on a 10 day trip to Ethiopia to work with an organization called “Change for Change.” I didn't know much about the organization until Amber came back from her trip, but I was floored by the story of how Change for Change began.

A young Ethiopian woman would pass young poverty-stricken boys living under a bridge everyday. She wanted to help them, so she began saving spare change to feed and cloth the young boys. Over time, this small act of kindness turned into a non-profit organization that helped provide living arrangements for all of the homeless boys.
Amber was able to see where the boys would be living and meet all of them. I know it was an amazing experience for her to meet and spend time with the boys. Beza International supports this ministry and the organization has ongoing financial needs to support the 30 young boys they are housing.

If you would like to help, donations can be sent to:
The Beza Fund
2801 Wade Hampton Blvd. #170
Taylors, SC 29687

Memo Line: Change Ministry

Start saving your change today and make a difference in these kid's lives.

The Change for Change House

Contemplation

A couple weeks ago, I went on a missions trip to Eleuthera, Bahamas. It was so different than I thought it was going to be. First, it was a LOT of work—which I was surprised by but also happy about. I taught 2 of the 4 days at Vacaction Bible School. When I say taught, I mean we created the lessons from scratch. We didn't use a pre-packaged VBS lesson. I did many things that were out of my comfort zone. I have never really taught Biblical concepts to children or adults for that matter. I think my fears and insecurities were more with the adults hearing my lesson than the kids. Kids are sweet, forgiving, comforting and understanding. Adults don't always have those qualities that help build a person up. Much to my surprise, teaching was fun. I had a blast doing skits and teaching kids about deeper biblical concepts. The highlight of my week was when a little boy, Malik, came up to me after one of my skits (which I was very nervous about) and said “Good play, Good play! And he patted me on the back.” I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.
I also did more physical labor than I have ever done in my life. I really miss being in Eleuthera. Although I don't miss the heat, I miss waking up each day with specific purpose and never knowing what will happen next. I know that God is active in my life everyday, I think I was just more aware of it and searching for it more when I was in a different country doing work for the kingdom. I have been toying with missions, in my mind, for a while. I left saying, “I will know after this trip whether I am being called to missions or not.” To be quite honest, I still don't know. I do know that God has a purpose for my life. He has something in store. I don't quite know what it is yet, but I am searching—searching hard. I know one thing, I am ready and willing for whatever God asks me to do.
It is difficult to see Christ in everything when I am back to the normal routine of life. It was such an encouragement to feel that way EVERYDAY for a week. So....in this stage of my life, I will work to see God in EVERYTHING, regardless of where I am or what I am doing.

And I'm off!

In less than 24 hours, I will be crossing off one of my goals from my "Bucket List."
I will be embarking on a journey to a far away land.....
Well actually I will be going down to a little island in the Bahamas called Eleuthera.
A team of 9 (including me) will be conducting Vacation Bible School for the kids, as well as working on some construction projects.
I have a list of things I want to do before I die, "My Bucket List", and going on a missions trip was one of them. I guess I never felt ready, but an opportunity presented itself...so I dove in head first! No time like the present. I am starting to realize that if you keep waiting for "the right time" you will be waiting forever.
So tomorrow at 2 am, I will be heading out on my first missions trip. I am nervous and excited, but I know that BIG things are happening for the Kingdom. I am just excited to be a part of it. I can't wait to report back and let you know all the details of the trip.

Thanks for all your prayers!