Making a Difference...One Conversation at a Time

I recently was retold the story of 'the starfish'. Perhaps you have also heard it but to refresh you I will repeat it.
One day at the beach many starfish had gotten washed up on shore from the tide. If they did not get back into the ocean they would soon die from the harsh sunlight. A little boy saw their predicament and started getting to work throwing the starfish back into the ocean. A old man saw what the boy was doing. "You'll never be able to save them all, there's too many." The little boy tossed another starfish into the ocean. "It made a difference to that one." he said to the old man.

There is something about this story that hits me. I don't know about you but being in ministry, even simply a Christian, can be overwhelming at times. We can feel like we are barely making a dent in the ever-needy world.  We see the population, how many do not know Christ, and can wonder why we even bother.

The story of the starfish reminds us that we can make a difference. Every life we touch is meaningful, and not only to the Lord. Just a simple conversation can have untold impact on a person's life. When it comes to sharing the gospel with someone one can literally not even imagine the impact upon that individual and innumerable others. For instance, one woman, whom I have never even met has made an incredible impact on my life. This woman witnessed to my aunt, my grandmother's sister. My aunt became a Christian as the result of her testimony. My aunt witnessed to my grandparents who subsequently came to know the Lord. My father, being raised in the church, came to know Christ at a young age. And then there's me, the third generation impacted who is a believer as well. What an incredible impact this lady had! All because she was faithful in sharing the gospel. One life can make such a difference.

Think with me know in a different setting. You decide to support a child through Gospel for Asia's Bridge for Hope program. Through the program the child hears the gospel and accepts Christ as their Savior. They then take that message of hope to their family and friends. Not only can they impact them but even their whole village. The gospel can and has spread like wild fire throughout Asia. You can play a part in that by sponsoring a child. If you would like to learn more about this you can click on the link below: http://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild/
Now that the Lord has blessed me with a steady job I am finally able to sponsor a child! I am so very excited to start the process. I cannot wait to see how God can use my finances to make a difference. 

Imagine If

Hello! It certainly has been a long time since I posted.
I want to present you with an opportunity from Gospel for Asia. GFA recently announced a contest. But, it's not just any contest. The "Imagine If" film contest was designed to help American families understand Eastern families. The way this happens is by participants acting out situations that many Eastern families have to endure. The idea behind this is that although many of us have heard of terrible circumstances that people in other countries go through it doesn't usually affect us long-term. By acting out this situations, such as, having to abandon a child, the hopes are that it will produce lasting change within participants. Since it is a film it can be used to reach others as well.
If you are interested in submitting a short film they are accepting submissions until September 19th.
More details can be found here: http://www.gfa.org/imagine-if/contest/
Example films:

Abandoned

Too Bad I'm a Girl

Veil of Tears Film

Hello, I want to apologize for not writing more often! I am recovering even now from a bout of pneumonia. I wanted to bring before you a new film from Gospel for Asia. It was just released on March 28th. Veil of Tears is a documentary on women in Asia who have overcome the oppression they have faced simply for being women. It is narrated by Natalie Grant, a well-known Contemporary Christian artist. I haven't seen it yet but I am in the process of obtaining it. Just from watching the trailer I can tell it must be a touching yet challenging movie. Here is the link to the Veil of Tears website if you would like more information: http://veiloftearsmovie.com/ Be sure to watch the trailer!
One of the things I love most about Gospel for Asia is that they empower individuals to a better life. If you look on the website under "Take Action" you will see that you can give certain gifts that will help in the long run, such as: a sewing machine, an education, a goat or animal etc. Instead of making them dependent on outside funds they retain their dignity and can live a better life.

Rescue a Child

As you know, I am very burdened for the children of Asia in particular. I watched this video today from Gospel for Asia. It explains the plight of Dalit children, considered untouchable in the Indian culture. Many are starving, left without hope of a better life. As Christians Jesus called us to have mercy on those who were in need. Their greatest need is Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that we can have hope and live life abundantly. John 10:10b- I come that they may have life and have it abundantly. Gospel for Asia has established the Bridge of Hope program to give the children of Asia a better life. The children learn about God and the gospel is shared. They also receive an education to give them a better future. They are given food and medical care. http://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild/benefits/
Will you pray about sponsoring a child?
God can use you to change a child's life.

http://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild/rescue/

Why I have a red X on my hand today...

Did you know that there are over 27 million slaves in the world today? If you're like I was a few years ago I would have told you that slavery was abolished by the Civil War and wasn't a problem today. BUT IT IS! There are millions today who are forced into labor, in mines, brothels, factories etc... There are millions of literal slaves in this world. I can no longer be silent about this mainly unspoken of issue. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. He came to set the captives free and bring hope and salvation to a world lost in sin. I joined the End It movement because I want to see an end to slavery. I wrote a red X on my hand not because it had some magical power but because I wanted to spread awareness. I told over 10 people which is pretty good for not even getting the chance to get off my college campus. And all of them weren't fellow students. I took today to do what the movement asked- Shine a Light on Slavery. I saw it as a chance to tell other people about the major problem of human trafficking in this world TODAY. We can make a difference. If you a follower of Christ you have the tools you need to change the world. We have a message of hope to the hopeless. We have the gospel. I encourage you to educate yourself. Slavery is real and all over the world-including the USA. Through God's strength and power we can make a difference. Above is a video from the End It Movement. http://enditmovement.com/
This is a facebook page for friend's book targeting women leaving human trafficking
https://www.facebook.com/RestoreHer
So, spread the word and most of all, PRAY. Pray for those enslaved and those who are making the effort to free them. 

Building UP Rather Than tearing down

Something God has been teaching me recently is that I really need to watch what I say. I have that terrible habit of talking without thinking. What comes to mind comes out like a terrible flood. I cannot even tell you how many times I wish there was a rewind button for life in general so I could take back the words I said. But unfortunately, as well all know, there is no such button. I was reading through Ephesians the other day and happened upon Eph. 4:29. Paul writes: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (NIV). 
I was convicted by the power that my words have on others. I found a quote from Tullian Tchividjian that goes perfectly with this passage: “Words kill and words give life, they’re either poison or fruit – you choose. Words have not only destructive power but also life-giving power. They have massive potential for good and disastrous potential for evil. Our words can serve either to love or to hate, to encourage or to discourage. They have the power either to build up or tear down… That’s why Paul tells us that the church needs to be a community that use the gift of speech the way God intended, as we put off harmful words and put on helpful words… The church must be marked by a different language than the world exhibits, a peculiar speech. We must choose to speak redemptively. The sweetness and strength of the gospel – the sweetness of grace, the strength of truth – should flavour everything we say.” 
So, what will your words be? You can tear down through gossip, mean words, lies, etc or you can build up through encouraging one another. 
Perhaps you've heard it already but Hawk Nelson's song "Words" talks about this very subject and is definitely applicable. 

Tempting...

Woohoo! 1st week of my senior year is over. God is already teaching me so much. I've begun the one year through the Bible and I am so excited to see how God will use it in my life. One of the topics I was reminded of during one of my devos is temptation. No matter who you are or where you live, you will face temptation. It's inevitable. Unbelievers and believers are faced with the choice to give into their flesh everyday. I started thinking hard about temptation and I came up with a couple questions.
What do you struggle with? Maybe it's worrying or lying, stealing, pornography, cheating etc... I could go on and on.
Where are you when you give in? Do you isolate yourself? saying that no one but you will be affected? or are you surrounded by people you shouldn't be with?
Now for the tough question: How can you say no? What can you do to stay away from the temptation and refuse it?
Sure it's easy to say now that you're probably not under intense pressure to give in, let it go. But isn't that what we should be doing? We need to set up boundaries so it will be completely clear that we are close to crossing them into sin. Rand Hummel from the Wilds camp says it this way: "We need to make it hard to sin and easy to do good. We need to love what God loves and hate what God hates." As Christians we are in a fierce battle against evil, Satan and his demons and our flesh. We can't just sit around "spiritually flabby" never expecting to be tempted. We need to be ready, fully equipped with the armor of God. Anyways, that's my short thought for today. Be ready to stand firm against temptation!

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

Should old acquaintance be forgot...

It's 2014! Can't believe it. It's such an exciting time, the start of a new year. I don't know about you but I feel so hopeful. Everything is fresh, you don't have to make the mistakes you did last year. You can move on and improve. That's where those new year's resolutions come in. Everyone has high expectations (or low I suppose, depending on your outlook of life) of what this coming year will be like. All the things you want changed come to mind and it seems like a wonderful idea to take that step toward becoming the person you always wanted to be.
It's also a time to reflect. I'm one of those people who is constantly going. I don't allow myself to just be still and think. Over this holiday break I've done a lot of thinking, remembering what took place this year. I have to say, I am incredibly blessed. This year was extremely hard at times but I learned so much. I saw God at work in my life and the lives of so many others. It's interesting because often we don't see God working while it's taking place. Most times when God is doing something big, changing people into the image of His Son, it is incredibly painful. It's uncomfortable to say the least to go through trials, "refining" periods of time. But looking back you can see the purpose behind the situation and how you are better because of it.
This year I've had a number of incredible experiences. For one, I traveled overseas to the beautiful country of India. Wow, it still shocks me that I can actually say that. It has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. That trip changed my life completely. I don't even have words to describe how incredible it was.
I also started my senior of college. WHOA. I never actually thought I would get this far. I am one step closer to becoming a full time missionary :) So exciting!
All this to say, I met so many amazing individuals this year. That was the highlight for sure. I have made so many new friends, especially during my time in India. I also built stronger relationships with friends I already had. When it all comes down to it, that's what matters: the lives you made a difference in. I suppose you could say that's my resolution for 2014. I want to impact others with the love of God. I want to be Christ to those around me.