I'm a sponsor!

So, technically I have been a sponsor for almost two months already, but I am so happy to announce that I am officially a sponsor of a child through Gospel For Asia! It has been something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. Ever since I was little in fact. But it wasn't until now that I could afford it. How cool that God can use finances to glorify Him.
Anyways, my child is a little girl from Punjab, India. During my trip to India I actually met people from there. In fact, two of the college girls were from there. I love the connection because every time I pray for this little girl I think of the dear ones I know from there as well and pray for them. Once again God is fueling my passion for India and my love for the people there. I am so anxious to return but it is amazing to me that I can still make a difference there while I am in the States.
Sponsoring a child benefits so many. You literally can change someone's life by paying the way for them to attend the Bridge of Hope program. In particular I think of the little girl I am sponsoring. As I've brought up before, girls are seen with not much value in Asia. To provide a quality education for a girl is so important. We can help remind a little girl that she is invaluable and precious. I'm actually starting to tear up as I write this. I cannot imagine growing up in a place where I am told I am worthless, simply because I was born a female and not a male. But that is reality for far too many. I am praying for a revival in Asia. I am praying that God does a massive work throughout that continent and draws millions, billions to Himself. The only way change will happen, true change, is if God changes them. Am I right? Well, that is all for now. I just had to share my wonderful news! I could not be more excited to start this journey. 

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.