Doing Good

"I wish I was rich," said my ten year old.  We were gazing at a Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift magazine while gobbling down some freshly cooked chicken nuggets and french fries.  As I turned the pages, he asked questions.  "Why would they need chickens?"  "How much does it cost to feed the baby?"  On and on the questions continued.  I saw his little mind's wheels turning.  "I don't have any money, " he said.  To which I reminded him that he could do jobs around the house to make a few dollars.

Finally, he announced, "I wish I was rich."  Curious, I asked why.  His answer was warming.  He replied, "Because if I was rich, I could buy 30 of all those things in that magazine."

Now, as you can imagine, he wasn't saying that he would buy baby chicks, goats and food for himself.  Instead, if he were rich, he would utilize his money to supply necessities to the faces of women, men and children he saw on those pages - 30x over.

I think we all feel that way, don't we?  At least, I think we should.  As Believers, we want to help.  Sometimes, we just don't know how to do it, who to contact, or where to go.  Samaritan's Purse, I'm sure, would be THRILLED to send you a magazine, to help give you ideas and ways that you can help elsewhere in the world.

Yet, right now in Eastern NC, we need help.  Johnston County has been hit hard with flooding.  People in our cities are living desperate, moment-by-moment lives.  Many can't return to their homes because of the damage.  Others have lost everything, due to no flood insurance...and we don't need a magazine to see pictures.  All we have to do is ride around and glance out the windows of our cars. 

Because of this, I am asking for your help.  We received an e-mail from Sandy Wood of the Johnston County Emergency Services.  She asked that we get the word out to people who are affected by Hurricane Matthew.  She said many don't even know they can receive assistance through FEMA representatives right now.  The address is 912 N Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield, and the hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, 9am -7pm and Sunday 12-5.  Here, victims can pick up food, cleaning supplies, water and other items, and YOU can donate those items at this same address.

Another way to help is through the Baptist Men of North Carolina.  They need volunteers to assist with cleanup over the long term.  They ask that you continue to pray, go and give.  

In this ministry, mud-out and tear-out volunteers are needed in the Lumberton area, Fayetteville area, Warsaw area, Windsor Area, Red Springs, Goldsboro, Greenville, Hope Mills and Kings area.  Other locations will be open soon.  For more information, visit www.baptistsonmission.org/HurricaneMatthew and click on the "volunteer now" button. 

If you would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to N.C. Baptist men/Baptists on Mission and designate the check to Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief.  Mail to : NCBM, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.

In light of these opportunities, let's not just "wish" we were rich.  Let's instead, reach out as the arms and Jesus and utilize the supplies and strengths He's given us to make a difference. 

Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially the household of faith. 

Jesus, there are so many people with so many needs and yet, You know them.  You know what they really need and how to provide that for them.  Please use me to relieve the burdens of those around me.  May You receive the glory. 

The Meantime

In all my "free time," I am currently reading a book...which is why it has taken me approximately 2 years to get half-way through! Yet, God's timing is perfect.  He didn't want me to read past this particular section until the time was right.  And the other night, the time was right.  

I needed to hear what this author had to say about waiting.  The book is called Wednesday's Were Pretty Normal by Michael Kelley. You really should read it, if you get a chance...and even if you don't.  Make "a chance."  

Kelley's very young son had cancer.  This book is about the battle through the cancer, plus what happens in the "waiting."  At least that's what I call it.  He uses a different word: 

"Meantime."  

I think I like this better.   

As the book progresses, the reader notices that Kelley's battle isn't just with the cancer that is invading the body of his child.  It isn't just with the financial strain and emotional strain that come from switching jobs and living in and out of a hospital.  It's a record of his spiritual battle, and the beautiful things that come from his "meantime." 

One of the things that ministered to me the other night was his chapter on "Hope."  Kelley writes of needing more "hope" than just for the future health of his son.  He felt there must be hope in the "meantime."  You know, the time between disease and ultimate healing.  That's when God led him to Jeremiah 29:11-13: "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans to give you a future and a hope.'"  

God showed Kelley that in the "meantime," there was indeed, lots of hope, for even though he was waiting, God was NOT.  Instead, God was busy...very busy.  The Creator of these once perfect, but now sin-damaged, frail bodies was in the process of weaving a tapestry of beautiful patterns and threads into something that would scream His name when it was all over.  God was active...while Kelley waited.   

Maybe that's good new for you today.  Maybe that's a good reminder, as it was for me the other night.  God isn't waiting, as you are.  He isn't sitting twiddling His thumbs while you suffer patiently.  God is busy.  He's working.  He's actively involved in your situation.  He hasn't forgotten you exist, nor has He ever taken His hand off your life.  

He's busy in your meantime, my friend...and in mine, too.  

Thank You, God, for the reminder that You aren't watching me wait.  You are busy orchestrating a beautiful plan out of my life that will bring You glory...and that's what I want...Your glory.  Thank You, Father.  Thank You.