Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
She started as a simple children minister, this friend of
mine. Her heart was set on making a difference in their young lives. She was
good at it, especially since she invested so much time in children and believed
earnestly that God would move mountains like never before. Open to God's Holy
Spirit, she felt impressed to approach the local public elementary schools; for
she noticed that many children came to school hungry. She introduced breakfast
clubs in many of these public schools of that city, relying solely on God for
volunteers and donations. Not once did she beg for money.
Her love did not stop there. Many of these poor kids
would never experience a proper Thanksgiving dinner not a Christmas dinner. God
enlarged her territory as she touched these lives with her tender care.
When one door opens, others soon open as well. Noticing
that many young children were wandering the streets, she suggested a weekly
after-school program, where youngsters could learn trades of interest, such as
sewing, cooking, woodworking, playing drums, guitars… It became a huge success.
Lots of kids took advantage of this program and experienced firsthand that love
sure makes a difference.
She eventually adapted a whole downtown street of her
city, a street far from desirable for the middle class, as vandalism was the
norm. With her volunteers and her love, she touched many lives in that street
through the programs she was offering, and with hope in the horizon, people
changed.
She was officially recognized by the Board of Education.
Funds were offered to her through companies, the city, and even the government.
She had done what many considered impossible. All because of faith and extreme
love.
There are still many churches out there that hunger to
have the opportunity to serve in a public school, but their agendas are more
important than fulfilling the real needs. Public schools in the surrounding
cities of this dynamic children's ministry started to contact their local
churches to encourage them to begin similar programs, especially related to
feeding the hungry. But the local churches turned them down. They did not have
the volunteers, the finances, the facilities … However churches were willing to
come to the schools with their own agendas.
Sadly, these public schools were left wanting, wondering
if there is any love out there.
We may have faith issues that hamper us from experiencing
the supernatural.
"Because you have so little faith. I tell you the
truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for
you." (Matt 17:20 NIV)
But we face even larger obstacles if we don't know how to
love.
"If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing." (1 Cor 13:2 NIV)
Faith and a willingness to love are the key ingredients
to moving mountains. Without these, we will be pushing along, without any
results, for a long, long time.
Remember nothing is impossible if we have love from
above!
Dear Lord, we pray that as we strive to serve You that we
would have the love that You give to each of us. Help the things that we do
bring honor to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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