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!
Rob Chaffart
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