Reflections from Ethiopia by Pastor Jared. Day 2. So we went to the care point at Dale today. This is a care point developed by an organization called friends of orphans and vulnerable children (FOVC). A few families in our church sponsor kids there because of a relationship with Ingrid Olson. She lives in Minnesota and is a great advocate for programs over here. We rode for about an hour on some really bumpy roads. There is a lot of construction going on to widen and improve that road as it is an important corridor to Kenya. The views were majestic as it sits in the hills and at times you could see for miles. But once we got there we played some games with the kids, delivered gifts from sponsor families in the states and met a few of the servers who help provide meals, basic healthcare, and education. Its not an easy life. Many parents work long hours simply to provide the basics, and the kids are getting a chance to have a better life. To me thats what its all about. And that is a lesson I am learning. In order to truly change our world we need to take a long view. What I mean is true change happens over the long haul and requires perseverance and commitment. We Americans live in an instant culture. We want to see things happen overnight. But that doesnt work here and it wont work in Bismarck. We need to start thinking in terms of generations. Will our grandchildren love Jesus more or less than we do? Think about our own neighborhoods, we all know vulnerable children. As we do things to build relationships and transform our own community, we should be thinking of THEIR children and grandchildren. The legacy we leave could ripple for decades or even centuries. But that will take long term commitment and perseverance. I am thankful for the people I have met today who demonstrate that and teach me what it looks like. I pray for all of us that we will learn that life and culture transforming commitment to our own community and take the long view to transformation. Be Loved. Go Deeper. Live It Out. Pastor Jared
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 02:30:00 +0000
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