This morning we had an absolutely AMAZING service at Grace Community Church. I now have 1 more reason that I love my church family. :)
Pastor Jim started our new series about giving. I highly recommend that you watch it here. ((If it's not posted yet, keep checking... it's worth it. I promise.)) During this sermon I felt God speaking to me more than I have in awhile. I feel like I'm meant to help out and give in some way. My next task is to figure out what exactly I'm being called to do.
Pastor Jim talked about Japan, New Orleans, our orphanages in Thailand and Cambodia, and other community needs that our church family has stepped up to help. During each of these stories and reminders of how we have stepped in the past, I felt extremely convicted to do something more.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
-Proverbs 31:8-9
Pastor Jim ended the sermon today by asking everyone to consider donating their shoes to Soles 4 Souls. All donated shoes will be going to those who need them in Japan. Now think about this. What shoes do you usually wear to church? Probably one of your favorite pairs, right? Would you be willing to give up one of your favorite pairs of shoes for someone you don't know?? Would you be willing to go out for lunch in your socks/barefeet so someone else doesn't have to anymore?? I'll tell you what... it felt GREAT to go out barefoot all afternoon!! Knowing that I made an impact on someone else's life was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever felt. I actually felt bad that I didn't have more to give right then!!
Pastor Jim blogged about today's sermon ((you can read it here)) and he posted this picture:
And this is just a SMALL portion of what was given today.
Just take a minute and think about this. There were hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of shoes given today. How often do you think about putting shoes on? It's a habit. We do it every day. Our biggest concern is usually of what pair to wear that day or, "Do these match my outfit?" There are thousands of people in Japan alone that lost everything. They don't have shoes to wear anymore and no money to buy any because THEY LOST EVERYTHING. Could you walk around barefoot all day every day? Through the mud? Cold water? Across the rocks?
Now look at this:
Amazing. That is a beautiful sight.
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This whole situation has been heavy on my heart lately. There have been so many things laying this on my heart and I need to step up and do something. So here's my challenge to you:
1. Go through your closet and do some spring cleaning. It's your turn to donate. Our youth group from church is doing a Soles 4 Souls shoe drive on Wednesday, April 13th. Take any shoes you want to donate to Grace Community Church along with $1 per pair (for shipping costs). If you aren't able to get them to Goshen, let me know and I will take them for you.
2. Participate in the One Day Without Shoes on Tuesday, April 5th. If you haven't heard about it yet, check this out. Go all day on Tuesday without any shoes. Be the person to initiate that conversation!!
3. Send me your pictures of you and your barefeet!! Post them on your blog, facebook, or email them to me!! ((stephhage07@gmail.com))
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
-Proverbs 21:13
This song also spoke to me. It brought tears to my eyes...
We are called to defend the cause:
"...learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow."
-Isaiah 1:17
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