Last week we had a wonderful t
eam from Tallahassee, Florida come to work with us. This team of 23 was a very well rounded and hard-working group; throughout the week they conducted medical clinics, dental clinics, vacation Bible school, and house construction. They were definitely a blessing to us; they were so full of encouragement and love!
eam from Tallahassee, Florida come to work with us. This team of 23 was a very well rounded and hard-working group; throughout the week they conducted medical clinics, dental clinics, vacation Bible school, and house construction. They were definitely a blessing to us; they were so full of encouragement and love!
It is such an amazing thing that people spend an entire year raising funds, medicine, shoes, clothes, and items for the 
children and then they use their vacation time from work to go to another country to work and serve others- that they don’t even know.
children and then they use their vacation time from work to go to another country to work and serve others- that they don’t even know.
“He who is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) I think about this verse, and I realize, the reward the Lord gives is so incredible that it is completely worth all of it. He changes our lives through these experiences, even more than we could really ever change anyone else’s. For this team, I think the reward came to them through renewed passion, thankfulness, accomplishment, encouragement, perspective, God’s presence, community, and fun.
In talking to the Philippians, Paul thanks them for their gifts that they gave when no one else was giving to him, he says “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving,” (Philippians 4:17) I think this team definitely received the good that came from their giving!
(Dental clinic, Medical Clinic, and Vacation Bible School!)
This group served some really incredible needs in these impoverished communities. God is so good! We went to four villages during the week; we saw over 400 medical patients, 150 dental patients, and taught over 300 children about the Lord. The group also had the pleasure of beginning house construction for a wonderful family! The husband of this family has an amazing testimony; he was saved by Jesus from alcoholism and is practicing how to be a loving parent to his six children (one was born this week while we were there, Little Lucas Solomon!)
(Santa and his family – their old living conditions, and now they stand where they tore down their old house and the new one will stand!)
It was a wonderful sight to see each of the communities that we visited come together and to see the 
team be able to provide service to so many needy people. God used each team member in an important way this week; they all had something unique and special to contribute. We all have a unique and important role to play in furthering God’s kingdom; and we are so honored and humbled that God would use us to help others.
team be able to provide service to so many needy people. God used each team member in an important way this week; they all had something unique and special to contribute. We all have a unique and important role to play in furthering God’s kingdom; and we are so honored and humbled that God would use us to help others.
While in a third world country it may seem ”easier” to serve, simply because the poverty is overflowing from every corner and even a dollar, pair of shoes, or short medical consulation goes a long way.. but 
God’s plan for your life may not be overseas. Wherever you are there are many opportunities to act selflessly in humility, and serve those 
in need. We may need to be more intentional to seek them out in the States, but the need is there. I know many who have been blessed by serving in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, working in underfunded schools, providing holiday meals, food, clothing and love to those who really need it, or paying for gas or groceries for a neighbor having financial problems, there are countless ways, everyday!! We can simply call out to God and ask him to open our eyes and use us to serve these who are suffering.
God’s plan for your life may not be overseas. Wherever you are there are many opportunities to act selflessly in humility, and serve those 
in need. We may need to be more intentional to seek them out in the States, but the need is there. I know many who have been blessed by serving in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, working in underfunded schools, providing holiday meals, food, clothing and love to those who really need it, or paying for gas or groceries for a neighbor having financial problems, there are countless ways, everyday!! We can simply call out to God and ask him to open our eyes and use us to serve these who are suffering.
What a blessing serving others can be! We surely will be rewarded as we begin to see God’s purpose for our lives unfold right before our eyes. We are so thankful for every single person on the team of 23, that was here last week; please know that you gave us each encouragement, renewed passion, and great energy to continue to carry on!
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