Take a chance and see who you are!
“13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” (Matthew 19: 13-15, NKJV)
My dear sweet bride and I sponsored orphan children all around the world. It was something that was a natural for us as she was an amazing children’s teacher and I loved helping with her classes, mission trips, vacation bible school, camp and special events. As a child I met my mother’s college roommate who was a missionary to Gifu, Japan. I was totally enamored by her stories and the life she led for Christ.
My personal career took me all over the globe. I often had opportunity to witness and work with missionaries on my trips after business was completed. Ever since I was in the 5th grade and got my first geography textbook I had wanderlust to see the world!
After I came back from my trip to see my Tennessee relatives FBC Leesburg had an announcement in the bulletin about interest in doing a mission trip to Uganda. They were partnering with Orphan’s Heart International. I went on-line and saw what the trip was about and went to the first informational meeting. I remember Alison Wilson was on the phone and was so enthusiastic and helpful in describing what the trip would be like. I heard this voice (could have been Pat!) saying “You need to do this.” So, when we finished the meeting I told Pastor Cliff to count me in – I was signing up! This was my moment to explore who I was! It was for such a moment as this that I being molded!
Pastor Cliff said he saw me blossom in Uganda and asked me if I would consider leading a team in 2017 – I agreed. The children and the adults loved me and I loved them back! I made such dear friends. Something my daughter always told me was “Children and dogs love you, Daddy! You just have a good way with them and they are attracted to you.” Yes, that would be right!
While on the trip I was asked to go on a visioning trip to Romania just a couple of months after the Uganda trip. I said yes again! I got to meet the leadership of Orphan’s Heart, who I fell in love with and an opportunity to see areas I had travelled to on business with a purpose to see possibilities for sharing Jesus. Again, I was a hit with the children! And my heart was full on how could I make a difference for them around the world!
I went back to Uganda in July 2017 and was privileged to lead the team for my church and for Orphan’s Heart. I felt God’s presence the whole time and could feel Pat smiling on me from heaven! So in less than 12 months I did 3 mission trips – what an incredible adventure. But, because I took a chance, I discovered that God could use me in ways he had prepared me for years. And I now have 3 beautiful children I am sponsoring in Romania and Uganda – what a blessing. My daughter refers to them as her brother and sisters! Helping others, especially children took away my grief and gave me a purpose. I also feel God’s love even more!
LESSON LEARNED: Take a chance! See what you could do that you have not done. Find something to do that helps other people. This last trip also helped me to quit procrastinating about this blog! My life is to please God. I can do that much better through helping other people than to sit in my house.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Widower's Walk 