Our family will take a one year journey. I have no idea how this will all pan out but I have the big picture in mind and that's where I am starting.
It isn't enough to simply see a need and not do whatever we can to fill it. Jesus never walked by someone who was in need of His touch, and simply passed right by. I don't think we should either. I am trying to show my children that there is more to life than things, occasions and activities. I can't just tell them though, I have to show them, and I have to do it myself.
At the end of David Platt's book, Radical, he gives each reader 5 challenges:
1. Pray for the entire world. Yes, the entire world. Wow...
2. Read through the entire Word. Yes, the entire Word. Double wow...
3. Spend time in another context/culture
4. Sacrifice money for a specific purpose
5. Commit to being part of a local community of believers
This specific post will introduce how we will implement #4.
Several years ago I was watching PBS (those who know me well, know that I tend to prefer documentaries over dramas) ;-) ...I was watching a special on something called a "Play Pump". It's a water pump system installed in extremely poor villages to provide clean water to communities. I never forgot that show. It touched me forever. So several years later, as I am thinking about what our sacrifice will be, I started doing research into different organizations that help with the specific need for clean water around the world. There are so many wonderful ways to spend money to help people. Trying to choose one, without feeling guilty for not choosing another, can be hard in and of itself. But, through some research and prayer, I feel led to go with a group called "Water Missions International".
I will post a link to their website if you would like to learn more but here is what our "Radical Experiment" will be: For one year, we will sacrifice gifts and "extras" and the money that would usually go toward these things, will go into a fundraising account for this organization. We have set a goal of $3,000 by the end of September 2011. If we reach our goal before that time, we will extend the goal! I am really excited about this and have explained to my children what we're doing and what it means at Christmastime, birthdays and throughout the year. It won't feel great all the time, as our flesh is so against the feeling of sacrifice, but what another great lesson as well!
I'll be keeping this blog updated and connected to the online giving page for Water Missions International and you can journey with me and watch us meet (and surpass!) our goal. You can also give secured donations throughout this time, on that website as well.
I am nervous and excited all in one! Please pray for our family and more importantly, the ministry we will be supporting and the people they will be serving as a result of having this money.
"Embrace His Grace, Extend His Glory"
Water Missions International-Online Giving Page
http://www.watermissions.org/
Lindsey, I know your family is soo very proud of the steps you have taken in your life! I'm also very impressed with your heart for the Lord and the world! I grew up with a heart for missions as well...every Christmas, our family would match what we spent on Christmas gifts with an equal gift to missions. It regularly meant that we didn't get everything we asked for or wanted for Christmas, but we knew that somewhere, some child was getting something that they desperately needed, not just wanted, because of our sacrifice. That made an indelible impression on me, and my sister and I have had a heart for missions ever since. Kudos to you, for choosing the road less traveled, in training your children!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! What an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I am just in awe of your jump! I havn't read "radical" yet but just finished "Choose the Life" by Bill Hull. I just want to jump. Especially with Christmas time right now but it's so hard to step away from the consumerism when my husband is not in the same place as me and my 5 yo heart is tender. We are simple for Christmas, but I know there is so much more we could do for others, so much less we could consume for ourselves. I will pray for your journey and look forward to following it.
ReplyDelete@Shine, I am encouraged by your comment and taking time to reply on here. It is kind of scary and uncomfortable in a way. It's not what I am used to. I love shopping at Christmas and I have to admit, I enjoy RECEIVING at Christmas too. But as I have prayed "Lord, let me see what you see, Give me YOUR eyes" I can't shake what He is showing me. My selfishness is someone else's suffering. I have 2 small boys, ages 7 and 3 and I realize that if I want them to really see something as important, I have to be a walking example of it myself. My oldest is really into this journey now that we have started it. Now, Christmas day will be it's own challenge but it will reveal our true heart as well. They will not bring a thousand dollars in gifts home but that's the point :-)
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying about your husband. Well, not completely but I know from past experience. I am raising my children on my own right now and that makes it somewhat easier in a way, to take on a vision like this. I don't have that person living with me that can say "No." or make it more difficult for me. So I will pray for him!
You should definitely read the book. It will light a fire under you!
I look forward to more chats!