I ran out of coffee, had to drive to the grocery store in the snow, and then couldn't find the Christmas candy I wanted. It was one of those days, and I'm sure I complained about it all the way home. We get so addicted to our comfort zones and spoiled by our diverse opportunities, we forget that most of the world would have a grateful heart 24/7 if they had half of our blessings!
There are 250,000 people who live off the coast of Lagos, Nigeria in the Makoko slums, a community built on water, the wastewater region of the largest city in Africa (about 25 million people). Their own outhouse wastes go directly into the water to mix with the sewage flowing in from other areas of the city. Children swim and play in this water, many of them orphans who go from shanty to shanty to find shelter and food to survive. The chief of the community works hard to help his people; his son recently took the Indigo Traveler on a first hand tour to see how people live and survive amongst unsanitary poverty. The leaders of this community have worked hard to build a small play area of soil and sand on top of wood to give the children a play area; one small feat to help many. They need our help to build an orphanage and a school to provide food, water, and education that will provide hope to thousands.
"Love your neighbor as yourself," is the second greatest commandment. What better way to live it than to give up a cup of coffee, some candy, or even gas money (by giving up the unnecessary store trip), and contribute to providing life to children born into impossible circumstances and suffering? Go to the Indigo Traveler's site (Nigeria) and watch the YouTube videos firsthand to learn more about these people, and to find the donation link for the orphanage.
There are so many needs in the world; oftentimes, we are overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Why doesn't God do something about all the suffering and pain in the world? He did. He created you. If each one of us found one way to help someone, it would change the world; we cannot do everything, but we can do something. I find that the greatest rewards come from giving, not getting, and I can't imagine greater satisfaction than helping a child escape from sewage, poverty, hunger, and loneliness.
During this Christmas season of celebration and abundance, I pray that we all remember the poor, especially the children, and discover what it truly means to love our neighbor as ourselves. In my next blog, we'll discuss the first greatest commandment, and how the miracle of redemption is given to ALL who will receive it - the true reason for our hope!
Please share information about your favorite charities and philanthropic and/or fundraising ideas! Strength in numbers - Let's work together! God bless you for your giving heart, and have a very Merry Christmas season!
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