40 Days

Hi Everyone!

It's been a busy few weeks, and a very cold few weeks at that!

Last week I had a whirlwind trip to NYC. I probably say that every trip I take with Hands is a whirlwind, but this one was jam packed! I think I was only in New York for about 29 hours. But more on that later.

One of the things that was discussed on the trip, first by George and then reinforced by Brooke, was the choices we make. Living in America, or any first world country, we're told that the world is our oyster. If we want something, we just have to make it happen. Every day we are bombarded by media, society and pop-culture with offers of things we have to have or do. We spend all of our time being faced with choices! "Should I turn on my television or read my Bible?" That's a simple example but it's so true! We choose how to spend our time, our money, and our selves.  But so, so many people in the world - including the people we serve in Africa! - only have one thing on their minds: "how am I going to afford to eat today?" They have no choices, no hope. We have so many choices to make, but these choices distract us from the most important thing in life: living to bring glory to God and tell people about the redeeming love of Christ.

This is a lesson I need to remember too! It is such a challenge to stay focused on Kingdom culture when I'm so far from Africa, and separated from other Hands advocates. It is SO easy to fall back into cultural norms. And so many times I know what to do. I can feel myself being convicted about things, but often times I'm just not motivated to be more disciplined. We talk about living intentionally and embracing Kingdom culture, but that can be a real struggle! After seeing George, Brooke, Sara and Suzette last weekend, and looking towards Lent, I'm motivated to make changes!

People choose to observe Lent in different ways. Some give up things (like sweets), others take on things (like random acts of kindness.) Some of you know that during the Lenten season, the Hands at Work family comes together from all across the world - from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, the DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the whole way to Australia! - to pray together for 40 days. I want to invite you all to join us!

To join the facebook event go here

Every year we pick a vulnerable child to be the face of 40 days of prayer.
This year that child is Innocent from Kalende, Zambia. To read his story go here

To download the prayer guide go here

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28[NIV]

Let's all take time this Lent to intentionally pray for God to move in our lives so we might know how He is calling us. It could be as simple as making a meal for a neighbor or as big as moving to Africa to walk with some of the most vulnerable children - but if we never ask, we might never know.

George is coming!!!

http://www.handsatwork.org/newsroom/2015/2/2/george-in-the-us-canada.html

I'm excited to go, and also excited to come back and tell you guys all about it!!!