The above picture is of one of the orphanages that #first13of2013Haiti is striving to help. There are approximately 90 children within this one orphanage. Ranging in age from newborn-18 years old. There are four other orphanages that are a part of #first13of2013Haiti efforts. There are approximately 200 more children between those four orphanages.
Over the past year and a half, as I(Payt) have been exposed to the physical destitution within Haiti, there is one scripture that consistently resounds in my head which has taught me/is still teaching me so much. That passage is found in Isaiah 58. And it reads...
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always;he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:6-11
What a beautiful and liberating message! Healing, satisfaction, fullness, and the glory of the Lord appear when we take our eyes off of ourselves and our own problems. In this rat race that we call life, there is something so beautifully appealing about this “fasting.” May we as the body of Christ live this. May we do away with mere religious practice and be about God’s heart. Whether it be your neighbor down the street or this campaign, may we each boldly “spend ourselves” with confidence. Knowing that we serve a God who is intrinsically, intentionally, and ever presently involved within us, as we “spend!”
How would the Lord have you “spend yourself” for #first13of2013Haiti? Maybe, just pray? That would be amazing. However he has you “spend”, we say THANK YOU!
Giving options for #first13of2013Haiti: Paypal is located in the top right corner of this blog. Checks and/or cash can be mailed to P.O. Box 750 Guin, AL 35563 labeled #first13of2013Haiti. You are also welcome to give money to us directly when/if you see us in person.
Campaign promise for #first13of2013Haiti: Every penny WILL be spent for the purchase of food for these orphanages and we will be intentional in informing each giver with a detailed update once campaign has been brought to completion.
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