Why I choose to give

It's hard to say when it all started. I remember being a young person and hearing about generous people and feeling very inspired and wanting to be that way, but didn't really know how. I think I made it a lot more difficult than it had to be. I also remember feeling intimidated by it, like that was other people's "thing" but was I just being trendy by doing it too? Lies from satan. A vivid memory stands out of my beautiful friend Haley Lamb. It seems she has always embodied this concept of serving and giving to others. I would look at her and think, "I'll never be that good of a person. It's too much work." Casually I would pray about it and there were specific moments when someone would compliment me on a piece of clothing or jewelry and God would prompt me to give it to them. The recipient was often taken aback, making sure I knew that wasn't their intention in paying the compliment. I knew it wasn't, but I wanted a heart change and guess what, God did it. Slowly but surely, my heart and eyes were opened and more sensitive to the needs of those around me. I hadn't even seen them before! It wasn't that I didn't care before- I didn't even know the needs we're there. The more needs I saw, the more I longed to fill them. Some small, some huge. Have people been changed as a result of my generosity? I'm sure am they have, but the most significant change I know of has been in myself. I give out of obedience to God- he said to give to the poor and needy and he actually meant it! Like literally go out and give someone some food or water! 

Sometimes when I've seen a homeless person on the street or a mother in need I'm skeptical. I wonder if they're being honest, if it's a scam or if they would use my money for drugs or alcohol. This thought used to keep me from blessing people in this way. Not too long ago I was convicted about this when I was with my mom and children and we saw a family begging for money in front of Walmart. (Shown in the photo) They seemed genuine, but before mom and I could make a decision about what to do my 10 year old son piped up and volunteered to give $5 out of his wallet. He didn't know to be skeptical or jaded and was more generous with his own money than I would have been with it. I realized (again) t's not my responsibility what happens once I've given. My only concern is did I do what I was called to do- give. 

The well

Hello all. I wish I had started this blog post earlier than I have. Life has been moving very quickly. 

As many of you may recall, I had a birthday party nearly two years ago that sponsored a garden being planted in Phakane, South Africa, where I went with a team that previous year (and the following year) to minister. We've learned a lot about the community there since then, and some have been difficult lessons. First, it's helpful for you to know that the seasons in South Africa are opposite ours. So while we are in summer, they are in winter. Initially, one of the biggest challenges was getting the community buy-in as far as taking care of the garden and their level of engagement. After some time of this and under Pastors Alfie and Muzi's wisdom and guidance, the garden was dug up, the community's buy in obtained, and then replanted. The garden does many things for the area. Primarily, it's a great tool for the church to use to practically minister to the women and children that come to the property during the day. The children play games and hang out with Pastor Muzi. The last number I received the garden (and supplemental grain) was feeding approximately 120 people a day. An awesome ministry!! Also, it provides nourishment to the church family for Sunday's Soup kitchen, held after church. 

The more recent need has become the need for a consistent water source. Currently there is no running water on the church property and to my understanding only very limited places in the entire village. There is a well in the town, but is heavily controlled by government and can be turned off at will if the water supply is too short. It is "free" water, but the locals have no voice on the matter. The town has about 2-3 days on average of access to the water. Thus, leaving little extra water for watering a garden. 

My goal for the last year has been to sponsor a well there on the church property. This way, they would have access to clean, consistent water and it would be completely controlled by them. At first I reached out to every water and well non-profit organization I could possibly Google. When I kept hitting road block after road block I took a step back. I re-read my favorite book "Love Does" by Bob Goff. Inspired by his example I googled national leaders, every the South African president and prime ministers and I actually got responses!!! Many of them responded and even offered to help. I was very encouraged and when I passed this information on to Pastor Alfie he responded, "wow! And the righteous are bold as a lion!" (More on this part to come). However, practically he did not feel it would work. They did not trust government and did not want their controlling the well.  Understandably, but again I felt discouraged at achieving this God inspired goal. One night after I put my children to bed I picked up my phone and dialed Bob Goff's cell phone number. If you haven't read it SPOILER ALERT his cell phone number is printed in the back of his book. He answered the phone that night and what followed were some of the most encouraging few moments of the whole process. He has spent much time in Africa and his succinct recommendation was that the well had to be done by someone local. It was the only way. Reluctantly I agreed. Reluctant because I knew just how difficult that would be for me all the way across the world with no immediate plans to return to South Africa. 

I emailed my local contact again and he agreed. Local was best. Within a few weeks we had an estimate from a local bore hole driller (as they call it) and I was overwhelmed. I cried because it felt possible. It was totally doable. For roughly $5,000 the church property could have access to clean water every day and access to countless souls that need the Gospel. 

Over the next few weeks/months (or however long it takes) myself and others will be fundraising for this cause. I hope that we have been able to inspire you to this vision. Be praying, I am considering creating an official non-profit organization centered on this cause. Pray that doors would open and the money would come. Pray that they can tap water!  In the words of Pastor Alfie, "Jesus is Lord and Africa shall be saved."