I was not prepared for the poverty that I witnessed in the DR. The people that we were ministering too literally have NOTHING.........I was completely overwhelmed and heavily burdened the first night we were there. So much so that it almost made me want to throw my hands up and stop trying. I mean, how much was I REALLY going to be able to help this problem anyways?.....I felt defeated the very first night. But then God gently reminded me that I was not sent there to cure the poverty issue. I was simply meant to share the good news of Jesus with them in hopes that they would accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. I realized that the same God that created me, created them, and as he knows every hair on my head and he knows all my NEEDS even before I do, He knows every hair on their heads and knows their needs as well!!! Therefore since the bible says that "My God shall supply ALL your needs....".......their needs WILL be met. And, yes as Pete pointed out to us, it might be through me supporting one child and someone else supporting another, etc....etc......
These pics in this video are only a small fraction of what we saw. I came back to the states with a whole new outlook on what I consider "NEEDS".........just take a look at how these people live from day to day............my heart is completely broken for the people of the Dominican Republic. I CAN NOT continue to live in ignorance about what goes on around our world.
I was in the DR a few years ago and I felt the same way. Even the poorest people in the US have more than they need, or at least access to it. The people there were so thankful for the smallest things. I have changed my view on what I NEED and what I WANT, and my NEED column is mostly empty. I have more than most people on the planet, so I have greatly changed how I see my lifestyle and live my life. What a wonderful lesson to learn...it puts boundaries on our seemingly limitless lists, and prioritizes what is REALLY important.
I have enjoyed your blog and my heart was touched when you put your feelings to words. It is hard to say what you are feeling when it reaches into your soul so deeply, but you did great.
Hi mom!
Love the videos. I can't wait to hear about your trip and the changes in how you "see" things. The email about a clothing drive is awesome and a great way to start doing something. The only way we ever accomplish anything is to start somewhere. We are so abundantly blessed but we don't always truly realize that until we see someone with so little. Love you guys bunches!
Love all of your posts so far. Great pictures :) I reflected a lot on the poverty to and this verse...Matthew 6: 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
It was amazing how the people down there did not seem to worry about the material things that we are so reliant on...they were just so joyful and sweet :) I miss them!! I definitely am going to be a part of your clothes/toys drive!!