The World Race is all about making changes. It is about serving the Lord, sharing His love and caring for His people. One way to do this is through prayer. Last week, here in Oradea, Romania, we had the opportunity to go to the local garbage dump and share bags of food with the families that live there. These families have been rejected by society. They have no other choice but to dig through the trash in order to find valubles, plastic and metal in order to make some sort of income. These families have make-shift houses, are rarely able to bathe, and live on little food per day. I know it broke a number of World Racers hearts to see them in this condition.
And so what are able to do about it?
Prayer.
This Sunday (December 4, 2011), three World Race teams (approximately 20 of us) are going to make a stand in awareness of those in need around the world. We are going to fast from comforts in our lives (internet, food, music). The main comfort: leaving our warm beds in order to sleep out in the cornfield in our tents. This time will be a time of solitude for us. To pray, read our Bible and to spend time with the Lord. This will be a time to fight for those in need around the world. We encourage you to join us in this.This is not a day/night to spend in misery or guilt, but to remember God's promises for His children, and to ask Him to be present here in Romania, the United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, and all parts of the world! If our loving God can move mountains, then let's ask Him to do it!
Here are some quotes from my squadmate Amanda Howards Blog:
"Many people believe that we must be out in the world in order to have a moving global impact. This could not be further from the truth. One of the main reasons I came on The World Race was to serve God's people and spread His love around the world. People often ask why I feel like I have to travel around the world to do such things. The truth is, I don't. However, I feel called to reach the neglected parts of the Nations that are crying out for God's love and mercy, but I don't doubt that we need just as much help in the U.S."
"I know that I cannot alone love every orphan, feed every hungry mouth, free every captive, love every brokenhearted, give hope to every lost, and comfort all those who mourn, but that will not stop me from taking a stand."
"The good news is that we are not alone in doing such things. The Lord calls us to take action, but He also calls us to present ALL of our requests to Him…. We serve a God that is MIGHTY, POWERFUL, and COMPASSIONATE! Where we cannot reach, He can move mountains!"
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
