One week in counting and my thoughts are…
1. dfjksd jk vjksdnfdslfnsdklnvklsdnvk lksvnklsdlfsoi. People keep asking me how I am feeling and the only suitable answer I have for them is, I feel…I feel A LOT, I'm just not sure how I feel about that.
Truth is, I don't need to sit here and tell you that this year has completely transformed and enriched my life, because you've already witnessed that for yourself. You've been there to read all my blogs and experienced for yourself how the Lord can continuously make us new. Notice how I said us. That means not just me, but YOU. Whether you yourself experienced renewal and redemption over this year or you just heard testimonies from me…YOU'VE been changed right along with me! Life doesn't, and can't for that matter, look the same after you've gone through something like this. And that was God's master plan all along. You haven't been sitting at home waiting for me to come back and tell you just how the Lord works (even though my ego at times would have suggested differently), you've been experiencing Him and His glory for yourselves…in your own life. This year has been for US!
When I come back to America, I am convinced I am coming home to a changed NATION! Not just for the countries that we visited and were able to physically reach, but across the entire globe. We have been a part of a movement, and it's impact is worldwide! I believe America is hungry for more of the Spirit and less of religiosity; and while my 11 months on the Race are soon to be over, the United States is simply country number 12! [And please don't be deceived, our country needs support and transformation, probably more than any other country I've visited during the race. After all, the world and it's things provides everything we could ever need, so what would we ever need God for? Our country's biggest enemy is the fact that we feel comfortable. But I believe that mentality is about to change. America is at tipping point; all we need are bold people to stand up and make the final push.] There is more work left to be done. This past year has been about laying down the ground work, but now it's time to build!
The World Race is not the best thing I will ever do. I won't be referring to it as my "glory days" or the "best time in my life," it only marks the beginning of my love story. A wise alumni racer explained it this way, You haven't peaked at 23, so get out there and make this lifestyle your normal back home! So brace yourself America….an army, trained and ready for battle, is coming your way and our goal is to radically change our world for Jesus!
Now where would you propose we start?
My proposition is this…
ONEDIA, NEW YORK.
Where better than are own backyard. If you didn't know, Oneida along with 4 other counties in New York were hit with major flooding on June 28, 2013. Estimates of more than 500 homes have been effected with countless already being labeled condemned because of the severe water damage, some reports saying water levels as high as 11 feet. More than 250 residents were asked to evacuate their homes and since then have had to bunk with relatives or stay in nearby hotels. Most of the residents in this county still don't know when they will be able to return to their homes permanently. Some have been allowed to briefly visit their homes and recover "necessities" but until further notice the families impacted by the flood are trapped in a waiting game. As of now, total damage estimates exceed 32.5 million dollars. Unfortunately, FEMA has denied any assistance to the families impacted by the floods. As well as local aid groups such as The Red Cross and Salvation Army have become overburdened with all the need in these communities and have since ceased relief efforts. These communities are in desperate need; and as of yet, have no one stepping up to the plate to help.
This turn of events has taken a particular toll on my heart since my best friend, her mother, and grandmother live in this county. For the sake of their privacy, this family will be referred to as the Smiths from here on out. The Smith family has had a hard couple of years, with Mr. Smith having passed away from cancer just three years ago. Because of the financial strain of a single parent sending her daughter to college, the Smith family had to cancel their flood insurance. Unfortunately, they have been severely impacted by the flood with water damage completely destroying their garage (which held all of Mr. Smiths possessions), two cars, and basement; while also damaging their new hardwood kitchen floor, cabinets and the bottom panels of the walls on the first-floor. They have yet to undergo inspection, but if anything like their neighbors, are sure to find asbestos damage and thus incur even more cleanup costs. All in all, this one family is looking at $15,000 minimum in damages (does that number sound familar…it should, the same price as this mission trip). My best friend and her family were fortunate enough to get a stay at a friend's house for about a week, but are now forced to stay in a hotel until an undetermined date. In emails, my friend has noted that they are one of the luckier families because they at least have had the means to stay in a hotel…for now. Other families have been forced to sneak into their decrepit, condemned homes and live among the mold without electricity and running water because they have no where else to go.
[A picture of the Smiths' street, house and garage (on the right)]
So my proposition is this: Let us practice living like Christ right now in this critical moment in the lives of those living in Oneida, New York and the cities surrounding it. Let us exemplify Matthew 25:35-36 and give what we have in abundance to those in desperate need. Let us live out exactly what we've been learning this whole year and RESPOND! I commit here and now to holding fundraisers, reaching into my own savings, and collecting money first for the Smith family and then if more comes in, and I pray God that it will, for the families in their community. We are missionaries. We bring change. If we want more of Christ in this world, then let's boldly step up and look like Him ourselves. We don't need to go anywhere. People are waiting (some don't even realize it yet) to understand and see God's love right here in our own community; heck, this natural disaster is God's way of calling out to us and saying go to my children and help them. So what better way than to give a hand up for those in a deep pit.
Now it's time that we stop talking about it and are willing to actual live it. I pray that you will join me in donating money to these families in crisis. If you want to know what my year around the world looked like, it was something like this! I know if we work together, the church body is MORE THAN ENOUGH for the lost, weary, and indigent.
Just think: This past year God provided (through the generosity of many of you) the 55 members of my squad $15,500 EACH….
each family in Oneida needs about the same amount…..
I'm praying that we can be a part of making that happen AGAIN!
Matthew 6:19-21
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
If you would like to donate to the families in need in Oneida, email me with your information at [email protected]. Thank you for responding to His call.
Websites to get even more information on the floods:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/water_retreats_but_frustration.html
http://www.oneidadispatch.com/articles/2013/07/15/news/doc51e46929ce208729571823.txt
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/oneida_herkimer_counties_getting_state_money_to_mitigate_flood-prone_streams.html
http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Approximately-250-evacuated-from-city-of-Oneida/aRW4zHVrv0-GvgugXpPByg.cspx
