I must admit, I am somewhat of a Facebook addict. Take that as literal as you need to. I mean, who doesn’t like to sit in front of a computer and instantly connect with friends and family that you don’t get to see … EVER! You scan others news feeds and suddenly see that middle school friend that used to feel more like an appendage than a real individual. Inseparable doesn’t begin to describe your youthful relationship. Time, life, careers, and other random happenings just got in the way. You lost touch, and then, there on a 20-inch backlit screen sitting on your lap, you reunite! Your old friend graduated, ended the relationship with that loser that you knew would never work out, met the love of their life, had three kids, and now lives 12 states away. If you have a Facebook account and are over the age of 25, you know exactly what I am talking about.
Facebook has redefined the way we communicate, get information, and even share our most intimate feeling feelings. “Like"-ing something says so much about who you are and what you are passionate about . . . or does it? It seems that hitting the "Like" button has become more of a trendy habit than a true display of what we really are willing to take a stand for. It’s really easy to click on an organization or cause but is that where it ends? Are you willing to give of your time, sacrifice a luxury in order to financially support, or step outside of your comfort zone by doing something dramatic? Raise you hand if your are guilty of being and ineffective bystander. I sit here with both of my hands raised! 🙂
Are you willing to STAND UP?
The World Race is so much more than the absent minded click of button. It is taking a stand, leaving everything behind and trusting Jesus with everything. I have never felt like I was living the life that I was created for, until now that is . . .
In 1995, after answering a call from God, Kallie and Chairman Coertzen founded El Shaddai Ministries (ESM). The ministry helps as many children as possible in their immediate surroundings who haven been abused or abandoned. Providing them with a loving Christian home and giving them the love and attention the deserve; ESM accepts children who have been rescused from absolutley horrific situations. One child was raped by her father as her brother watched when she was only 6 years old. Another yound boy whose mother tried to kill her husband and her children daily. He was given to El Shaddai by the government after his mother burried a machete in his chin while trying to decapitate him. He has the scar to prove it! Many of the children have suffered unimaginable abuse and neglect. Kallie and Chairman stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights
of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
Remember Nhu (Thailand)
Across the globe, every day young lives are sacrificed upon the altar of greed, violence and perversion. Slavery is real, and about one million children enter the sex trade each year. Carl and Laura Ralston heard about a little girl named Nhu who had been sold into the sex trade, and through determination, and God's miraculous help, was removed from the cycle.
After praying to be used for a higher calling, Carl heard God telling him to "Remember Nhu". He and Laura realized that God was asking them to dedicate their lives to preventing at-risk girls from ever entering the sex trade, and disappearing into brothels. In 2005 they started an organization called Remember Nhu that is committed to preventing the exploitation of children in the sex trade industry throughout the world by meeting the physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of at-risk children before the nightmare of the sex trade ever becomes reality. Nhu now serves with the organization that shares her name, working tirelessly to prevent other children from being trafficked. Remember Nhu's approach is to stand up for one child at a time, one family and in doing so, one village at a time.
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and opressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4
Meet "GOGO" Lily
While serving on the World Race, God led my good friend Rachel Ritsema to a Swazi grandmother (GOGO) named Lily who had a stroke and had been forced to remain sitting on the floor in her own urine for nearly 2 weeks. Medical care in Swaziland isn’t as simple as paying a copay to a smiling receponist at the local doctors office. Rachel used her God given talents as an occupational therapist to help rehabilitate Lily and give her an opportunity to survive. Rachel not only decided to Stand up for Lilly she made it possible to stand with Lily!
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
It is our responsibility to take a stance for those who cannot stand for themselves!
It is time to stop hiding behind the “Like” button and get up and do something!
The World Race has provided me with a platform to do more than just be an bystander. In order to go and serve those who desperatly need it, I need your support. I have just over 8,000 left to raise in order to be fully funded. I ask that you consider what you are able to give in order to make this a reality for me. Every dollar helps to get me one step closer to my financial goal. To support me, follow the link on the left hand side of this page. Please note all donations are tax deductible
PLEASE, STAND UP FOR, BESIDE, AND WITH ME!
The Coertzen’s, the Ralston’s, Rachel Ritsema and their supporters decided to take a stance and sacrafice for something greater?
Will you?
STAND UP!
