In a time of tragedy, as seen by the immense loss in earthquake stricken Haiti, David Hearn (leader at G42) asked us if we were to go to Haiti right now, what am I truly equipped to do? I mean, by profession, I am a teacher. I am equipped with skills in the classroom, so I suppose I could work with kids. But then there is that language barrier. I began thinking about my friends like John, who is an amazing firefighter. Imagine the skills he has for disaster relief (formerly been trained as an EMT as well as riding for years on an ambulance, he would know what to do to help sustain lives. The entire conversation really got me thinking about in this life, as Christians, do we realize that God has equipped us with certain skills to be used for His kingdom’s glory–to save the lost, hurting as well as to fight for justice and bring order to the chaos seen in this world! I think we so often get it wrong when we assume that is simply “preaching” or sharing the word with people. I mean, yes, the word is powerful and transforms lives but so do our LIVES, our gifts, our very presence! We need to get away from the thinking that our skills are only to be used to get paid and then I’ll give money to help with the rest of the world’s needs. What people really need is US! You and me, in person, to represent the invisible God as to make Him visible!
Here at G42, I am being trained right now with new skills-things that run deep in my heart. For years now, I have wanted to help women survive in this tough world through the means of business. Now business can be many things, from teaching English to selling jewelry, but I want to show women that they can be equipped to run their own race and succeed in the midst of a declining dollar. We need to use our skills to help the orphans, widows, homeless and slaves around the world. You get the picture!
I have been truly inspired this year seeing people use this model and make a difference in the world. IJM (International Justice Missions) is one of those amazing organizations that gets what it means to use their skills (lawyers and those that work in law/justice) to help free women from sex slavery as well as prosecute the sex offenders and brothel owners! I have also been privileged to see nurses open clinics near the trash dumps of Cambodia to help with pre-natal care among the poorest of the poor. Back in the states, I am truly inspired by my dear friend Callie who is giving her life, 24 hours a day on call, to serve the homeless teens in Venice Beach. She is going to school full time but her free time is spent loving the outcas
ts of this world. She is even making a documentary to make their story known.
ts of this world. She is even making a documentary to make their story known.
Here at G42, we are being equipped as leaders to impact this world with our skills. One girl dreams of becoming a movie producer…imagine the topics she could raise awareness about in such a crucial media form. Just watch this video made by a former G42 student on the plight of the Child Soldiers-and tell me media can’t be used for His Kingdom!
And here I am, a teacher who is now being called to educate the world to the plight of women! I will always be a teacher…it is my gift and I LOVE it, but now I know I am being called to teach others about how to thrive, how to create business that will feed their families, give them dignity and promote services to others.
I am so privileged to be here at G42 learning what it means to be truly equipped in a hurting world. Haiti is just one example of devastation that needs our help. I pray all of you figure out what you have been equipped for and use it for His glory, and if you feel you have nothing to give, then go FIND it! We all have a unique niche that needs to be used—so I leave you with this, what are you using your talents in this world for and better yet, how can you donate some of your services to those that truly need it?
