Today, as you’re opening presents under the tree, one hundred orphans at El Shaddai Children’s Home in Swaziland are joining in the celebration. All because of one little Instagram picture.
This story showcases the power of storytelling, specifically through social media. Most of us use Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter on a daily basis. We know how easily we can post a picture. So why not use it for good? That’s what Rene Mycorn, of 2nd generation T Squad, did this Christmas. Check it out. (And follow us on Facebook to see pictures of their faces on Christmas. We’ll post them as soon as our Racers in Swaziland can send them over!)
Read Rene’s story below.
Back at home I have a ton of clothes in my closet. I usually get a ton of them for Christmas, but if I’m honest, I don’t even wear most them.
Living out of a backpack on the World Race (with only six shirts, three shorts, and three pairs of pants) has shown me that it’s possible to live with less — and it’s actually really nice! It humbles you and allows you to see how much you really don’t need. And I’m learning that’s a really good thing.
Why?
Because this year I’m spending this Christmas on top of a mountain in Africa with almost 100 orphans.
These adorable children get one pair of new clothes and one pair of pajamas each Christmas. Aside from the donations of short-term teams, these are the only clothes they get all year. And most of them are items that parents of kids in the States would throw out. They’re extremely worn, ill-fitting, and full of holes. But you’ll never hear them complain.
They really don’t care, but I do.
I felt a little tug on my heart to see if my friends at home would help me buy them a bunch of new clothes and books. I thought a few people would give and we would have maybe $150 to buy gifts for the kids.
I decided to post a picture of several of the kids to Instagram and ask people to help me buy them clothes and books for Christmas. I never expected the response we got.
As the comments, emails and donations began to pour in, I realized that I had been dreaming too small. My expectations were too low. God was about to blow my mind through a simple Instagram post.
I had expected $150 to help us buy a few items of clothing and a couple books. Three days later, we had raised $2,650.
Not only did I learn that stories can make a huge impact, but I learned that God was on my side.
There was a great need and God really wanted to help.
He wanted to make Christmas extra special for his children here in Swazi.
I now know why there was a tug on my heart to post that picture. It was the Holy Spirit inside me nudging me, telling me he wanted to help his children.
He wanted to help, you wanted to help, and we wanted to help. So we went shopping.
Each child at El Shaddai received the following this morning:
– A new (entire) outfit
– A jacket
– A nice pair of shoes
– New books
– Lots of love from our squad
I’m amazed at how God works – even through Instagram!
So next time God nudges you to do something, know it could impact someone’s life forever! Even if it seems as small as an Instagram post. Because you just never know how he will show up.
Merry Christmas!
Don’t forget to follow us here to find out how today went!
