The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
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 gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
The passage above was spoken by the prophet Isaiah and when I found it, I felt so encouraged - empowered in a way. I figured it'd be perfect to start Mission Monday and at the same time, lift our spirits despite this week's horrors. While we'd like to think that all bad circumstances are removed from God and that we must bring these issues to His attention, the fact is, He sees it all and knew it would happen before the earth was even made! Without the help of the Holy Spirit, it's impossible to understand His mind and frankly, there's only so much our finite minds can interpret! This Scripture comforted me mainly because the Lord was reminding the people of Israel through Isaiah that a day of restoration would come and that all this suffering and heartache should be motivators for His children. These should be motivators to live right, think right, dedicate our lives to His service, and to show others the compassion and mercy He's always showing us. Our hope is in glory! Don't let recent events and those in the future discourage you and get your sights all-wonky! Get focused! Proclaim the destiny that God's set before us! Pray that He make His vision even more clear to you! Be comforted in the fact that we serve a compassionate, understanding, and living God! He'll take care of those in Haiti, the ones still trapped, the ones rescued, the ones that have gone on, and the ones that have survived! Our flesh aches, His heart aches that they're casualties of this spiritual war, but He will not forget!
Today's mission, Bright Hope International, is all about sharing our hope in Glory with others! They're committed to restoring wellness to the poor and destitute and supporting the local churches of these areas in maintaining the level of restoration provided. This is one busy organization! They have projects in just about every continent! Started in 1968 by Dr. Kevin Dyer, the intent was to help the poor and persecuted believers in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Over 20 years, the ministry grew to providing for persecuted believers all over the world! They provide for urgent needs (food, medicines, and clothing) as well as job skill training and financially supporting new churches built up in impoverished areas. Click here to see their projects and all the countries that they are currently serving!
Before the earthquake in Haiti, Bright Hope had been active in Pignon, Haiti, providing loans to encourage business in the community, donkey rental programs, school feeding programs, and a water project! Since the earthquake, the ministry has gone into overdrive, trying to raise awareness of the gross need of our Haitian family. Right now all donations will go toward the relief efforts and getting medical supplies to them. If you're looking for somewhere to donate that is truly doing things and has a heart for the Lord, look no further! Bright Hope is it! Besides relief in Haiti, there are other areas of urgent need that Bright Hope would love your financial help in the future.
And please, please, please, just a reminder, - PRAY! When you can't do anything else, PRAY! Let's pray that God's will will be done, that we won't stand in the way of it, and that'll we'll be on the side that He's on! Amen? It's been another awesome Mission Monday! I learn so much from them! Also, through this God shows me that there are indeed people out there - a remnant - that are doing His work and holding the torch, waiting for His return! Stay encouraged family; live blessed ok?
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