Our culture today labels many things as being “urgent.”
Commercials tell us we must “act now” or we’ll miss out on the amazing offer. At work we are told to get something done “ASAP.” Even our food is urgent – if we can’t get through the drive-through lane in less than five minutes, we’re appalled.
But when we hear about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world, do we feel the same sense of urgency? We might be concerned, but are we moved to do something about it right now?
Sometimes it’s easy to assume that acting now - versus a week from now - won’t make much of a difference in correcting such a huge problem. With over 143 million orphans in the world, the problem is still going to be there next week…next month…next year…right?
But that’s not the Godly perspective. As Compassion International CEO Dr. Wess Stafford tells in his book, Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most, the number of children in need in our world is worthy of immediate attention.
“Statistics…can overwhelm us. We become paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of the problem…But do you remember the shock and heartache you felt when you watched the World Trade Center towers crumble to the streets of New York, taking nearly three thousand innocent lives with them?
Now imagine with me for a moment. What if a catastrophe of equal devastation had happened at noon, just three hours later, at the Sears Tower in Chicago… then Denver… then Los Angeles… then Honolulu… Tokyo… Bangkok… Calcutta… Moscow… finally London – the world would have shuddered to a grinding halt, never to be the same again.
Well, something similar did happen on a worldwide scale that tragic day. Thirty thousand of our little innocents under age five were taken from us. Sadly, this level of loss also happened on September 10 and September 12 and every single day since. The microphones, cameras and satellite dishes don’t bring this shocking reality into our living rooms as they did on 9/11. But it happens nonetheless.” (pages 3-4)
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that we are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the sick. He also tells us that “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
In other words, God wants us to act. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Right now.
And here’s the good news: there are dozens of ways you can help those in need – and you can start today! His Little Feet encourages you to (be in on it) by GIVING, SPONSORING, GOING or ADOPTING. You can find out more about these and other opportunities at www.hislittlefeet.org.
Don’t wait until later to answer God’s call to care for the broken, sick and hungry. There are millions of children in need of help today - now is the time for us to respond with urgency.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Haiti
The entire His Little Feet staff had the privilege of traveling to Haiti about two weeks ago with the choir children as they returned home from their tour of the United States. It was a memorable time for all. One of our staff members, Brooke, reflects on the experience and the closing moments of the first His Little Feet choir.
What an honor it was to be able to bring the children home to Haiti- to see the place they call home and to meet all the people they hold dear. Hope for Haiti Children’s Center is just that- as soon as you walk through the gate, you see hope. This place the children call home is a haven, a place where the Lord is working in the midst of hopelessness.
It was such a blessing to see the excitement of the children as we eagerly awaited the vans to pull into the compound. We rejoiced in the gasps of joy and excitement as all 15 children piled as quickly as possible out of the vans to greet everyone they hadn’t seen in almost 7 months. It was without a doubt a joyous reunion! Tears, hugs, and stories abounded!
The children had their last His Little Feet performance on their home soil in Haiti. As they sang the song “Blessed Be Your Name” the lyrics, “You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name,” rang in my ears. Oh, what a privilege He has given to each of us- traveling with all 15 of these children. And as, in a sense, He has taken them away from us, I know my heart and many others touched by these precious ones will forever more choose to say, “Lord, blessed be Your name.”
After 6 days in Haiti quickly passed, the time came to say our goodbyes. It was a special time- everyone knowing what was looming before us. Right before it was time for us to leave, each of the Aunties and Uncles tried to express with words how dear the children were and how honored we had been that the Lord chose to place each of them in our lives. Also, we shared how incredibly proud we were of them as well as sharing words of encouragement and wisdom as the Lord led. It was a bittersweet time- a time I shall not forget, a time overflowing with His blessings and His faithfulness.
Thank You Jesus!
Serving Him with you,
Auntie Brooke
What an honor it was to be able to bring the children home to Haiti- to see the place they call home and to meet all the people they hold dear. Hope for Haiti Children’s Center is just that- as soon as you walk through the gate, you see hope. This place the children call home is a haven, a place where the Lord is working in the midst of hopelessness.
It was such a blessing to see the excitement of the children as we eagerly awaited the vans to pull into the compound. We rejoiced in the gasps of joy and excitement as all 15 children piled as quickly as possible out of the vans to greet everyone they hadn’t seen in almost 7 months. It was without a doubt a joyous reunion! Tears, hugs, and stories abounded!
The children had their last His Little Feet performance on their home soil in Haiti. As they sang the song “Blessed Be Your Name” the lyrics, “You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name,” rang in my ears. Oh, what a privilege He has given to each of us- traveling with all 15 of these children. And as, in a sense, He has taken them away from us, I know my heart and many others touched by these precious ones will forever more choose to say, “Lord, blessed be Your name.”
After 6 days in Haiti quickly passed, the time came to say our goodbyes. It was a special time- everyone knowing what was looming before us. Right before it was time for us to leave, each of the Aunties and Uncles tried to express with words how dear the children were and how honored we had been that the Lord chose to place each of them in our lives. Also, we shared how incredibly proud we were of them as well as sharing words of encouragement and wisdom as the Lord led. It was a bittersweet time- a time I shall not forget, a time overflowing with His blessings and His faithfulness.
Thank You Jesus!
Serving Him with you,
Auntie Brooke
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Celebration
It wasn’t that long ago when it looked like the 2010-2011 His Little Feet tour wouldn’t even happen.
Mike and Christa had spent weeks in Haiti trying to secure the temporary release of the 15 children. There were countless obstacles in the way, and every twist and turn seemed to present a new reason why the tour simply might not be possible.
But we all kept praying, as did the children. And we all continued to trust that God was in control and would orchestrate things for good.
Well, God was true to His promise. In mid-November of 2010, the 15 precious children from Haiti arrived to Colorado. Since that day, these children have experienced, learned and taught us more than we could fit in a dozen blog posts. But a quick list would include:
- Performing in over 50 churches across the country
- Completing the His Little Feet discipleship program
- Diligently studying in English and French
- Attending Art Camp and Sports Camp
- Graduating from the His Little Feet Life Training Academy
- And, most importantly, growing in their faith and walk with the Lord
On Thursday, May 26, the His Little Feet team celebrated the conclusion of an amazing, blessing-filled year at the first annual End of Year Banquet.
During this heart-warming evening, Mike and Christa, as well as all of the on-the-road staff members (Aaron, Brooke, Carrie, James, Jennifer and Rachel) shared some of the incredible (and hilarious) moments they experienced on tour. The team thanked the countless people who volunteered their time to make the tour a success.
Members from sister organizations, including Compassion International and America World Adoption, were in attendance as well, marking a powerful year in partnership that resulted in over 500 children being sponsored, 50 families pursuing adoption and over 50 individuals going on an overseas missions trip. Praise God!
But, as usual, the stars of the show were the 15 children from the His Little Feet Children’s Choir. Each table had the pleasure of interacting with one of the children, who told of their favorite experiences from their time in the U.S.
And before the night was through, Pastor Eric Ludy commissioned the children, praying that God would continue to work in their lives and use each of them to further His name in their home country and around the world.
What a phenomenal celebration to end a year that started with so many challenges! God truly does use difficult times to show us how faithful and good He is.
Last week, the 15 children returned home to Haiti with much celebration (and a few tears). But we know that this is not goodbye, and we look forward to seeing how God uses each of their unique personalities and talents to impact the world.
To all of you who prayed for, supported, hosted and encouraged us this past year, we sincerely thank you.
And to Moise, Loudrige, Likendley, Nephthalie, Ederson, Falencia, Johnson, Djoulie, Cassandra, Francia, Jefferson, Daphney, Kesnel, Esterline and Dianelie – the amazing kids of His Little Feet – thank you and we love you. We will never forget you or the work God has accomplished through you.
You have reminded us that, when we trust in Him with all our hearts, He will make our footsteps firm – no matter how “little” those footsteps might be.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
– Isaiah 52:7
Mike and Christa had spent weeks in Haiti trying to secure the temporary release of the 15 children. There were countless obstacles in the way, and every twist and turn seemed to present a new reason why the tour simply might not be possible.
But we all kept praying, as did the children. And we all continued to trust that God was in control and would orchestrate things for good.
Well, God was true to His promise. In mid-November of 2010, the 15 precious children from Haiti arrived to Colorado. Since that day, these children have experienced, learned and taught us more than we could fit in a dozen blog posts. But a quick list would include:
- Performing in over 50 churches across the country
- Completing the His Little Feet discipleship program
- Diligently studying in English and French
- Attending Art Camp and Sports Camp
- Graduating from the His Little Feet Life Training Academy
- And, most importantly, growing in their faith and walk with the Lord
On Thursday, May 26, the His Little Feet team celebrated the conclusion of an amazing, blessing-filled year at the first annual End of Year Banquet.
During this heart-warming evening, Mike and Christa, as well as all of the on-the-road staff members (Aaron, Brooke, Carrie, James, Jennifer and Rachel) shared some of the incredible (and hilarious) moments they experienced on tour. The team thanked the countless people who volunteered their time to make the tour a success.
Members from sister organizations, including Compassion International and America World Adoption, were in attendance as well, marking a powerful year in partnership that resulted in over 500 children being sponsored, 50 families pursuing adoption and over 50 individuals going on an overseas missions trip. Praise God!
But, as usual, the stars of the show were the 15 children from the His Little Feet Children’s Choir. Each table had the pleasure of interacting with one of the children, who told of their favorite experiences from their time in the U.S.
And before the night was through, Pastor Eric Ludy commissioned the children, praying that God would continue to work in their lives and use each of them to further His name in their home country and around the world.
What a phenomenal celebration to end a year that started with so many challenges! God truly does use difficult times to show us how faithful and good He is.
Last week, the 15 children returned home to Haiti with much celebration (and a few tears). But we know that this is not goodbye, and we look forward to seeing how God uses each of their unique personalities and talents to impact the world.
To all of you who prayed for, supported, hosted and encouraged us this past year, we sincerely thank you.
And to Moise, Loudrige, Likendley, Nephthalie, Ederson, Falencia, Johnson, Djoulie, Cassandra, Francia, Jefferson, Daphney, Kesnel, Esterline and Dianelie – the amazing kids of His Little Feet – thank you and we love you. We will never forget you or the work God has accomplished through you.
You have reminded us that, when we trust in Him with all our hearts, He will make our footsteps firm – no matter how “little” those footsteps might be.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
– Isaiah 52:7
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