Saturday, March 7, 2009
Hearts for Africa
Recently, more than ever, God's been pulling and tugging and twisting on my heart about Africa. I know that I am called to go there and reach people. Specifically, I know I am called to the countries of Uganda and Zimbabwe. The Lord has given me vision after vision of the orphange I'm to fund over there. My heart breaks constantly for the people living in extreme poverty and diseases, most of which we have cures for. I've heard many a people talk about being called as a missionary to Africa. I do not believe I'm called to be a missionary to Africa. I do, however believe I am called to do work over there. I was looking back on a prophecy that was spoken over my life less than a year ago by a pastor/evangelist I greatly admire. The Lord spoke through him and to me said "You are called to be a great prophetess to the nations. You will travel the world and see millions of people saved and set free by the work of the Lord through you. Get ready, your time is coming." I read this and emotions run crazy through my head. Excitement, fear, & anxiety among many others. I have done so much research on Africa and the enclosed countries. One of the books I read during my research was called Red Letters by Tom Davis, which actually, is the reason for this blog.
In one way, Red Letters is about the Church and it's response to global issues (especially issues that are destroying the continent of Africa) such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, and desperation. The book begins with an open apology from the Church to the almost fifty-million people living in the world today with HIV/AIDS for not having acted sooner. As soon as I read that, I knew this book had captivated me.
In another way, Red Letters is about individuals living in extreme poverty, sickness, and destitution. Tom Davis brings to life vivid recollections and stories of children who find themselves alone (because both of their parents have died from HIV/AIDS), infected with HIV/AIDS, and in situations where selling themselves for sex is the only way to get food for the next week.
The concept of the book deals with the words of Christ and what it would look like if the Church, God's people and chosen instrument to bring the Truth of the Gospel to every man, woman, and child, lived out the words of Christ and lived lives of faith that bleed for the sake of others.
I know that I desperately want to be part of the solution. Often, we don't get involved because it seems so overwhelming. Tom Davis suggests getting involved with something called 5 for 50 to be part of the solution for helping and restoring the almost fifty million people with HIV/AIDS. Davis lays out the 5 steps and they are:
1. Give 5 minutes a day to pray for those suffering from HIV/AIDS
2. Give 5 hours a week to fast for those suffering from HIV/AIDS
3. Give 5 dollars a month to the 5 for 50 Fund to support worthy causes
4. Give 5 days a year to travel overseas to help alleviate poverty and suffering
5. Give 5 people an opportunity to join you on your journey
They are simple steps, but powerful. I love that the emphasis is on giving. Each of those steps requires me to give sacrificially.
Here are some statistics I also came accross in my research:
- 5,500 Africans die each day from preventable and treatable diseases
- 640,000 children under age 15 were newly infected with HIV in 2006, bringing the total number of children living with HIV to 2.2 million
- 28 million children die each year from curable diseases
- 17 million children die each year from malnutrition and starvation
- 33% of the world's population is malnourished
- 20% of the world's population has no access to safe water
- 10 million children are involved in the sex industry
- 100 million children live on the streets
- 200 million children are considered child laborers
Matthew 25:31-40 says:
"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.'
"Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'
I've got to do something.
I LOVE YOU 5:48 PM