Dear First Pres,
If you haven’t started memorizing Matthew 5:1-16 yet, I encourage you to get started. As you memorize it, ask the Lord to help you. Ask Him to help you get the words in your head, and also ask Him to help you get the words in your heart. One thing that is absolutely clear in those opening verses to the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus cares for those who are in need. The first four blessings are all for people in need: the poor in spirit, the mourning, the meek, and the hungry & thirsty for righteousness. Our King’s heart is for those who are hurting. So, as our hearts are shaped according to His heart, we also, more and more, are for those who are in need.
There are many ways we’re expressing this as a congregation. One of the ways that is mostly unseen to others is our partnership with World Vision’s work in the region of Bena Tsemay, Ethiopia. In October of 2021 we hosted a World Vision Chosen campaign. Well over 100 households in our congregation chose to sponsor a child in Ethiopia. The twist was that instead of us choosing the particular child to sponsor, the Ethiopian children chose us. What a joy it was to see Mihret holding a picture in her hands of me and my family! She chose us. Since then we’ve sent letters, additional pictures, a Christmas gift and lots of prayers her way. And it’s been a joy to hear back from her family. For those of you who were chosen in October 2021, I hope you also have continued to stay connected with the child who chose you.
Why highlight this today? The week after Mother’s Day, May 21, we’re hosting a Chosen encore. We’ll have another opportunity for folks to be chosen by a child in Bena Tsemay, Ethiopia. Those wishing to participate will have their photo taken and provide all the necessary information to World Vision to begin sponsoring a child for only $39 per month. Then, that week in Ethiopia, there will be a Chosen party. Children will come, look at your photos and choose their sponsor. It will be beautiful. Here’s the twist for this year: I’ll be there! Yes, after our services on May 21, I’ll be headed to Ethiopia for the week. It will be a whirlwind trip, but I’m thrilled to be able to see what World Vision is doing in Bena Tsemay and experience the Chosen party in person.
So, I encourage you to begin praying about this opportunity to care for those in need on the other side of the world. Diane and I have been partnering with World Vision for our entire married life. Our kids have grown up with the pictures of children from around the world on our refrigerator. It’s been a tremendous blessing for each of us. And I’m confident it can be that for you, as well.
As we memorize these first four blessings of Jesus, let’s be asking the Lord how we might participate in that blessing for those in great need.
Blessings,
Jeremy
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