I have been so moved by these forty days, especially by a new found friend named Licia. She fasted on day 8. Early on my daughters (9 & 8 years old) decided they wanted to "Take A Stand" on our day to benefit the rescue center Licia is devoted to. (I will post pictures sometime in the afternoon of the lemonade stand and how it went.)
It wasn't until this last Monday when Licia requested for prayer for her and her family on their site. She posted this quote by Elisabeth Elliot "Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer."
I realized then--Im gonna pray, fast and petition on behalf of Licia's family and organization. I added her family, because this is a family ministry- read more about their family here and here. I have been in awe by their faithfulness to God's calling. Licia, she is an ordinary person (just like me and you), doing extraordinary things with her gifts and resources!
I want to accomplish two things in this post for the fast:
1. I want to highlight the Rescue Center- and ask you to join me in praying.
2. I want to challenge you with some thoughts and ask you to seek God for yourself.
RHFH Rescue Center
The Rescue Center is located in Cazale Haiti which is in the West section. It is about 2 hours from the capital of Port-au-Prince. It all started in 1999 with their first child, a severely burned 6 year old, that would have had to walk 6 hours each way to get dressing changes. Today, they help an average of 60 children in the center recovering from various sicknesses and severe forms of malnutrition.
After an average stay of 4 to 5 months the children that survive return home to their families. See some examples of success stories here, here, and here. Below are "before" and "after" pictures of a sweet girl who went through the center.
They also help 10 families in the local village with food boxes each week. And provide 30 rice boxes to other families in need every 15 days. They provide infant formula to babies of HIV or TB positive parents. And supply filtered water to the community. Most importantly they try to show the love of Christ to those they come in contact with.
How can WE get involved?
PRAY:
~His will on their lives
~Health and quick recovery for the children in the RC
~Faithful monthly supporters
~Safety
~Funding to build or own place(they currently rent)
~Funds for a vehicle
~Peace and stability in the country
~Strength
GIVE:
~They are in need of faithful monthly supporters.
~They have a current needs list (for the simple things like socks, barrettes, spoons, q-tips, formula) They ship a semi container full of supplies each year to Haiti.
~To find out more go to their contact page.
Here are some of my favorite pictures of the children in groups.
ME, YOU, and WE
As we prepared for this fast, and for the lemonade stand, I was questioned why were we doing this? I also heard people tell me several times how crazy I was. Crazy for doing this lemonade stand with 4 kids, crazy for taking up my precious time and resources, crazy for such talk of malnourished kids in Haiti.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that they are all correct, I am so CRAZY IN LOVE WITH JESUS, who has opened up my eyes to the things unseen. He has broken my heart with the things that breaks His. And now Im rising up to take the place, with selfless faith. Im being stirred as Im on my knees praying and seeking. I have decided that I am for His Kingdom's cause, as I walk from earth into eternity. These are words I have extracted from a song called Hosanna by Brooke Fraser. This song perfectly articulates my life right now.
ANYONE can use their talents and resources to make a difference! I know He has equipped you with many talents, giftings, and resources you can use for His cause. So I ask you today, will you pray and ask God to show you His purposes for you? I will also be praying and fasting for you throughout the weekend too.
8 comments:
Great post, Tressa. I was traveling on the day you fasted and saw so many people going to and from Haiti in the Miami airport. How we need these reminders to let our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God!
That is one passionate post, my friend.
Praying for you...
I feel honored to share the day with you. I pray your post will inspire many. God be with you!
wow! such an amazing place.
Love what they are doing, and love those pictures.
thank you for being a part of the 40 day fast!
Wonderful. Thank you for that!
I got some of the same reactions when I told people I was fasting and praying for the people of Kenya on my day. Some eye rolling was involved. But I just pray that those hearts would be opened up to see the truth. We are not crazy to believe that we are making a difference for the Kingdom.
These children are beautiful and this is amazing work these people do. They are all in my prayers.
Great post, Tressa. I love how your whole family has been moved and want to do something to personally help. Definitely praying for your family's effort and for Haiti Rescue Center.
I am so proud and inspired by you and your family!! I am challenged to do more, and use every day life to teach my children the heart of Jesus! Thank you!!
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