More Than Words

Today is Orphan Sunday, so don't tune this post out immediately. Generally I'm not one to write in the manner you will soon read, but if you have been following our blog for any length of time, you know that most posts are usually light-hearted, funny (well, maybe to some of you), and informative most of the time.  Today is a little different though- I'm going to challenge you before you read this, that if you have time to Facebook, watch a football game, read a book, or spend 30 minutes watching a sitcom or doing something that is not impacting eternity in any way, please consider giving a few minutes of your time this week to watch this impactful short video from a pastor in Africa. You will thank me for it.

I'm going to be honest, I had been waiting to see this video for a few weeks now once it was released, but almost missed such a blessing by not sitting down for a few quiet minutes today to hear this story about other believers halfway around the world. I'm so glad that I did. What I would have missed if I hadn't. 

If you can't watch it today, add this video as a part of one of your devotional times this week.  Just a warning though, if you are a believer you will...

... BE REMINDED in an inspirational and fresh way who God our Father is 
... BE CHALLENGED by other believers around the world
... FEEL CONVICTED (trust me, I don't like this one either)
... AND REALIZE that we take our faith and how we serve Christ for granted here in the U.S. 

This video is such an inspiring video, but equally convicting as it reminds us why James said- don't just say you have faith, put it your faith into action as a demonstration of what Christ did for you. If you have ever been to any country in Africa, you know that African believers know how to have church. They have seen situations that many us will never truly be able to wrap our finite minds around and through difficulties, the believers in these countries have become so much stronger in their faith. Their faith and the way in which they live it out can truly can be such an example to our "American church". (this is where the convicting part comes in today)

If you've been following the last several days, you are aware that today is Orphan Sunday around the world. Now I'm sure that many of you that may be reading this have never heard of this Sunday, but I would encourage you to read the last several days of posts for some general information, as today's powerful video captures the story of where Orphan Sunday first began and why it was started. As you will see, the orphan Sunday movement was started out of a small African church in Zambia, where the local church saw the vast need in their own town and in their own church body, to minister to those who were being orphaned and widowed due to AIDS. (Personal stories are shared by both the pastor, his members, and such sweet stories and challenges are given throughout. It's not "only" about orphans) 

I promise you that it will be 30 minutes better spent watching this than watching your favorite TV show or a re-run of a sitcom. (ok, so a few of you just now completely stopped reading didn't you? Yes, it's a 30 minute video, but will feel more like 5)

Click HERE to be inspired, touched, and to see your heavenly Father and the church around the world in such a beautiful way. It's not just about orphans or one Sunday a year, but rather how we as Christians in the local church should be willing to serve the Lord every week in numerous ways out of gratitude for what He so willingly did for us.