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.

Orphan Sunday

Orphan Sunday.

" Learn to do good. Seek Justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows."

Isaiah 1:16-17

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of those who are unfortunate."

Proverbs 31:8

If you are like many individuals, you might not be familiar with this day or even know what it is about, so let me take a moment to let you in on what God is doing in the hearts of people and churches around the world each year. Actually, don't take my word on it, but rather read what Others are saying (pastors, ministry leaders, etc.) about this annual event.

 This coming Sunday, November 4th, is a very special day set aside by hundreds of churches worldwide as believers around the world gather in their churches to focus on a day of prayer for orphans as well as educating and challenging the local church to be the "hands and feet" of Christ in this Biblical mandate. (which- let's be honest, is very easy to look beyond and ignore throughout Scripture) Though there is so much one could say on this topic, I believe this very short video says it better than I or any other person could say it, so I'll let this video speak for itself. 

(I promise if you click below, it is a very professional video, even though the way it saves to our blog right now doesn't look very professional. I'm not sure why it formats it this way - sorry about that)

{WARNING: you might want to grab yourself a tissue & be prepared for adorable faces}

On Orphan Sunday In the U.S., churches take time to highlight the needs in their local communities for foster parents, adoption, orphan advocacy projects, and give tangible ways that everyone can be involved to meet these great needs as well as reflect on Scripture's picture of how we were all orphans, but as believers have now been adopted by our heavenly Father. This Sunday is not just for adults either, as there are some great resources that have been put together by Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) to aid churches in educating children of all ages as well as youth groups about the global issue of orphans around the world and giving practical ways to teach them what it would be like to be an orphan somewhere in the world. 

So where & why did Orphan Sunday Start?

(excerpt below from CAFO)

The seeds of this united Orphan Sunday come as a gift from the Church in Africa. While attending a church service in Zambia, an American visitor was struck by the local pastor’s passionate call to care for orphans in the local community, which had been ravaged by AIDS and poverty. Members of this church faced deep needs themselves. However, as the service ended, one after another stepped forward with money, food and other goods-some even taking off their own shoes and placing them in the offering for orphans. The visitor, Gary Schneider, was so impacted that he began to help Zambian leaders coordinate Orphan Sunday efforts across Zambia.

These efforts spread to the U.S. in 2003 with help from Every Orphan’s Hope and other organizations. The Christian Alliance for Orphans honors the church in Zambia for the gift of Orphan Sunday and it is their prayer that the church all over the world may be as faithful as our Zambian bothers and sisters in Christ to reflect God’s heart for the orphan, both near and far.

For me personally, I find it fascinating to see the wide variety of events happening this weekend in churches globally who have chosen to set aside this Sunday to focus on the fatherless. If you check out the link above you will find a listing of numerous churches around the world (though of course not all events are listed there) who are joining their hearts together in praying for the orphan and doing something to make a difference.  Here is a Prayer Guide that has been created to help families and churches focus on specific thoughts related to orphans (both locally and globally), the church, and other related topics; however, you could certainly use this guide at any time of the year.

I know a number of you reading this are involved in churches in different parts of the world. What is great about Orphan Sunday is that you and your church can create this any Sunday of the year. (there just happen to be more churches that join together on this one set aside day and a global simulcast is also aired at 6pm as a focused time to educate and join in global corporate prayer for children both in foster care in the U.S. and orphans around the world) There are so many creative ways that you as an individual can educate your church, your community, or your family on this topic, so feel free to review the links provided today to see how you can get involved.

God is doing some amazing things around the world in the area of orphan care, foster care, and adoption- but the bigger question is:

How will you personally choose to get in on what He is doing around the world?