Mission failed... Sort of

Kimberly gives us some great perspective here.  Enjoy!  Thanks Kimberly.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Kflanders <kim.flanders@yahoo.com>
Date: July 1, 2012 2:31:46 PM EDT
To: Jeff Fuson <jeff@ph-church.org>
Subject: Re: Mission failed... Sort of

Jeff, here is the version I revised. Use as you see fit! Thanks!

 I went on this trip sincerely hoping that I could make a difference. I went hoping that someone would see a light in me through my hard work and that I could simply pay forward all the blessings God has given me. I have to say, I think I failed miserably! 

The ladies I served on this trip were the ones who were ministering to ME! Not the other way around. I had the fortunate opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with Miss Viola and some with Leslie when she came to visit on Thursday. My conversations with them are ones I will never forget. 

To keep this short and simple let me put it this way, their faith is strong... perhaps stronger than mine! They KNEW we would show up because they KNEW that God was bigger than the problems they faced. Some time ago they both gave their concerns over to our faithful Father and they had the faith  that He would deliver! 

  Isaiah 40:31 says: " 
But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. ( GNT)

I know that everyone who served these two families did in fact help renew their strength
and It was a joy to watch their spirits rise as the work was completed, but it was all because they first trusted the Lord for help. 

This is a lesson that I have to take to heart.  I spend countless hours needlessly worrying about one thing or another. Things I have no control over. Even when I SAY I have turned my concerns over to God... I still fret and worry, and my troubles don't even compare to theirs. Leslie's daughter donated a kidney to save her dad's life and Viola was fighting bone cancer; yet they were able to completely turn their concerns over to God and TRUSTED that He would deliver. 

Another thing I noticed was how frequently Viola and Leslie stopped to give thanks for the blessings that were bestowed upon them. When Leslie first saw the renovations made to her house the first thing she said  was, "Glory be to God." In the midst of the hardships that these wonderful ladies face they NEVER lost faith that their every need would be taken care of and they immediately thanked our savior once the blessings were bestowed upon them! Every blessing we receive comes directly from our Father, yet how often do we stop to give thanks? I know that for me, it's not nearly often enough! 

So, I kinda suck at this mission thing. I think the tables were supposed to be the other way around. 

I learned so much from these two incredible women. They  ministered to me in a way that I hope  I never forget! 
 If Leslie and Viola in the midst of their lives, governed by poverty, violence, and illness can turn EVERYTHING over to our faithful Lord I think I can certainly strive to do the same. Thanks for this amazing experience and taking me along!

Sent from my iPad

Posted by Jeff Fuson
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