Trials and Thanksgiving

As part of a Mission Southside site team, many of the volunteers who make a commitment to GO and make disciples put their whole heart and life into this local investment of their time.   It is more than just planning an event.  It is about relationship.  We begin to form amazing relationships with people who may be struggling with things we can't begin to appreciate or understand.      

Sometimes while we sit in our warm homes in one of the most affluent counties in the state, we just can't even wrap our minds around what trials others may be dealing with....others being our neighbors right here in Johnson County.

Over a year ago, Miranda found herself in a difficult situation.  Some technical issues arose with her husband's visa, and he was deported for several months until they could get it all corrected.  The challenging thing about that time was that Miranda was pregnant with their second child.  Miranda soon ended up on bed rest and had to take a leave of absence from her job.  With her husband out of the country trying to fix the legal issues, she found herself with a 3rd grade son, no income, and no help.

This was a hard position for Miranda.  She is usually someone who was helping others.  Asking for help didn't come easily. 

When she ended up in the hospital facing the birth of her sweet baby girl, she had nowhere for her son to go.  It was a complete blessing to welcome him into our home as part of our family.  He stayed with us several days until his mom and sister could come home.  Mission Southside and Olathe Christian Church and many others came alongside her and were the hands of feet of Jesus.

Miranda and her husband were reunited several months after the birth of their second child and they are doing well now.

Last month she created three personal cards and delivered them to me, Mission Southside and my church.  The cards featured artwork, photos, a heartfelt thank you and scripture.  The scripture was James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Miranda and her family persevered through this trial and are now giving back.  She has donated items for events, brought lunch but this hand made thank you note was priceless.  The photos represent family, and that is what a site team can become because WE are all part of the family of God.

Sharing our Lives

Last week a friend of mine sent me this verse.  "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."  1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Tonight I reflected on how that looks in the context of Mission Southside. 

Nearly 3 years ago I met a woman named Tina.  She is a single mom who's husband was deported shortly before her second child was born.  They didn't keep up with his visa, and once deported, couldn't afford the legal fees to get him back. 

Meanwhile, Tina is raising her girls on her own as a single mom.  She does everything for her girls always putting them before everything else.  She loves the Lord, and that shows in her girls.

The last few weeks I have been trying to help her with a budget to get back on track financially.  There is no wiggle room in her budget what so ever. 

One thing I knew we could take out of her budget was haircuts.  I called my friend, Amy, and she agreed cut the girl's hair for free.

Last night we met at the new Ministry Center.  I brought pizza and we were able to sit at the dining room table in the kitchen and share a meal.  Tina's 4th grade daughter prayed for our meal.  We had a sweet time of finding out what was happening at school. 

After the girls got hair cuts, my friend asked if mom wanted a haircut, too?  Reluctantly she agreed.

This single mom has been stressed by the challenges of life.  Not knowing if she would get enough hours each week to pay her bills and paying for day care regardless.  Helping the girls with homework, potty training, putting a meal on the table. 

For a brief time last night, I hope she felt taken care of.  She could relax and feel like someone did something for her.  I pray she felt genuine care for her and what is happening in her life. 

Look around you.  Is there someone that even a few hours of your time could benefit?  Even more, is there someone you can do LIFE with?  Not just telling about the Gospel, but living it out and being an example?  There are so many friends who need a caring compassionate ear and perhaps someone to share a meal with.  What time, treasure or talent can you lend to someone else?

This is just the beginning of what kinds of relationship building activities can take place at our new Ministry Center.  I can't wait to see what God is going to do!