perspective

Many people wonder why you need to go to another country to serve. Well, I don't think you need to. In terms of "serving"--i.e.  helping, assisting or  giving to others-- I agree that our country needs a ton of service. Heck, serving in downtown Atlanta in some of the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods is pretty much like being in a different country. Although, there's a difference between giving aid and spreading the gospel. God has done SO many unbelievable things in my life that I should constantly be giving thanks to Him. Just like when I find an amazing, new coffee shop and want to tell the world, so too, I want to tell the world of God's amazing gift of grace and love. There are so many people who have heard of Jesus in our country of battling church corners, but there are many people who have never even heard of the name Jesus who live in complete darkness on other side of the globe. That's not to say that there aren't people in North America who need to hear the good news of Jesus, but why not spread the news locally, regionally, and globally? I think it's a draw on one's heart that must be experienced to properly explain. Our Texas-Ecuadorian pastor gave it to us another way. He said, "When the Ecuadorians see you Americans come all the way over here to help them in life and in ministry, they too decide to go out and serve others in love." It's like a sort of chain reaction. A "pay it forward," if you will.  Trust me, you may think it's just a way to "serve", but I can't help but think it's a way to meet my extended family.

~CC