Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In

"For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:20

 

 

How do you return to normal life when you have seen such deep need?  How do you get back to planning homeschool curriculum, preparing for fall sports and activities, and deciding on final summer plans to enjoy your family when you have seen families devastated by the AIDS crisis in Africa which has left so many orphaned or extremely vulnerable?

 

 

Which of these situations would I be ok with if it were my children, or my extended family, or my dearest friend?

 

Then I realize...these are my children, because God gives me spiritual children to care for.  These are my extended family...my brothers and sisters in Christ on a different continent.  These are my dearest friends, because my heart is full of love for them.  Because the heart of God is full of love for these whom He created in His image and formed for His glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 the boy in the middle is very malnourished...he is nearly 14...the girl next to him is 10

 

"the Lord appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Jeremiah 31:3 (our theme)

God's love in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life and everlasting love are absolutely true for these beautiful people of Namibia as they are for us in America.  With all my heart I pray every last person in the country of Namibia hears the Gospel that saves, that makes everything different, no matter your circumstances.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. " John 14:1-3

 

"Love never ends."  1 Corinthians 13:8

 

Why did God call the three of us to go to Namibia?  Why did He allow you to be part of it through your prayers and support?  What is His purpose?  I am still asking those questions myself, but when I don't know specifics, I know His Word speaks and His Word never changes.

 

Don't let familiarity cause you to miss God's message in Isaiah 58

 

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry

    and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the Lord will guide you continually
    and satisfy your desire in scorched places
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters do not fail.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
    you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
    the restorer of streets to dwell in."

Isaiah 58:10-12

 

Never will I forget the most beautiful sunsets I have seen anywhere.  Never will I forget the gorgeous night sky lit up with the brightest stars and clearest air.  Never will I forget the people whom God has knit into my heart.  And even better, my God will never forget them, His children.

 

 "...so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous..."

from Joshua 1:5-6

 

Christ's Hope International staff at the Ark Rehoboth, Namibia

led by Calvyn and Ida Isaacs

 

"You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:11