Boy it feels good to be refreshed and rejuvenated after a long weekend. 11-11-11 brought an exciting weekend trip to the mountains and now that I am home and back to work I'm ready to share with you all the fun!
But something else is on my mind today. So instead we will address a different topic. While vacations to the mountains to celebrate important life events (Third Wedding Anniversary) are tons of fun, the thing I most enjoy about my life is the opportunities I have been given to serve.
Recently I have dedicated much of my time working with the Mooresville Christian Mission to plan the first annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5k.
It has been hard work and at times I have become frustrated or stressed. When that happens it is easy to forget why I'm stretching myself so far. It begins to feel like work, and it becomes difficult to find joy.
This week I'm reminded of why I decided to take on this challenge. This week we I am participating in Poverty Awareness Week at the Christian Mission. Events all week are crafted to bring awareness to the desperate needs in our community. Did you know 1 in 3 school children in Mooresville live in low income or poverty-stricken households? 40% of children in the Mooresville Graded School district qualify for free or reduced lunches and the Christian Mission serves over 4,000 families in our community!
Those are striking numbers. Sometimes it is easy to overlook the needs in our community. I know for me, it is easier to jump ship to Africa to serve the poor than it is to serve on the front lines right here in Mooresville. I recognize that this service takes me out of my comfort zone, and I am more willing to be outside my comfort zone in Africa than I am right here at home. But if traveling to Africa and experiencing extreme poverty has taught me anything, it is that I can make a difference no matter where I am geographically. Whether I am in Mooresville or Mwandi, there is a need, and I have resources to fulfill those needs.
This week we recognize Poverty Awareness Week to show others how you can make a difference as well. There isn't just one way, there are many ways. Maybe you have time to give and can volunteer, or maybe you are too busy but are willing to part with a little cash to help those less fortunate. Maybe giving time and money aren't your gifts but you can run a 5k, attend a movie about extreme poverty, or fast and pray for those less fortunate. And maybe all those things are still too much, but you can click "Like" on a facebook page and call it a day.
No matter what choice you make, there is an opportunity for you to change someone's life each and every day of your's. Today I ask you to choose just one way! Find what you are passionate about and make a difference!
- "Like" the Mooresville Christian Mission Facebook Page! For every "Like" I will donate $5 to the mission this year! You have to comment on either my facebook page or here to tell me you clicked "Like" so I will know how much to donate!
- Donate to feed a family for Thanksgiving! Just $25!
- Attend the Candlelight Vigil this Friday, November 18, 7pm at the Mooresville Christian Mission.
- Sign up to volunteer or run (or walk) at the Turkey Trot 5k! Just $20 and all proceeds benefit the Christian Mission!
- Attend Live 58: The Film on Friday, December 2, at 7pm at Lake Norman Fellowship to learn more about ending extreme poverty. This is a family friendly event and is free and open to anyone!
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