This is an except from a work I did some time ago –
"A COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY:....A CALL TO MINISTRY, TO THE LEAST OF THESE."
The Scriptural record is clear. Humanity and each human has been and is made in Image of God. Each human has value, no matter what his or her social, relational, intellectual, economic, relational, or other status in the world. Throughout Scripture image holds a special place and is mentioned frequently. The Old Testament in the English Bible seems to have at least 65 overt usages of this word. The New Testament similarly has a number of usages of this specific term. Sometimes the usage of the term image is positive and sometimes it is negative. It becomes clearer that image is important when one sees that Genesis begins the discussion of the image of God and the relationship to man when it states, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NIV Genesis 1:27) Several more times the author of Genesis includes the terms image or image and likeness as in Genesis 5:3 and Genesis 9:5-7. All of these passages indicate a special relationship of mankind to God and the high value God places on each individual. In fact, Genesis 9:6 outlines the penalty for shedding the blood of man. “He who sheds the blood of a man must have his own blood shed because mankind is made in God’s image.”(NIV Genesis 9:6) Clearly there is something special in the relationship and specifically because the image and likeness of man is of God. The Psalms continue this trend by pointing out that God “…made him a little lower than god and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet :”( NIV Psalm 8:5-6) The New Testament continues this trend and expands upon the concept in several ways. Acts 17 indicates a more robust relationship to Christ when it says “For in him (Christ) we live and move and have our being.” (NIV Acts 17:28) Paul’s writings rearticulate this concept and include that man is in the image of Christ as in 1 Corinthians 11:7. Later on in Romans Paul expands this concept to include that man should “be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” (NIV Romans 8:29) Finally, Ephesians 4:23-24 shows that man is “created to be like God…” Bearing or resembling an image was important for the people of Biblical era. Clearly also this concept and it’s ramifications were and are important since God made humanity in His image and desires humans to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ.
EXPECTATIONS FOR MANKIND
If Christians worship the God who has all of the aforementioned characteristics, one would expect Christians to be like and obey the One they worship. The questions then becomes, where should a Christian start? Again, from an appropriate Scriptural stance, humans must do first things first. That is to say, individuals should respond to God like Moses responded in Exodus 34:8 - "Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. "O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance." Moreover and more specifically as illustrated in the passages dealing with Judah in Isaiah, Christians must obey the call to repentance and seeking out justice as when the Lord said, "wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (NIV Isaiah 1:16-17) Jesus demonstrates His concern in many ways and many places in the New Testament. It is clearly seen in Luke 13:34 when He states "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" The lifestyle mandate is clear, God calls the church to repentance, worship, and expression, or more succinctly put - action. Understanding the lifestyle mandate, how can and should the household of faith respond?
THE RESULTING LIFESTYLE MANDATE
The central activities or foci of the Christian life should be first to know and worship God and then to express the Love of God in one's activities. Clear thinking for any Christian and especially one doing compassion ministry dictates that one must follow the command of Jesus in Mark 8:34 when He says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This is a key component of doing a compassionate ministry.
WRAPPING IT UP
Matthew 9:35-36, states that "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." What this means to me is that as ministers, we must be "abounding in love and faithfulness to all", even and especially to a specific type or group of people. This must be done from a humble stance, in a collegial manner with fellow members of the household of faith and to the ones being served. Ministry must begin and focus on small acts, great love, developing persons God given gifts, both within the group of ministers and to the group ministered. It may not be easy to live like God and His essential characteristics. It is definitely not easy to live like the Trinity with other people. We are all so broken. There will be struggle in service to others. It will be confusing sometimes because you will need to figure out what desires and passions God has given you and your ministry group. You may not know what the passions and desires are. You will have to find out. You will have to ask God. You will have to ask others to confirm God's response to you. You will have to do what God says to do. You will have to do it with humility. In the final analysis you must find out God's plan and then go do it! There will be stumbling blocks. You will fail. You will be afraid of trying again. The good news is that you will overcome all of these things with God's help. Last but not least, while the length and depth of the Scriptural analysis may have seemed to be a bit more than anticipated for the sake of this particular exercise, it is essential to realize that a thorough grounding in scripture is a an essential foundation for any ministry, especially a compassion ministry to the least of these, the oppressed, and the disenfranchised.
Are you denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus? If so, how? If not, why don't you start by praying for children and orphans and taking a few simple steps to assist them?
Humbly Seeking Justice, Encouraging the Oppressed, & Defending The Orphan;
Paul Williams
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
8 Ways You Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Children
1. PRAY for them
Tape a waiting child’s picture to your dashboard and pray for the child every time you are in a car. Visit AdoptUsKids.org or RainbowKids.com
2. PROVIDE for their needs
- Financial gifts can be designated for specific items and aid needed by orphans. Visit Hopechest.org to learn about the "Water for Life" Campaign.
- Organize a drive in your place of work or organization to collect new clothes and backpacks for children in foster care. Contact Isaiah's Cry - Paul Williams at paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
3. SUPPORT those who support them
Mow grass, baby sit, or organize meals for a week for foster parents. Pray with them and tell them you appreciate what they do. Encourage a family adopting an older child by hosting a shower for them.
4. PROTECT them from harm
Become a foster parent or emergency foster parent. Raise money to build a children’s home to help remove children from the streets. Visit: Rwandanblessing.com to view "Village of Hope" (click on "ongoing projects")
5. VISIT them where they are
Go on a mission trip to an orphanage as an individual or family. Visit Hopechest.org for information.
Take dinner to a foster group-home on a regular basis.
6. ENCOURAGE them to press on
Sponsor a child, support them financially, and encourage them through your letters. Visit Hopechest.org to learn more. Become a mentor or tutor to a teenager in a foster group-home.
7. ADOPT them into your family
Give a child a home through international, domestic, or foster care adoption.
Adopt a young adult who has aged out of the system.
8. MOBILIZE your communities for them
Use your connections, resources, and talents…stir others to action!
WE HAVE BEEN SO VERY BLESSED! BE A BLESSING TO A CHILD OR ORPHAN TODAY.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE SO WE CAN SHARE IT WITH OTHERS TO INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE MORE ACTION!
Humbly Seeking Justice, Encouraging the Oppressed, & Defending The Orphan;
Paul Williams paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Living a "faith that bleeds.", as Tom Davis says...
Below is an overview of the Vision, Mission, and FAQ for the work we are doing....
Below is an overview of the Vision, Mission, and FAQ for the work we are doing....
VISION:
For every person and community to be stirred and respond to the needs of children and orphans through advocacy, service, sponsorship, adoption, giving, missions, and prayer.
WHO WE ARE:
We are a group of people that began in March 2007 with a meeting of a few women from Wellspring Anglican Mission in The Americas church in Englewood, Colorado. All came with a love for children and orphans, some dreams, and ideas of how to help. The group has grown to include people in other communities, businesses and organizations.
WE BELIEVE THE BASICS EVERY CHILD DESERVES ARE:
Food
Water
Clothing
Medical Care
Safe Shelter
Education/A Future
Family
An Opportunity to Know God
WE COLLECT AND PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING NEW ITEMS (newborn to 18 years):
1. Underwear 5. Pajamas
2. Socks 6. Backpacks
3. Pants 7. Towels/Washcloths
4. T-Shirts 8. Sweats
HOW WE DO IT:
Communicate the needs of children and orphans to individuals, groups, businesses, and communities.
Collection Drives
Fundraising
Prayer
WILL YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR ORGANIZATION, AND/OR YOUR PLACE OF WORK CONSIDER HELPING?
A new pair of socks, new t-shirt, or a new backpack can let a child or orphan know that he/she is loved and not forgotten! Imagine your office simply filling up a basket with these items! Give the gift of HOPE to children in "your own backyard," and around the world!
CURRENTLY SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND ORPHANS THROUGH:
U.S. Foster Care/Human Services: Arapahoe, Adams, Denver, and Jefferson Counties, in Colorado.
South Korea: Eastern Social Welfare Society and Jinhae Hope Home Orphanage.
Swaziland: Children's HopeChest – "Water For Life" Campaign
Rwanda: Village of Hope – Building homes for orphans in a safe community
CONTACT US:
Jody Williams Paul Williams
jodywilliams@isaiahscry.org paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
720-629-1645 720-690-0892
www.isaiahscry.org
Write checks to "Wellspring Church" with Isaiah's Cry Children/Orphan Outreach in the memo line.
Mail to:
Wellspring Church
4300 South Lincoln Street
Englewood, Colorado 80113
Saturday, October 3, 2009
WANT TO FIGHT AGAINST OR FIGHT FOR SOMETHING?
Welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to educate people and communities about children's issues, the oppressed, and orphans and to empower all to follow the biblical mandate to care for these souls! My vision is to see every person and community care for children and orphans through advocacy, sacrificial service, sponsorship, adoption, giving, missions, and prayer.
The questions above have come to the forefront in my life recently. I have found myself wanting to "fight" both "against" and "for" issues, cause or persons.
Fighting against sometimes needs to be done. Fighting against an injustice comes to mind of a time when it is necessary. "Fighting for" a passion, a cause, or a person more often needs to be done. Moreover, "fighting for" seems to be more productive. "Fighting for" a passion energizes and gives more passion. "Fighting against" something because it is not what one wants to do can make one less productive, drain energy, and be life draining. I recently have been fighting against some things and a friend pointed out to me that if I focus my energies and self on fighting for a passion, a purpose, or a person, I will live more abundantly and have more life to give. He was and is right. I took his gently given advice. As I pondered what it is that I want to "fight for" I did not have to think long to decide what is worth "fighting for". Then I thought of a scripture that illustrates how I want to "fight for".
It became clear to me. The answer lies in part what Jesus said when he was healing on the Sabbath and he was questioned. His answer to His accusers was, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does."(John 5:19-20) So, I think that I must do the same. Shouldn't I do what Jesus did? Shouldn't I feed the hungry, heal the sick, seek justice, support the oppressed, defend the orphan? If I take my faith seriously, I must do the things Jesus did! I must be like and do the things I see Jesus doing. I must do nothing by myself, I must do only what I see Jesus do!
While for as long as I can remember, I have been inclined to help the oppressed and the downtrodden, I recently have started seriously doing what I see Jesus doing especially for children and orphans. First, I have decided to to help children in crisis "right in my own backyard". The idea is not mine and it is being done already. Most recently my wife Jody and some women at our church just finished a collection drive and got a whole bunch of "basics and backpacks" through the generous giving of the people of our community. Some other people are also doing it at a local level in Colorado.
Imagine this scenario; a child is taken from a violent or traumatic home into foster care with just the clothes on his or her back and perhaps a few possessions grabbed and thrown in haste into a plastic shopping bag. Sometimes a child arrives at a foster home placement with one or no socks or shoes, just a dirty t-shirt or dirty pajamas and nothing else. This happens all too often. Wouldn't it be a gift of unconditional love if each child going from a traumatic home into foster care gets some "Basics & a Backpack" to call their very own? The basics consist of personal items like a toothbrush, paste, socks, a stuffed animal or book- depending on the age and other similar items. It helps the child and it helps the foster parents that are taking in a child in an emergency situation. It is a little bit of hope and love in the midst of a traumatic and life-altering event for a child! It is simple, easy to do, and a very practical way to put "skin on the Gospel."
As I said Jody and some dear friends; Jen, Trish, and Stephanie have worked with Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties providing "Basics and Backpacks". Recently, I have connected with Adams and Denver Counties and have heard a resounding "YES" we can use "Basics and Backpacks." I have a vision to do this on a statewide basis. No child in Colorado should be without basics and some love in this type of situation. There are 64 counties in the State of Colorado and around 8,500 children in foster care Statewide. Second, I envision this happening on a national basis! There are 3,141 counties and county equivalents in the United States and the District of Columbia. Numbers indicate 510,000 children are in foster care nationwide each night and these children wonder if they will find a forever family. Each day 129, 000 children available for adoption are disappointed and not adopted in the United States. 26,000 children each year "age out" and are out on their own without finding a forever family. How many children can be touched by a coalition of people working together to touch each child with the gift of unconditional love? I think all of them! What impact could this have on the lives of children right in our own backyard?
If the numbers are too overwhelming, think about your child, your nephew, niece, cousin, or younger brother or sister. What would you be willing to do to assist one of these in a crisis like this situation? I submit to you that there is no difference whether the children are related to you or me or not. Each of these children needs help, assistance, and love!
All children, and especially orphans and children out of their family of origin deserve the basics of life: food, clean and safe sources of water, clothing, medical care, education, a safe place to call home, and spiritual direction to learn and know Jesus! It is all about "putting skin" on the good news.
If somebody is going to provide for these most vulnerable children, should it not be the followers of Jesus? If you and I do not do this, then who will? There are similar ways to help children and orphans along these lines including collaborating and serving internationally for children who are in even more dire needs situations. "Basics and Backpacks" can translate for children and orphans around the world who have even more dire needs.
Won't you join me, Jody, Jen, Trish, and Stephanie and help give love and hope to the the most vulnerable and very valuable children? Won't you join us to do what we see Jesus doing for the "least of these"? I look forward to being with you on the journey!
Seeking Justice,
Encouraging the Oppressed,
& Defending The Orphan;
Paul Williams
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)
Welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to educate people and communities about children's issues, the oppressed, and orphans and to empower all to follow the biblical mandate to care for these souls! My vision is to see every person and community care for children and orphans through advocacy, sacrificial service, sponsorship, adoption, giving, missions, and prayer.
The questions above have come to the forefront in my life recently. I have found myself wanting to "fight" both "against" and "for" issues, cause or persons.
Fighting against sometimes needs to be done. Fighting against an injustice comes to mind of a time when it is necessary. "Fighting for" a passion, a cause, or a person more often needs to be done. Moreover, "fighting for" seems to be more productive. "Fighting for" a passion energizes and gives more passion. "Fighting against" something because it is not what one wants to do can make one less productive, drain energy, and be life draining. I recently have been fighting against some things and a friend pointed out to me that if I focus my energies and self on fighting for a passion, a purpose, or a person, I will live more abundantly and have more life to give. He was and is right. I took his gently given advice. As I pondered what it is that I want to "fight for" I did not have to think long to decide what is worth "fighting for". Then I thought of a scripture that illustrates how I want to "fight for".
It became clear to me. The answer lies in part what Jesus said when he was healing on the Sabbath and he was questioned. His answer to His accusers was, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does."(John 5:19-20) So, I think that I must do the same. Shouldn't I do what Jesus did? Shouldn't I feed the hungry, heal the sick, seek justice, support the oppressed, defend the orphan? If I take my faith seriously, I must do the things Jesus did! I must be like and do the things I see Jesus doing. I must do nothing by myself, I must do only what I see Jesus do!
While for as long as I can remember, I have been inclined to help the oppressed and the downtrodden, I recently have started seriously doing what I see Jesus doing especially for children and orphans. First, I have decided to to help children in crisis "right in my own backyard". The idea is not mine and it is being done already. Most recently my wife Jody and some women at our church just finished a collection drive and got a whole bunch of "basics and backpacks" through the generous giving of the people of our community. Some other people are also doing it at a local level in Colorado.
Imagine this scenario; a child is taken from a violent or traumatic home into foster care with just the clothes on his or her back and perhaps a few possessions grabbed and thrown in haste into a plastic shopping bag. Sometimes a child arrives at a foster home placement with one or no socks or shoes, just a dirty t-shirt or dirty pajamas and nothing else. This happens all too often. Wouldn't it be a gift of unconditional love if each child going from a traumatic home into foster care gets some "Basics & a Backpack" to call their very own? The basics consist of personal items like a toothbrush, paste, socks, a stuffed animal or book- depending on the age and other similar items. It helps the child and it helps the foster parents that are taking in a child in an emergency situation. It is a little bit of hope and love in the midst of a traumatic and life-altering event for a child! It is simple, easy to do, and a very practical way to put "skin on the Gospel."
As I said Jody and some dear friends; Jen, Trish, and Stephanie have worked with Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties providing "Basics and Backpacks". Recently, I have connected with Adams and Denver Counties and have heard a resounding "YES" we can use "Basics and Backpacks." I have a vision to do this on a statewide basis. No child in Colorado should be without basics and some love in this type of situation. There are 64 counties in the State of Colorado and around 8,500 children in foster care Statewide. Second, I envision this happening on a national basis! There are 3,141 counties and county equivalents in the United States and the District of Columbia. Numbers indicate 510,000 children are in foster care nationwide each night and these children wonder if they will find a forever family. Each day 129, 000 children available for adoption are disappointed and not adopted in the United States. 26,000 children each year "age out" and are out on their own without finding a forever family. How many children can be touched by a coalition of people working together to touch each child with the gift of unconditional love? I think all of them! What impact could this have on the lives of children right in our own backyard?
If the numbers are too overwhelming, think about your child, your nephew, niece, cousin, or younger brother or sister. What would you be willing to do to assist one of these in a crisis like this situation? I submit to you that there is no difference whether the children are related to you or me or not. Each of these children needs help, assistance, and love!
All children, and especially orphans and children out of their family of origin deserve the basics of life: food, clean and safe sources of water, clothing, medical care, education, a safe place to call home, and spiritual direction to learn and know Jesus! It is all about "putting skin" on the good news.
If somebody is going to provide for these most vulnerable children, should it not be the followers of Jesus? If you and I do not do this, then who will? There are similar ways to help children and orphans along these lines including collaborating and serving internationally for children who are in even more dire needs situations. "Basics and Backpacks" can translate for children and orphans around the world who have even more dire needs.
Won't you join me, Jody, Jen, Trish, and Stephanie and help give love and hope to the the most vulnerable and very valuable children? Won't you join us to do what we see Jesus doing for the "least of these"? I look forward to being with you on the journey!
Seeking Justice,
Encouraging the Oppressed,
& Defending The Orphan;
Paul Williams
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)
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