Email from Linda Hall: Does anyone share her dream for providing mosquito nets?

Dear Bill:

 

Reading  'A Hole in Our Gospel' has certainly been an eye-opening experience for me!  For so many years I didn't understand why churches were going to foreign countries or even other states while I knew there was a lot of need right here in Lubbock.  Richard Stearns has opened my eyes to see and understand the difference in what 'opportunities' the poor here in the United States have versus places like Africa that have no opportunties for help except through prayer, other countries and good samaritans.

 

Chapter Twelve, The Horsemen of the Apocalypse, laid heavy on my heart and made me realize that even 'Linda Hall' could do something to help.  I have always done exactly what Richard says most of us do.................. block out the atrocities of Africa and other poor countries simply because it's too horrible for us to imagine. AND, he says we use the excuse," the problem is too enormous to deal with".

 

While we were living in Dallas - we attended Plano First United Church and I did a 'little' with the UMW and worked extensively with the Katrina effort.  However, one of the missions of the UMW was Mosquito Nets for children in Honduras.  Plano FMC had a rather large effort with Honduras and the UMW helped with the Mosquito Nets.  I gave money for the nets each time I was asked but my heart was never really in it.  I, of course, blocked out the horror of children having to sleep under a net to be safe from mosquitos and malaria - oh my gosh!!!!  My mind simply could not wrap around it.

 

After Chapter Twelve - I decided to open my eyes and try action this time -  not just put in a few dollars for a few nets!  How pathetic was that????

 

I was wondering if anyone else had mentioned starting this ministry and if so - do you think it's feasible?

 

Thank you for helping me see WHY I need to help, not just close my eyes because it's easier AND safer!

 

Thoughts?

 

Linda Hall

Comments

[Chris]

I spent the evening reading this part of the book. My heart is broken because of my unknowing. I now know. I pray that my knowledge turns to action and my action to impact. While I am not sure that God speaks to me about a specific action around mosquito nets, I am sure that God is calling me to respond to his grander plan with action. I am praying that this is revealed in a mighty way.

[Rachel Maples]

If you haven't already sponsored a child through World Vision -- do it now! It is so easy! I, of course, wish that I had done it sooner. I can't wait to write letters and have my children draw pictures for our sweet little girl in Uganda!!

[Karen Sims]

Similar to Linda's comments, God has put in my heart a new passion for helping women in the worst situations, many of them in Africa. I was exposed to Women for Women International during the study of The Hole in Our Gospel and after much prayer feel this is where God wants me to make a difference. Many of the women served by W for W have been enslaved and held as sex slaves in Congo. Tthrough sponsorship and support with letters the women can regain their self worth, become independent and care for their children and themselves. Money can also be donated for microloans to women in Africa, Asian & European countries that are in the worst type of poverty.

If you are interested in this type of ministry, please contact me through the church. I would love to share my ideas.

Karen Sims