Flashback to the spring of 2016 when the Fox River family was invited to "Show Love" and give in new ways by blessing our Kenya family with goats and chickens. I loved this idea and allowed for it to snowball a bit. I gathered donations from family, friends outside of Fox River and my classroom in kids' ministry to be able to broaden the blessing. Ultimately, we had enough to purchase 10 goats and 20 chickens. How fun is that?!? To make it more personal, I purchased dog collars and made name tags for the goats.
The two children we sponsor received Bunco Billy and Henrietta. Imagine my joy when a letter the following year let me know that Bunco Billy had a kid who was named Paul (after the one and only from the Bible!) Fast forward to this January when I was able to see Bunco Billy's newly born second kid, Silas. Seeing the literal harvest of seeds planted years ago was amazing. My mind and heart continue to swirl with the lessons learned on sowing and reaping that is talked about so much in the Bible.
Bunco Billy with baby Silas
Besides seeing the goats, there was the flurry of fuzzy little chicks scurrying after their mamas. Walking through the villages, the abundance of this blessing was crystal clear. From eggs to babies growing up to have more babies, God's ability to take what we offer and exponentially expand what we give was mind blowing. I had been guilty in the past of underestimating the impact my giving through "My Gift for Jesus" had on the lives of not only the children I support but also their families. When I had the opportunity to visit Pahe's home, they had prepared a special lunch in honor of my visit. This included chicken which they had specifically sacrificed out of thanks for what I am able to do for their family through my $25 each month. I was overwhelmed by their generosity in light of their daily struggle to provide for their family and have enough to eat for themselves. I was challenged to consider if I ever give to that extent and was so grateful for their example.
God continues to work in my heart upon my return. I will continue to pray that He will show me ways to pray, live and give in new ways. What might He be calling you to do? Imagine the possibilities if you say "yes" to Him!!
Meet Paul!
I wish you could have heard her laughter as she tried to get a goat to pose for a picture!!