The impact of ‘My Gift for Jesus’ doesn’t just happen in the places we are partnered, it also happens in us as we give, take a new step, and allow God to work in our lives. Check out the impact ‘My Gift for Jesus’ has made on one of our sponsors, JoAnn.
Four years ago, I was challenged by my daughter at Christmas time. Instead of wanting presents for herself, she asked for her gift to be a sponsorship of one of the “My Gift for Jesus” kids. I am embarrassed to admit that I pushed back against that a bit. Didn’t I have to give my child (who was clearly wiser and more giving than her mom at her 17 year old age) some actual “thing” for Christmas? Today, I’m happy to say that my decision to make this “my next yes” was one of the best and most rewarding that I have made. I’d like to tell you why…
Our sponsorship allows me to consider things I would otherwise take for granted. We actually sponsor two children in Kenya, one at each of the schools there. Each month when I am able to contribute the $50, I am reminded about the multitude of blessings I take for granted all too often. My girls both received great educations in the public school system here in Waukesha and have both gone on to college. I think of the gift that education has been to them and how our sponsorship of Fredrick and Pahe gives them an opportunity they would not otherwise have. They are fed – not only actual food but the truth about Jesus that has fed their souls and ensured their eternity in heaven.
Additionally, this relationship has turned into more than I expected it to be. At first, I truly only thought of my relationship with Fredrick and Pahe as something I was giving to them. Boy was I wrong! When I receive letters from them, they are bursting with joy, filled with gratitude and are often my teacher. Fredrick once wrote when I inquired about the weather, “It is neither cold nor hot. We are enjoying the climate since what God brought is a blessing.” I felt challenged beyond measure to consider whether I am able to have that same type of response to the circumstances of my life. Often times, not. But with some change in perspective through those kids, I am getting better.
Writing letters to them has been wonderful and I had always believed that was going to be the extent of our relationship. Through some incredible circumstances, I am thrilled to say that I will be going to meet those two beautiful souls in 2019. Pahe has experienced some tragedy in her family and the thought of being able to hold that beautiful girl and love on her in person is more than I can fathom.
As this Christmas season nears, I cannot urge you enough to prayerfully consider allowing God to work through and in you by sponsoring one of the “My Gift for Jesus” children. This is just my story and how it has unfolded through my willingness to say yes to God. Your experience will be unique to you but unless you’re willing to step out in faith, you’ll never know how God may use you to change a child’s life – and your own!
We are grateful for you JoAnn and so are a couple of very sweet Kenyans!
JoAnn has shared so beautifully just how great of an impact this has made on her life and challenged and encouraged us to say our “next yes” and allow God to work in and through you!
Is your ‘next yes’ joining us as we give a gift to Jesus this season? Is it joining the next team as they go to Kenya in 2019? Is it praying asking God to show you? As you can see there is always something in that yes for you!
Are you are ready to Join Us?