here, near, far (like Africa far!)

At church we are launching a new vision called Here, Near and Far. The idea is based on Acts 1:8:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Cool verse! Basically, Jesus is saying, I'm giving you my Spirit power to take the good news of the gospel here (Jerusalem), near (Judea & Samaria), and far (ends of the earth!). At Soma SRV, we feel called to be part of a church-planting movement that supports ministry here in Danville, near in the San Francisco/Bay Area, and Far (to the ends of the earth)! How exciting! 

So, near and far...some friends of mine are totally putting this into practice. In supporting them, I'm supporting the mission both near (San Mateo) and far (Sudan).

Several posts ago I mentioned Kim and Jess. These two lovely ladies are part of a church plant (holla!) named Hope Church in San Mateo. You can read all about the Hope for Sudan news and also answers to prayer here. Basically, a trip to Sudan forever changed a pastor's heart. He came back and with his church organized a mission to raise $25,000 to help feed the poor, starving, malnourished and mistreated refugees near the border. 

I noticed on Jess' instagram that they were starting a 24-hour prayer chain for the guys that they sent to Sudan. I volunteered to take a 15 minute slot (not that much of a sacrifice, considering my time is 10:30).

How can you help? Pray. Give. Educate yourself. Pray some more. Just this week I was lamenting my colitis. I've been pretty sick. But you know what? Three of these precious Sudanese refugee children, beloved by God, will DIE of DIARRHEA today. I am not going to die of diarrhea. I have plenty of nutritious food, knowledgable doctors, access to the best medical care in the world, and resources to pay for it. 

The Sudanese refugees have us. You and me. Consider how you might help.

XOXO

help for the Congo

A few months ago, I decided to start training for a 10K. For some reason, the reality of turning 32 this year, coupled with my on-again, off-again health issues with colitis, plus a desire to live long and be healthy not only for myself, but my children, encouraged me to start running again. I've always had a love-hate relationship with running; love the results, hate the pain. Yet I enjoy running more and more as I get better. I love exercising outside, I love listening to praise music or podcasts, and I love the endorphin rush.

I needed a goal. Partway through my training, I decided to undertake a simple 5K to encourage me to keep running. I did some research and one run really stood out to me: Run for Congo Women.

I'm asking for help. It's not widely known that more than 5.4 million people have died in the conflict in Congo since 1998, and half of these deaths, 2.7 million, were children under the age of five. The situation is pure evil. There is no other way to best explain it. Evil runs rampant. I cannot even read the stories without gasping, sobbing, and wanting to turn away.

I will be running on June 26th in Portland to raise awareness about the Congo and funds for Women for Women Int'l programs there. This program provides women survivors of war with financial assistance, job skills training, awareness education and trauma counseling. In the Congo, more than 31,000 women have been helped by this organization.

If you feel so led, you are welcome to donate funds by visiting my fundraising page at

http://www.active.com/donate/RFCWportland2010/BeckyJoyce

If you want to know more about this awesome opportunity, visit their page at

http://www.runforcongowomen.org/

joyfully you'll draw up buckets of water from the WELLS of salvation

project 320: check it out

two years ago my father-in-law went with a missions team to ethiopia to build a well. when he returned with photos of the well, my eyes teared up at the images of women, children and animals in rogi village congregated around a bucket of clear, clean, overflowing water. no more walking all day to nourish their families. no more carting around heavy buckets. no more danger of being out on the open road. life-giving water.

so project 320 hits a familiar chord. the season always makes me one part joyful and one part cranky--gift-buying can make me a little frustrated, but gift-giving is always enjoyable, especially when giving life to someone who needs it. that is why each year we give simple gifts to our families and friends and donate to worthy causes. consider helping build a well this year. give water.

all next week you have the opportunity to give and to receive...visit project 320