Change the World One Family at a Time
Posted on August 13, 2007
The needs of people in poverty seem overwhelming, the challenges too great. It’s easy to fold ones hands and say, "Wouldn’t it be nice to help but maybe another day." Our little start-up church, CedarRidge, thought "yes, but perhaps today is that day." With small amount of money sent ahead for the project to begin, we six men with hammer and saw, hats and gloves decended to Mexico this past weekend, to the border town of Piedras Negras.
The foundation and walls freshly poured, we commenced to put a roof on a casita, a little house of 200 square feet. The sun was hot and the days were long but begin we did with determination in our hearts and construction on our minds. With the wisdom of men and energy of youth this structure was built, giving the couple more than a new roof.
Friends and neighbors gathered round while we measured, cut, pounded and laid the boards in place. With sweat pouring and endurance tested, we worked long into the afternoon sun. The smiles upon the faces, new hope in their hearts gave us the encouragement we needed to finish this project well.
The time we spent in Mexico was short, but the lessons learned were long. There is opportunity to give, to serve and encourage those a short distance away. It seems a contradiction, but this I know is true, whatever we do to the least of these, to Him the Lord we do.
Upon completion of this little house, the wife of the couple said, "it’s so big, it’s so big." Lest you think yourself in great want, consider those who have much less. With hearts in thanks to God, their life has been changed. My heart too is larger now, stirred to do more of the very same. At the least we plan to return again next year, us men to build more houses. We also with children and spouses will go to other places and share our resources, giving from our abundance.
I don’t worry about the next meal, our health is good and our possessions are many. In our great wealth though, we can be very poor in heart. The world grows small when you focus on the cares of cars, houses, stocks and bonds. Giving of my time has made me a richer man and I am truly blessed with the privilege to serve. Uncomfortable, hot and bothered was I to be drained of energy but far bothered would I be to sit idly by and do nothing.
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7 Responses to “Change the World One Family at a Time”
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[…] At CedarRidge we believe Church is about making a difference in peoples lives. For us, serving God is serving people. The recent missions trip to Mexico impacted a family giving them a new house to call home. It also stirred the hearts of six men who did the construction. Read one persons blog post reflecting on the trip called, "Change the World One Family at a Time". […]
Hi Phil,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. Indeed, we all need to be rich in heart. It is the deeds that count not the thoughts. You are showing a great example. I believe many will be encouraged by your example.
Many Blessings to you and yours
Sam, Thanks for your comments. It is challenging to live a life of serving others, never an expert, always working to be more of a practitioner. It is so easy to fail, but it is exciting to reach beyond the needs of oneself.
I never, ever take for granted what I have each day. How lovely that you gave to the family whose house you built. Yes, I understand how much others lack. I also understand how challenging it can be to provide them what others have — or at least a semblance. How lovely.
Kelly, This was definitely something I couldn’t have done alone. Joining in with others made it possible. I think that’s part of the power of joint efforts. It would be easy for me to think of myself as being “done”, at least for a while. We are going to do a service project this month for an organization a couple miles from where I live that offers assistance to those in need. It’s amazing the opportunities once you start looking around.
Hey Phil — I enjoyed reading your experiences in Mexico! I loved your email and will respond soon. I miss you much. — Mike O
Mike O, Hey great to have you drop-by my little spot in the ether. Always good to hear from you brother. Looking forward to when we are together again on one side of the ocean or the other. I’m getting excited about powerpointpartners.com. Sounds like you folks are doing some great work.