Start with One, near or far

Yesterday while making visits to one of our members, I met her friend who was from Turkana, Kenya. It is about a 12 hour drive from Nakura, Kenya where Start with One is based. Right now, we have a team of members over there who are "Changing the world, one life at a time..."

I have never been but to talk with the people who come back from these trips, their outlook on life has changed, their hearts are changed, their capacity to love has changed.

You don't need to go to Kenya or Honduras or The Republic of Georgia, or Nicaragua (where we have another team now). But you do need to be vulnerable. You do have to open yourself up to new experiences. You have to believe that if you fail, everything is going to be okay.

Peachtree Road UMC does amazing things in the world internationally, but also locally.

If you can't find a way to go on one of our mission trips, consider signing up for the Great Day of service next Saturday.

Yesterday, I had no idea how far Turnaka, Kenya was from Nakuru, Kenya. I do know now. But the lady who was from Kenya was overjoyed that people here were doing something.

Daris McCullough, who went with our church on a trip Kenya three years ago, once told me "People never care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

In this world, whether you are faithfully serving in Kenya, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, the Republic of Georgia, or the state of Georgia, take time to let people know that you care.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (I Peter 5:7).

Thanks and Praise

Recently, I have found myself both on the receiving end and giving end of reference letters. It is one thing to ask for people to give honest feedback (that takes humility and a willingness to learn and hear what someone else is saying) and it is another thing to be in a position to give feedback to others.

As I write recommendations for people, I am struck by how infrequently I actually take the time to tell the people in my life what I really think and offer them thanks and praise.

It is a discipline to compliment others and say, "Thank you" or offer praise for a job well done.

But it forces each of us to think about the things we appreciate and the people we appreciate.

During Lent we talk about what we will give up. Think of ways in which this Lenten season you will take time to build others around you up and encourage them. Don't wait for them to ask for a recommendation letter. Tell someone in your life what they mean to you.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

(I Thessalonians 5:11)