Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Faith like a child

$3,620.13

Three thousand six hundred twenty dollars and 13 cents.

THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY DOLLARS AND 13 CENTS!!!

Say it with me out loud!!

That my friends is what YOU did through your sacrifice.

Because you cared-

together you...

Gave hope.
Dried the tears of a hungry child.
Brought change.
Made a difference.
Gave a child a chance.
Saved a life.
Showed them Jesus in action.
LIVED the word.

I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time, for making a sacrifice, for jumping on board and saying I will. This is what it's all about!!! This is why you and I are here- to be His hands and feet.

That $3,620.13 came from a long list of people who came together and made one HUGE difference.

The day we left the Adami Tulu preschool in Ethiopia I remember turning around looking back at the children as they waved good-bye. I can still hear my daughter Addisyns voice in my head saying "What are we going to do mom now that we know?" and I sat there and thought to myself- I have no idea. What could we possibly do- the problem seemed so big? We are a family of 11 and we have bills to pay and mouths to feed, we didn't have much extra to be able to help. But you know what? I am so thankful I didn't say those words out loud because I could have stopped her from believing. Addisyn had faith like a child. She didn't let doubts get in the way of moving forward. She knew better. She knew that she could do what she could do- share what God had given her each day- her lunch. I know she had no idea at the time how much God would bless her effort. I know she had no idea how- but she simply believed He would.

Addisyn has taught me so much about my faith. I just want to encourage you today that whatever it is that God has called you to- just take that first step forward. Offer up what you do have instead of worrying about what you are lacking. Our God is big and amazing and He will provide what we need- if we just have faith like a child.

As I sit here typing this I have tears flowing down my face because I am just so crazy proud of my daughter and I am so proud of the body of Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the kind of people you are. Thank you for making this world a better place because YOU are in it.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

If you'd like to hear more about what one man is doing to help add more space onto the Adami Tulu preschool so more children will be able to attend check it out here and be blessed. :)
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10 comments:

Lexi said...

GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! WHOOOHOOO!!!! I am SOOO excited and wow....this is just incredible. Too amazing for words.

what a HUGE praise. seriously!!!

Thank you for sharing and give Addiysn a big high five for me. ;o)

Unknown said...

PRAISE GOD!!!!!! That is amazing and such a beautiful thing!

THANK YOU ADDY for doing this so we could all join you in what God has clearly called you to do!

Much love,
The Samter family!!!!!

Jean said...

God is AWESOME!

I just wanted to encourage you a little, if I can on the next endeavor for your family. Today I heard a message on the radio about finding Jesus, and he talked about the parable of the pearl. How the man that loved pearls sold ALL he had for that one special and best pearl and how Jesus is that BEST pearl. How we should give EVERYTHING to find Him. I was thinking, once we find Him, like I did in first grade, I mean what then. I have THE pearl. Now what. I heard God tell me "now DO EVERYTHING to obey what I tell you" and immediately I thought of your family. What you are "giving up" per se to obey what God is telling you and go where He is telling you to go. Thank you for being that living and present example.

Angie said...

So cool!!!

Dardi said...

YAYYYYY!!!! These small steps of faith lead to even bigger steps, & before you know it, she's gonna be taking bungie jumps of faith like her Mama! ;o)

Kara Lee said...

Wow! Amazing, God is sooo Good!!

Anonymous said...

Amy,
You and your family continue to inspire me---and challenge me in my walk. :) I thank God for how He speaks through you. Please tell Addisyn what a witness she is to my 11 year old daughter, Caroline. Since Feb. 2nd, Caroline has wanted to follow in Addisyn's footsteps and has given her lunch to those sweet children at Adami Tulu preschool. God has blessed Addisyn's efforts in so many ways! May God be glorified!!! Love, Julie

Aaron Klein said...

So incredibly thankful for your daughter's amazing idea to bring hope to orphans and vulnerable children in Ethiopia! :)

Anonymous said...

Speechless. Just amazing.
I Love our God and your family!
~Brandy

Phyllis said...

That is wonderful and amazing!!
Addisyn - Thank you so much for being such an inspiration and allowing us this incredible opportunity. You are changing the world!!
Phyllis & Kristen