Our first Christmas in Ghana, away from family and friends, has been a mix of emotions. Of course, some sadness at missing all the gatherings we had with family and friends, but also joy. Joy for the fact that a holy, loving God would send his only son into this sinful world so that we can have intimate relationship with Him. I think once you become a parent the impact of the sacrifice is even greater. I cannot imagine choosing to send one of my girls somewhere that I knew they would be mocked, ridiculed and eventually crucified. John 3:16 says, "He so loved the world", can you imagine a love so strong that you would give up your only child? I cannot imagine the heartache and pain for the Father, but oh, the joy for us! That a way was provided for us to have relationship with our Father, our Creator. How can we keep a joy so great to ourselves? We can't! Or at least we shouldn't! We spent part of our day "giving Christmas" away, as did other missionaries in our area. We went to Kaneshie market and handed out about 125 meals to "market kids". These kids live and sleep at the market. Most kids were teens, but some were younger. There is a man who helps them that also grew up in the market. He sees the potential for these kids. So many kids who have no home, nowhere to go. They look out for each other, but it has become a dangerous area at night. Some kids have had property stolen while they sleep, others abused in unspeakable ways. There are many people who want to help, so we are praying that together something can be done. Until then, some hungry kids received a meal, water and a treat of candy and soda. Two girls, Gloria and Lucy, came home with us. Both teens, both pregnant and living on the street. So excited to see how they come out of their shells in the coming weeks and months. We also brought home a little boy. Right away we could tell he was sick. The man who helps the kids says that this boy is sick a lot. So the decision was made to make room and bring him home today. Already I see a difference in him, in just a few hours time. His eyes were so sad and he needed a bath! Tonight at our Christmas celebration, he had gotten a haircut, new clothes and a bath. He was hesitant at first, but was encouraged to dance during our party and let me tell you, this boy can dance! His smile came out and it lit up his whole face! His name is Bright. Please be praying for all three and their transition to life here at CORM.
On our way back home, I saw an old tro-tro, wheels off, rusty and sitting in an empty lot. It was clear from the clothes hanging on the doors and the two men sitting outside on stools that these two men were living there. Everywhere I looked today, there were reminders of how blessed we are. I am reminding myself that "giving Christmas away" should not stop on Christmas Day. It should be happening all year long! I KNOW that God provides opportunities for us to do this daily, but how many of us are listening? So as we approach a new year, I remind myself, that it's a year full of new opportunities and I don't want to miss a single chance to give "Christmas" away. How are some ways that you can join in? Can you help a single mom you know? Mentor a youth in your area/church? Visit a shut-in? I know everyone is busy, but I know that God will be placing opportunities to give Him away in our paths. Let's be watching for them!
Dawn
Check out the song, "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9BVGkb5bxRY
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