 A LOVE THAT GIVES
   
On November 15, 2007, a few of the men and women in the singles ministry got an opportunity to serve and share God’s love with others in our community. The experience was amazing and helped me gain deeper convictions on love. In my daily life, I at times find it challenging to serve others because it’s easy just to focus on my personal life. However, in 1 John 3: 6 God challenges us to lay down our lives for others just like Jesus did. The idea of putting my self to the side for others is overwhelming, but having Jesus’ example to follow is like a breath of fresh air. I left this experience knowing that everyday I am given an opportunity to serve and love others as Jesus did. The opportunities may seem insufficient to meet all of the needs around me, but I know taken advantage of them will allow God's love to be expressed to others.
-Anne-Marie Magloire
NICOLE'S MISSION TRIP TO KENYA!
   
My trip to Nairobi, Kenya was inspirational and life changing. This was my first time visiting a third world country and the hearts of the people there blew me away. They were humble, respectful, polite, generous, giving, and loving. I went with a faith-based, non-profit organization called HOPE Worldwide (Helping Other People Everywhere) and we were able to do mission work with HIV-AIDS orphans, abandoned children, the school of deaf, blood drives, and much more.
A memorable moment I had was when I was with a little boy named Manuel at the abandoned children center. He was one years old and he clung to me the entire time I was there. The conditions of the place were so poor that a lot of the toddlers and younger children did not have diapers so they would soil the clothes. Initially, I did not want to hold Manuel because he had urine on his pants, but I had to think of Jesus at that moment and how he touched people in their worst condition. I also had to think when was the last time and the next time Manuel would be held. Therefore, I embraced Manuel and got urine on myself, but it was all worth it when he was able to fall asleep in my arms and be consoled. I left the center crying because I had to let Manuel go, but I made a vow to God and to other children like him that I would pray and find a way to help them out of their situation one day.
The heart of the Christians in the Nairobi church helped us to feel welcomed and taken care of us as if we were right at home. The safari we went on was amazing. I felt like I was in God’s backyard. The beautiful sunset at dusk left me awestruck by God’s wonder and creation. The pride of about ten wild lions surrounded our caravan helped me to see the spiritual battle in a deeper way. They were plotting to attack a baby elephant, but they planned it in a very subtle and collected way; the same way the devil preys on us.
Overall, my trip to Kenya left me with three deeper convictions. 1. To always first be inspired by my personal relationship with God through obedience to his word. 2. To help others know God regardless of their culture, race, or socio-economic status. 3. I need the poor in my life for me to stay humble and grateful and to serve them as best as I can and wherever I am.
-Nicole Plummer
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