"Making an Impact"

When I think of what it means to be someone who makes an impact, I think of several characteristics.  I think of someone who listens, someone who is willing to invest time in the lives of others, someone who puts others above themselves, and someone who looks beyond barriers that separate cultures.  There have been several people in my life personally that have made a huge impact, however people that make the most impact are the ones that aren’t necessarily even trying to.

Jesus was the ultimate leader.  He made the ultimate impact. He spent time with people no matter what, he listened, he gave, and he sacrificed.  Because of the impact that Jesus had on people, they were willing to “step up” and make a difference! 

Mother Theresa had a huge impact on our world. She once said, "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."  She recognized that often times people don’t want to do the “little things”, they want to do the big things so they can be acknowledged for what they’re doing. But her strength, her impact, came from being faithful over time with the small things.

Often times we find ourselves wondering how we too can make an impact. How can we leave a legacy, or fingerprint on this world?  It’s simple, follow this verse outlined in the Bible…it’s found in Micah 6:8,

“But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.”

Do those things. Do what is just and fair. Be compassionate. Be loyal. Take God seriously. And be faithful in the little things. If you do these things, your impact will reach far beyond what you ever could possibly imagine.

Serving Him,

Michelle Garland

REACH Director

Radiant Church

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Dirt Cookies

That’s right, it’s one of the reasons I do what I do. A Dirt Cookie can remind us why we are seeing through this vision God gave us to feed starving children in Haiti and the hungry here locally. 

What are dirt cookies? Well, think of this, you’re a mother in Haiti, you barely have a place to live, a few sticks, a tarp and cardboard held together, only a few clothes, rancid water and 4 or 5 children to feed, plus no money for food. What do you do as a mother?

You scrape together some of the clay off the ground, add some oil or salt if you have some and then you shape them into flattened discs and bake them in the sun. They are hard and bitter tasting. You give them to your children, not because they taste good or because they have any nutritional value, but it is the only “something” you have to fill their stomachs.

Hunger is a true reality in Haiti – one of the poorest third world countries. We can change this. Will you help us?

Karen

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"Pulse" Reaching Out

Catchy title, right? So, what does it stand for? Purposely Using The Lord’s Strategy For Excellence. That is the name of the children’s group who came and packed meals for Kids Against Hunger on January 28^th. These kiddos saved up enough money, along with a matching grant to pack 4,400 meals for starving kids in Haiti!

What a fun time everyone had. Fresh, young excited faces, their hair covered with hairnets and KAH aprons that stretched to their ankles. Proud parents (a lot of them) standing alongside, helping them pour in rice and ingredients, passing bags down the line and smacking them flat (vigorously I might add, I think it was the favorite job) to go into the boxes.

There was a whole contingent that colored the boxes and also drew pictures to go in them. The kids in Haiti will love that personal touch. I hope to have someone who knows (not me) attach a few pictures. I think my favorite is the one where they all gathered around and prayed for the long trip these boxes must make and for the kids who will receive them.

Thank you all who made this possible. Would love to hear your stories!

Karen

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