Do you ever wonder if you’re making a tangible difference in the world? I know I do. Due to the nature of a 24/7 news cycle, social media, and a constant state of being “plugged in”, we are faced with information about a groaning world seeking help. We are presented with daily multiple needs and requests. It can get pretty overwhelming, even when we give money, labor, time, prayers, or other resources in answer to God’s call. Sometimes we don’t even answer because of that overwhelmed feeling. There is something that happens, though, when we obey God. Matthew 22:34-40 says:
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they met together in the same place. One of them, an expert in the Law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus told him, “”You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is exactly like it: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Amber Thurow is a ROWAN sponsor who recently returned from visiting Uganda with a team of people led by co-founder Kelsey Hargadine. Amber sponsors a widow she has never met named Rachel. Amber was looking forward to meeting Rachel in Uganda.
A little while ago, before the trip, Rachel became very ill with infected kidneys. Her condition was serious, and Amber sent some extra money to help cover her medical fees. Soon after the team’s arrival in Uganda, Amber and Kelsey were helping out in the village clinic. A woman came through the doorway and it was Rachel! She was there for her check-up—Amber was stunned to see how well she was doing! Both women were filled with joy. Rachel couldn’t stop telling them how happy she was that she was feeling better…so she can take care of her children.
Amber found out what happens when we obey God. We are first to love Him with everything we are and everything we have. And we are to love our neighbor as ourself. Amber does that and doesn’t have to worry if she is making a tangible difference. God gives blessing, joy, and peace to those who love and obey Him.
Amber, Kelsey and the team visited Rachel in her home and spent time in fellowship and prayer. Rachel shared her favorite verse, Luke 14:13:
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…”
