God is for the Poor

Happy Easter.

Let me give you a little background on this post. On New Years Eve, my Pastor (Keith Battle; www.zionchurchonline.com) preached about spiritual pregnancy, meaning God designed you to share a special gift with the world....and the pregnancy is the care and toil you go through in order to actualize and share the gift.

At that time my family didn't even know I had applied to the Peace Corps, but I knew it was what God wanted me to do, and I was confident that this was the time to do it, but (like in 2007) I was nervous for the reaction from my family. But I prayed over it and now, looking back, while my family is still scared, they have become my biggest supporters and advocates through words and deeds. So over the last several months, I have with lots of care and plennnnnnty of toil worked on seeing this spiritual pregnancy through. Unfortunately, in the process, I've neglected a ton of friendships and subsequently, I've spent less time at church and serving in church.

Well, I went to Easter service with my family today and I couldn't be more thrilled by the message I heard and the confirmation I received about my journey. Main point: You may be in the worst situation but God sees you and can help you. This message furthered the month long point of how God is for the poor and since Jesus is no longer on Earth, we are the ones who should show compassion and serve the poor..

Today Zion Church RESURECTED the lives of five families! One family was blessed with a furnished home; next family was blessed with financial support for a double lung transplant; a third family was blessed with $10K to care for her sick child, the 4th family was blessed with rent for 6 months and other gifts, and the 5th family was blessed with a minivan! NOW THAT'S CHURCH! Zion...A Movement-Not a Monument!
My church is amazing!

I've had such a warm feeling all day in reflection of today. I am more excited and dedicated to serving in the Peace Corps (wherever placement sends me) because God is for people and while I still have a lot to learn in this life, I know I have a lot I can contribute to a community somewhere. Today was a great reminder to continue to see outside of my own needs and think/pray for the needs of others. We can get so caught up in the Peace Corps waiting game and the worry of where am I going, when am I going, will my nomination stick?! Believe me I've experienced all aspects of the R.A.S. but after today I've settled into a strange calm. Everything will happen just as it should, I just need to focus on bettering myself everyday so that I can be a better volunteer in the community to which I am placed.

okay now back to studying....3 weeks left in my [last]semester of grad school and less than 2 months until my students graduate and embark on their higher education journey. I've got a lot to be grateful for =)