“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever heard the saying that “even the best laid plans will go wrong”? Back in the day before I was about to retire, several co-workers and a few friends from Church asked what my future plans would be? My retirement was five years prior to the year of that magic age our world tells us is correct, but I told them my plans, but that even though the voices in my head may not be real, they have some good ideas!
I have never heard of anybody in Haiti ever retiring. The men and women reach an age where they can no longer put food into their bodies and they go to live with relatives and die shortly thereafter; that was not my plan. The attached photo is of some of the children and teachers at the Lutheran school at Bongnol which is located in the Artibonite District. There are ninety-seven children attending school here and for me that is ninety-seven reasons to volunteer my labors for Trinity HOPE to help feed these children while they learn about Jesus Christ.
As long as my feeble fingers can type out a daily devotion, a monthly prayer guide or an occasional article for Trinity HOPE, that is what my body will do to help feed 52,000 children in Haiti; that is what I will do. What are your plans for retirement? Have you given any thought to helping feed children in Haiti when you retire or even before you pick that date? These kids need you and your time, talents and treasures. Imagine how many could be touched by your life or by your legacy when it is your time to leave this world and head to Paradise. I was listening to Amy Grant sing on my MP3 recently while walking and the song ‘I can only imagine’ and the words directed my thoughts to about what the future will bring.
“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine; I can only imagine. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Halelluja, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine; I can only imagine. I can only imagine when that day comes and I find myself standing in the Son. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you. I can only imagine; I can only imagine. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Halelluja, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine; yeah I can only imagine.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay