At 2 weeks old, we quickly we both discovered the liberties we took for granted, like sleep as we currently don't have any children of our own. I had the opportunity to play 'Mr. Mom', just like Michael Keaton in the 80's movie.

 

Truth be told, looking back, I kinda miss it.

Me and Linda are a part of a program called Safe Families. Safe Families is a faith based, non-for profit organization that assists families when medical emergencies, domestic violence or financial hardship interrupts the family unit, a 'Safe Family' is there to host a child/children into their homes for a season, until the family is able to reunite. We really enjoy being a safe family and would recommend this program to those who are willing to open up their homes and be there for the kids and families. This program has also revealed some old 'social hang ups' that were instilled into me as a child growing up in a community where viaducts separated other social & ethnic communities in Chicago. Thank God that He has changed my heart.

Our eyes were also opened as this program gave us both a glimpse into our parenting styles.
Did I just see someone smile? Well, after a month of 'playing house', Sasha's back home and we're finally catching up on some Zzz's. Can't wait to do it again.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' - Matthew 25:35-40

For more info on Safe Families - www.safe-families.org

 

- Dave

If we are to follow Jesus, we are called to follow His ways and to what He has commanded us to do. According to Matthew 28:19-20 we are called to go out unto all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and to teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us to do.

 The other night at Starbucks, as I was wrapping up an accountability time with someone I am mentoring, a person from another table approached us about a potential business opportunity. This provided a time to listen to him and for us to share the gospel or good news about Jesus. We talked for about 2 hours sharing similarities in life and our need for a saviour. As our relationship continues from here, I look forward to mentoring him.

 Later on today, I will be mentoring another person who knows the Lord, but has never been baptized. Following the Lord and doing what He has called us to do is big in His eyes. In a world that is always competing for our attention and wanting us to be comfortable, there will be times to  that will lead us away from our comfort zone; especially in these Summer months. But investing in someone else’s life and seeing a broken person become whole again; seeing a marriage transform and become alive again - it’s by these investments that Jesus always care about. 

Question:

What do you have to give to another person; will it build them up or tear down them down? Will lead them toward Jesus or away?

How can you contribute - Time, Treasure, Talent - toward reaching this ‘Great Commission’ that Jesus commanded us to do?