Jamaican Jubilee: Understanding Growth

"Growth demands a temporary surrender of security." -Gail Sheehy

I'm realizing more and more, the truth to this quote. If I want real growth, I must be stretched beyond my comfort and security. Only when these aspects are stripped away, do I see just how much I must rely on God. Although I'm loving my time here in Jamaica, it is definitely stretching me, and I hope, growing me.

I'm reading, "The Hole in Our Gospel", by Richard Stearns, and my thinking continues to be challenged as it relates to my responsibility to help "the least of these". It is not an option, it is a command. Look at the words of Isaiah 58:6-8,10-11,

"Is not this the fast that I choose;
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

If you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong\;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail."

I have been challenged with these verses, what am I really doing to "satisfy the desire of the afflicted"? Think about it.

This past week, I saw God work in the heart of one of the girls troubled by significant psychological and spiritual problems. The first week, she wouldn't make eye contact, was very anti-social, and burst out in rage if she was addressed. This past week, she has been much more social, relaxed, and open. Oddly enough, I saw who she really is through playing the card game, "Uno". She picked it up quickly, her competitive spirit came out, and she is now known as, "The Queen of Uno" here at Hebron. During our frequent games, she is open to making small talk, and little by little, letting me into her life. I may not be at the point of discussing heart issues with her, but I am learning to build a trust relationship with her, slowly, but surely. Praise God for her progress!

Saturday, I had the opportunity to go out into the "bush" (the country) of Jamaica, to a small church and be a part of an all-day Abstinence Training Seminar. It was incredible to hear about the current sexual pressure and issues facing Jamaican teens, see the burden the Jamaican Christian high school teachers have for the teens, and observe a variety of activities, statistics, and other methods to help in the presenting and encouraging of abstinence in teens today. Although we know the situation in America today isn't good, I was shocked to hear the stories and facts about the Jamaican youth, where 25% of all girls are raped as their first "sexual experience". I see how vitally important the work of the Pregnancy Resource Centre of Jamaica and the Hebron House really is. Pray for the funding and provision for these ministries.