How often do you hear someone pray “Come on, Lord, it’s only $55,000.00!” That was Pastor Peter’s prayer after hearing that I volunteered to help World Renew (a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church) raise the funds needed for the Healthy Babies, Healthy Mom Campaign. World Renew had raised $175,000.00 and they needed an additional $55,000.00 by April 30, 2015, for a total of $230,000.00 so that the government would match it 3:1, giving them $918,508.00 to help moms and infants in developing countries have a better chance at survival (http://worldrenew.net/babyshower). World Renew was looking for someone to encourage churches and organizations across Canada to come up with the remaining funds. Since the program began in 2011, I have wanted to be involved, but the right opportunity didn't present itself until this appeal for a volunteer came through.
The staff at World Renew accepted my request to help out and I began research into how many Christian Reformed Churches there are in Canada and then tracking down contact information. After several weeks of research and much prayer, I started contacting the churches. It was an interesting mix of reactions—some churches didn't respond, some responded negatively and some with great enthusiasm. After six months of research, contact, reminders, suggestions and talking to God about it - "remember what Pastor Peter said, Lord? There’s still a way to go!" - this email came from World Renew: “Our goal was $230,000 by April 30, 2015 - we are $10,330.15 over and there is still more coming in!” I cried, then thanked God for his answer to Pastor Peter’s prayer—above and beyond what we asked for!
Why am I so excited and passionate about this initiative? I love that it is directed at some of the most vulnerable people in the world—young moms and babies. I love that the program is aimed at developing the skills of nationals to look after themselves. I love that World Renew is so passionate about renewing hope, reconciling lives, and restoring creation. And that they are so responsible for the resources they receive. I love that Hope Fellowship supported this campaign in such a beautiful way. I LOVE that I get to be a small part of God’s kingdom work. World Renew’s latest report just came out. You can get a glimpse of their ministry on the cards in mail slots and longer reports are available at the Info Centre.
The staff at World Renew accepted my request to help out and I began research into how many Christian Reformed Churches there are in Canada and then tracking down contact information. After several weeks of research and much prayer, I started contacting the churches. It was an interesting mix of reactions—some churches didn't respond, some responded negatively and some with great enthusiasm. After six months of research, contact, reminders, suggestions and talking to God about it - "remember what Pastor Peter said, Lord? There’s still a way to go!" - this email came from World Renew: “Our goal was $230,000 by April 30, 2015 - we are $10,330.15 over and there is still more coming in!” I cried, then thanked God for his answer to Pastor Peter’s prayer—above and beyond what we asked for!
Why am I so excited and passionate about this initiative? I love that it is directed at some of the most vulnerable people in the world—young moms and babies. I love that the program is aimed at developing the skills of nationals to look after themselves. I love that World Renew is so passionate about renewing hope, reconciling lives, and restoring creation. And that they are so responsible for the resources they receive. I love that Hope Fellowship supported this campaign in such a beautiful way. I LOVE that I get to be a small part of God’s kingdom work. World Renew’s latest report just came out. You can get a glimpse of their ministry on the cards in mail slots and longer reports are available at the Info Centre.
- Evelyn
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