Open My Eyes
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God gave me an amazing gift in the spring of 2003. It was the gift of exposure; exposure to a different culture, people group, and way of life. I was given the distinct privilege of taking my first trip to Romania with Foundation for Hope. God used this trip to impact my life in so many ways!
In Romania one can clearly see the devastating effects of communism. The poverty and lack of industry is painful to see. For the first time in my life, I was face to face with a true picture of phrase ‘3rd world country’. We were able to go into villages, orphanages, hospitals, and churches to minister to people in desperate need. The faces broke my heart. I almost felt guilty for all the blessings that I have. God has been so abundantly good to me and yet I was gripped by the thought that these people are His children also.
God used this experience to “open my eyes” to the truth that God knows and loves ALL of His creation. Although I will never know ALL of God’s creation, I can love those who cross my path. I have so much of this world’s goods, how can I refuse to give to those who have so little? Where is the love of God in that? (I John 3:17) I was and am burdened to allow God to open my eyes, heart, and hands to those He desires to love through me. This is a prayer that should be daily on our lips.
Much more than just physical, emotional, and material acts of love and kindness. God was moving on my heart for the souls of these people. Truly the most loving thing I can do is share the gospel in clear and compassionate way. There are literally millions of people worldwide who have never heard about Christ. May God open our eyes! May we see His people and may God fill our heart with love for them!