For many years now we’ve given monthly support to some children around the world. Four in Guatemala, one in Ethiopia, and another in Burkina Faso. Why those countries? Here’s some background. We’re on a boat sailing across Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, when we see a group gathered by the shoreline with some in the lake’s waters. Daily vacationers? No, these were believers getting baptized in Jesus’s name. That sparks our interest in Guatemala. We look for ways to help. Our prayer is answered with four Guatemalan children getting to know and love Jesus through two Christian charities we know and trust.

Africa? A friend mentions that one of the poorest nations is Burkina Faso and that he has the heart to help them. Not sure what he does with that burden, but we decide to check out some Christian group that offers child sponsorship in that country. It’s now been 13 years supporting a girl in Burkina Faso.

We’ve never been to Ethiopia, but we’re mystified by the Ethiopian Orthodox section of Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is a church like no other. The Ethiopian Orthodox worship area seems scary and dark, but magnificent in its spiritual eeriness. A spark of interest ignites. For more than seven years now, we’ve sponsored a boy in Ethiopia.

I’ll be the first to admit that none of the above gives me brownie points in God’s paradise. I didn’t win some heavenly charity competition. Our goal was not to wangle something from God because of what we did for Him. Bargaining with the Almighty in the worst possible way. Tit for tat. I’ll do this for you if you do that for me. No.

This is something we want to do. Voluntarily and willingly. To share Jesus with those we’ll probably never see in this life. But someday. You know where.

Bottom line, we love these precious young people, fulfilling what the Old Testament prophet Micah says “…and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths'” (Micah 4:1-2).

A multitude coming to know the Lord. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? Paving the way to Jesus for others. Something we can sink our teeth into. Where we enter the picture and do something for someone else for a change.

How about you? A burden sparks an interest. Something nags at your heart. The Lord nudges you toward certain people or a specific project for Him. At first, it’s barely noticeable. But then a hint preys on your mind and heart. It grows and won’t let go.

So, why not get with God’s program? Whatever that may be? Make room. Clear out some distractions. Just do it. They’re waiting…for Him!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for purpose beyond me, I, and myself. For your sake. Amen.