All Hands In!

"All Hands In" is a phrase my daughter Carrie came up with one day in the car when we were discussing what to name a possible future ministry in human trafficking that we would start. She explained that to end "Human Trafficking" everyone must lend a hand in order to be successful. After reading and watching the media for the last several days on the recent earthquake in Haiti, the phrase "All Hands In" is exactly what is needed now more than ever
to bring assistance to everyone in Haiti.

When AB Women's Ministries sent out the word that Church World Service needed Hygiene and Baby Kits - women have stepped into action. I belong to a small American Baptist Church and I immediately shared this with our Pastor and Moderator. We put a plan into action that not only
would we ask our congregation to collect the items needed, we would open this to our community and others to invite them to become involved. We have sent out emails, facebook postings, updated our website and have placed an article that will appear in our local newspaper next week. Already the response has been amazing and we have barely just begun. Collection sites and drop-offs have been put into place. Volunteers from the community have asked if they can collect items and bring them to us and teenagers have asked if they can assist in assemblying the kits and packing them.

I know that our world is filled with good but somehow we never get to see ourselves at our best. It is only the bad that comes to media attention. Why does it take a natural disaster and so much devistation to bring out the good in people?

Matthew 35:25 states, "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." As Christian women, we need to follow this message every day of our lives as Christ has taught us. Maybe the rest of the world will catch on that giving to others is much better than receiving. I have come to learn and experience that by giving out of love, God blesses me with so much more than I ever gave.

As we continue on our pathway seeking God's purpose, let us place "All Hands In" to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Let us continue to keep them in our prayers. Let us keep our hands moving in service to God and bring glory to him with giving and loving hands.

Until we connect again, let us continue down the pathway together as Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara