In deed together we stand but how?

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Permalink Reply by Juline Bruck on July 15, 2010 at 12:07am

Jerrie,

This is a partial answer after several hours of thought and prayer. Not to discount prayer - faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Much of your solution belongs and will flow from this unseen place where God still creates from nothing. That you had access to the internet to supply us with the information that you are, indeed, having huge challenges is a blessing.

You should have an expectation from the believing church - the interesting thing is that so many of us are having significant problems ALL at the SAME TIME. It's interesting because what are the chances of that kind of thing happening. We've always relied on the assumption that some would have abundance and some would have lack. The open hearted sharing would permit all to have enough. This is an time like the 1930's in America where there is widespread need almost everywhere you look. So it's a good idea to go back to that time and learn what that generation had to do in order to survive. Unite was one of the things that happened.

It's a lot of little blessings from many people rather than a large amount from one person that wins the day. I wrote on the United discussion here about asking ten people to give five dollars - trust me - if I had asked them for ten then the answer would have been 'NO'. Honestly, we should be willing to go ten dollars in for a neighbor or a friend. If our finances are lived so perilously close to the edge that the loss of ten dollars puts us in serious trouble then we have to be honest about how things were before the need came. There are so many people who have needs that it's God's SPirit to touch who will give what and how much and when. We have to let God coordinate this kind of ministry because it's overwhelming how many need so much. In Jesus, we can respond effectively.

I have done research on organizations that are registered in California.. and most of our friends and neighbors are shocked to hear that there are so many organizations that are dedicated to helping the public. THere are more than 40,000 organizations in the State of California that are registred non for profit groups. If you don't know what is out there, this help effectively does not exist for you.

I don't know the options for the country of Nigeria. I do believe you that your situation is as tough as you say. Getting educated about your true options, not just the quick version is one way you can be effective in crisis.

Another thing is that there are groups that are dedicated to Africa that are based here in America. Some of them may have resources for you. That may be an effective way to help you. So while I may not provide a direct beneift.. this side benefit may be very valuable to you.

Keeping us informed about how you are doing might also prompt someone to offer help in the form of stuff. For example, we might not have dollars, but we might have nails. If we send you that building supply, that might be worth a lot as you are dealing with your roof. It might cost something to send that item to you, but you get the idea. It's help in another form. There's a lot of ways that help can come.. and thinking in bigger ways means you don't miss God's hand as He touches your lives.

It's not enough to just wish you well. I do know that. I"m not content to just type some things and call the job done. I have to wrok inside my life and that's a challenge. There isn't as much 'wiggle' room as I'd like. Part of my prayers are that I can respond more directly to needs like this. That's where I'd like abundance too. I do have wisdom and sometimes that wisdom creates opportunities.

Everyone has at least one good idea. If you collect good ideas, you can exchange them with other people. The good news is that you can exchange one good idea more than once (as compared to money which is gone once you spend it). YOu can also get a free expert opinion if you ask an expert one (at the most two) quick, respectful questions. The good news is that there are many experts in the world. If you shop your next one or two questions, then you can collect a lot of very good information that has a lot of value to it. Many people like to hear themselves talk. This can be a source of knowledge that may get you more resources.

You also have power in your friendships in their life skills. If you sit down with paper and pen (or pencil), you can write down what they know and what they have access to and WHO they have access to.. and what do they have that you might borrow with good behavior on everyone's part. That means you don't borrow it too long and so forth. You might be surprised when you make this list that some of your needs might be met this way. For me, one of the items on my list is childcare. This has been met by a mom of a classmate. She's great! Everyone has a good time. She turned down my offer of money because she says eveyrone just has fun and her child does too. She says she gets a lot done with her child because she's an only child and is always asking for Mom's attention.

I'm not done, by any accounting. There are So many things you can do to improve your situation while I'm searching my life for whatever else I can find that might help you.

Permalink Reply by Jerrie G.Addy I on July 16, 2010 at 9:01am

Julie it's so good to hear from you.I want you to know that I do agreed with you that there are so many people that are in need and it is scriptural yet the Apostle paul in galathians 6:9- says that we must be weary in well doing and we should do good to all but especially to the household of faith.Though I am in great need yet I still give to others like me and not only think about my family and myself.we have children in our Church without parents that we are catering to. All over our country because of the cruel civil war there are children who are in need daily need as well as medical need.Concerning my roof I will appreciate what ever help the Lord will laid on your heart.I want you to know that the photo that you are seeing are my family and this family before the roof was out live in oneroom house and we have been praying for a bigger home that is to build a home which I started by making bricks though do not have the funds yet believing and trust our God for provision.I thank you so much for your love and concern that you are showing I believe not only to me but to the household of faith and it's my prayers that God will open unto yopu more effectual doors.
Pray to hear from you again.Before I close,the Church is also trying to undertake a building project so we need your fervent prayers.
God bless
Pastor Jerrie G.Addy I

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