They Walked From Brazil

“They walked here from Brazil”, she said. That stopped me in my tracks as I was chopping and prepping lunch for 30 Haitian refugees yesterday in my church kitchen. My dear friend Crystal and I were making lunch and dinner for these dear brothers and sisters in Christ who had traversed continents to be here.  Nothing had prepared me for that statement! Walked from Brazil? How does one even do that? What is so strong in your heart and mind that you would even attempt such a feat? I do not know that kind of passion. Humbled does not even begin to explain my feelings. I sit here today STILL overwhelmed by that statement. 

These precious people have come to America legally, sponsored by the Haitian ministry at our church. A few years ago our church started that Haitian ministry. These folks are passionate about Jesus and their love for each other. I have great love for my Haitian friends. We take for granted this blessed life we live. We have everything! Look around you right now wherever you are reading this. Crystal and I went on to count what we have here as Americans. We have clean water, indoor bathrooms, expendable income, cupboards full of food, houses to live in, clothes, electricity, medical care, retirement income, more than enough to NEVER complain! These people WALKED from Brazil with nothing to get something. They are full of gratitude for a better life.

This month has been a whirlwind of weird for me. It started with my own personal “mission trip” to work in my friend’s VBS in Elk Grove. I was to co-direct my own church’s VBS as soon as I got home but ended up spending 7 days in Oregon at my daughter’s hospital bedside. She was gravely ill. I flew home as the surgeon assured me she was on the mend. A day later my husband and I made our annual 4 day trek to Comic Con then I was off to our family’s annual beach camping trip. Yesterday I had the privilege of preparing a meal for people I did not know.  My pastor had called me and asked if I could provide a meal and I said yes. I said yes when I could just as easily have said no. I was so tired, spent, exhausted, worn out, my brain was on tilt but I said yes. Oh, I would have missed such a profound blessing had I said no! 

From shopping to clean up it took us 5 hours. It was hot in that kitchen. We had 3 fans blowing, 4 pans boiling, 1 oven blazing and 7 large banquet aluminum pans full of food to present. I would have missed the fellowship with Crystal and Jeff. I would have missed the comfort and closeness that cooking together with a friend brings. I would have missed that life changing statement “they WALKED from Brazil.” I am so blessed that I said yes! 

Matthew 25:35 says “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.” 

What opportunities do you have today to serve others? If you look around you will see myriads of needs. Jesus told us the poor would always be among us. Be Jesus to someone today. Don’t miss the blessing! They WALKED from Brazil to live here in the United States where they knew they would have a better life with more opportunity. Show your love today. You have such a God given abundance. Do a simple kindness. Say YES!  #whenyouwalkwiththewise