By Debbie Vair
We have been tremendously encouraged of late by the staff and volunteers of World Orphans. Many have agreed the February staff retreat was a wonderful time of fellowship and learning more about World Orphans and each other, and we are still seeing the fruit of it months later. In some cases, the retreat was an opportunity for co-workers to meet for the first time; for some it was putting a face with a name of a person in close communication but never having met; and for still others, it was the joy of seeing old friends with like-minded and like-hearted passion for serving the church and the orphan. So here we are, two months later, and I continue to be impressed (it is making an “impression” on me) to see the mutual support, affirmation, burden sharing, equipping, praying, and simple friendship continue. We see and believe that the Lord has gathered a truly amazing group of people for this very time to do this very work, for His kingdom, seeking Him first. The fruit is becoming quite evident.
Romans 12:9-13 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
I see these verses played out in the lives of our staff, not only through their service, but also in their relationships. As our team reaches out to tell the stories of the fatherless, and as they work together within our ministry, it is a beautiful thing to see them reflect this call of scripture.
1 Peter 4:8-11 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
What a delight it is to serve alongside these brothers and sisters and to see the fruit of the Lord’s spirit in the lives of our team. I so clearly see His hand uniting us, so together we can praise His name as we share His truth throughout the world. We trust in His provision and grace as we speak for those with no voice, bring hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved, through the promise of Christ.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
I truly believe this is a work pleasing to the Lord, and that He will indeed put to good use these hearts devoted to Him and to His work, carrying His blessing and hope as they go.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 1:3-6