Giving Above and Beyond

     In 19 days I leave for East Africa.  It has been almost three years since my last trip and each day I get more and more excited about seeing the children of Amazing Grace in Adjumani, Uganda.  

      The priority of the trip is to survey and prepare a site for the new building that will be built over the next several months.  Our partners at Camp Eagle in Rocksprings, Texas gave Lahash International a generous donation to build one of two new dorm style houses.  We are hoping to have two build by January of 2013 and start moving the children into their permanent new homes on their new land.  You can read more about the project here: Building Hope

       Three summers ago, Grace Community Children's Ministry hosted a summer VBS and during that VBS the children raised over $2000 towards the purchase of the new land for Amazing Grace.  One particular story during that four day event really touched my heart.  A mother pulled me aside one day to tell me about an event that happened at their home the night before.  At the dinner table her ten year old son asked his father if he could have his allowance a day early.  Being curious, the father asked why and the son proceeded to tell him about Amazing Grace, the needing of new land for a permanent home.  He wanted to donate his allowance to ensure that the children were able to get a new home.  It took every ounce of my being not to start balling my eyes out as I listened to this mother, through her tears, share with me the joy she and her husband had about their son's heart in giving.

     I tell you this story because if a small child can get it, why can't we?  He was willing to give up his allowance to children he may never meet, because he wanted them to have a home.  This young man looked beyond his own needs to the needs of others.  In Matthew 18:4 Jesus tells his disciples "So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." 

     One building has been paid for, but we have more to build.  Are you willing to sacrifice something; a cup of coffee, a soda, a meal to give to others?  Can you give above and beyond what you normally give?

      If you are willing to give to the efforts of Lahash, then go here: Give.  Under Special Projects select Building Hope:Amazing Grace Family Homes.  If you are wanting to give for my trip in July under Lahash Travelers select 'Eric Chapman'.

       Blessings to you all!

       Chappy