Hospitality

God gives each of us different gifts and abilities. I admire those who are able to utilise the gift of hospitality to connect with people and serve God’s Kingdom. In a number of cultures around the world, being hospitable is a normal part of their daily life. They are keen to serve others in a very simple way even if many of these people are very poor.

I am constantly thinking how I can use the gifts God has given me to further God’s kingdom whether here in Australia or overseas.

Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

This picture might be random however it is a picture of the old house I used to live in when I was living in Indonesia. The house was not very stable, it leaked when it rained and the house did flood (only a few centremetres) a few times however it was 'home'.

It is very easy to get caught up with everything that is going on in life and forget about great memories with friends and family. Having this photo reminds me of a number of years back and creates fond memories. I am sure you can relate to memories from the past too.

Refugees

This is a word we hear often, of people leaving their homes and fleeing a country due to war,famine or persecution. Refugees usually leave without any possession or documents and look for refuge in a place they can call 'home'. With my involvement in volunteer work with refugees, I am amazed by their resilience and happy nature. Yes, they have been through a lot however they are able to have normal conversations with people like me. It is important Christians pray for refugees around the world that they mind true peace with God and come into a relationship with him.

North Korea

I have a passion of letting people know what is happening around the world. It is happens that I will be doing a major project shortly on social justice issues so I thought I would let you, the audience know about North Korea. This country borders China and South Korea.



From a Christian point of view, it is the No. 1 perseuctor of Christians worldwide. There have been people caught trying to escape from this land.Its repressive reigme is a major concern for the many people living in North Korea with many thousands struggling with the basic needs of food, water and shelter.

Pray for Many North Koreans who are still living in horrible conditions. Pray that the Christians will always trust in God.

Statistics on Poverty

In one of my TAFE classes, we have looked at poverty and inequality. Here are some statistics I have found, which makes me think more about what is happening in our world.

• Over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day.
• 121 million children are out of education worldwide.
• 25 000 children died every day as a result of poverty.
• Around 1.8 million children die as a result of diarrhoea.
• 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized


(Source: http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats)

Psalms 136

Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea [a] asunder His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
17 who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.
23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.