The Least of These

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:37-40)

I am still overwhelmed. My eyes still see poverty. My heart still aches. Conviction over worldly stuff still haunts my life. Last week in Santa Elena, Honduras, my eyes and heart were held captive at the Lincas of Honduras. The Lincas are an Indian group settled in the hill country bordering El Salvador. Their income is next to nothing, their housing is inadequate, and their physical needs (clothing, food) are in short supply.

We got up Thursday morning to leave Santa Elena having experienced an incredible three days of ministry. Here are just a few highlights: saw over 3300 patients; distributed over 12,000 prescriptions, had 654 pray to receive Christ. We were physically drained and spiritually spent. As the children came back to school (the school closed during the clinic and reopened on Thursday) we were again touched by so many in need.

One little boy stood out among all the needs. He has no mother and walks a mile and a half just to get to school every day. His tattered clothing (probably the best he had) reminded us of the words of Jesus, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” God impressed upon our leader, Bob Slay, to immediately address his need for clothes, and then we inquired as to the others in the school and how we might be able to help them.

The principal and some local teachers shared with us that there are approximately 170 children who do not have adequate clothing. They shared with us that $25.00 would provide shoes, pants, and shirts for school. Did you get that! $25.00!!!

Early Saturday morning I was reading in Proverbs and this verse jumped off the page, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Prov. 3:27). God made it clear to me that we are to raise $4,250.00 to clothe every needy child in that school. Sunday morning you responded with affirmation and we are in the early stages of “blessing a child.” Thank you for your gracious fulfillment of Matthew 25:40.

Maybe you read my Monday thoughts, but live outside of Jacksonville and as such are not a part of the First Baptist family. You can still bless a child. You can send a check to the church and note that it is for children in Honduras. After a few weeks we will forward the money to Alba Anderson in Honduras. She and Michael will purchase the clothing and take it to the children of Honduras. Michael and Alba Anderson are our Honduras missionaries. Make you check to First Baptist Church and send it to:

First Baptist Church

230 7^th St NE

P.O. Box 400

Jacksonville, AL 36265

God placed on our hearts last week that we are all faced with an option: Are we going to live for a great comfort or a great cause? Are we going to focus on amassing more stuff, or are we going to fulfill the words of Jesus and look to the needs around the world? I pray God burns in us a desire to live for a great cause!

Derek