I'm at the airport in Charlotte. It's early here, but it's even earlier where my beautiful family is still sleeping in Colorado. I wonder if my 4:15 AM EST (2:15 AM MST) wake-up call will leave me worthless this evening. I'm expecting that to be so.
But it was a great weekend. It started with a sneak-peek potluck with the Hands of Hope ministry team at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC. One of their volunteer leaders, Justin Rhodes, traveled to Russia on a HopeChest Vision Trip with Jerry Kaufman, a dear friend of mine, in February 2008. Just about 1 year later, after some pastoral transitions, and some prayerful, courageous, and deliberate decisions, they decided to sponsor the 135 children at Kirov #1 orphanage in Kirov, Russia.
On Sunday, I was able to offer the ministry moment at all three services, and speak to one Sunday School class. After BBQ ribs for lunch (I couldn't resist - I was in the Carolinas after all), I spent the afternoon with Justin and his wife and son, Rebekah and Jonah. Then at the evening service, we focused on sharing God's heart for the orphaned child and saw over 50 of the children sponsored. The Hands of Hope ministry team is going to continue to work toward full sponsorship and an upcoming trip to visit the children at Kirov #1.
It was great to get to know Justin and Rebekah and to hear their heart for ministry, courageously lived out in service, mission, simplicity, and compassion. You can hear their heart too by visiting their blog: Paid For. Also check out the site for the ministry they started called The Holler.
We enjoyed getting to know you too! Glad you got back safe ... please bring the family out to visit sometime.
Rebekah
Posted by: Rebekah Rhodes | February 24, 2009 at 09:08 PM