TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

Greetings & Blessings to All,
Do you ever wonder if you could really make an impact on others' lives? Could you impact a few? What about dozens or hundreds, thousands? How about a billion people? So often when we think of ourselves, we don't see the potential that God has placed in us to impact the lives of others. We may feel we don't have the right connections or enough education. We may feel that where and how we were raised has proven more of a handicap than anything else. We often neglect to remember that we were created in the image of the creator of the universe(s) seen and unseen. How great is our God and how able He is to do great things through us, even if we don't see ourselves as having much to offer. A couple of weeks ago I met a man named George Verwer. An unassuming man in what I would guess to be his late sixties or early seventies. The occasion of our meeting was an anniversary celebration for an organization called Operation Mobilization. During the celebration I learned some interesting things about George. In 1957, while a college student in Chicago, he got this crazy idea to go to Mexico to hand out gospel tracks and share the gospel. He managed to convince two friends to go with him. Driving an old beat-up vehicle, they managed to get there after about a two week trip. They didn't know what to expect, where they would stay or how they would eat. They just wanted to share the gospel of Jesus. Crazy right? I'd say so, except in spite of all they had to endure, they wanted to continue to share the gospel there and elsewhere, and managed to convince even more friends to go with them. As I sat during the program celebrating 50 years of missions work, I was in awe to discover that George and his crazy idea had thus far resulted in over ONE BILLION people around the world receiving the good news of our Lord Jesus. Currently, there are over 5,500 missionaries from OM on every continent in the world. Many are risking their lives, and a few have died or been arrested for sharing God's Word. Some are in particular danger in places like Iran or parts of India. OM also has four former cruise ships that stop in many ports around the world. Millions, yes, millions have come on-board these boats, and by the time they exit, their lives are not the same. They have learned about Jesus and His incredible love and saving grace. Because of George and his impulsive, crazy idea to go to Mexico in 1957, 50 years later over one sixth of the world's population has heard the Gospel. By the way, you know that of the 5,500 on the mission fields, and even the staff in the U.S. and U.K. headquarters, none get paid! They raise their own support. So, what have you done for the Lord lately? Still think you have nothing to offer? Neither did George, but look how God has used him. We met before the program began. He was introduced to me as the founder, though at that moment I had no idea that OM was as huge as it is. As George and I talked, he never told me what he had done. He did not try to impress me with his accomplishments. He was just George, a slender built man with a huge heart and crazy in love with God. Can you make a difference? Of course. Even if you are in the business of underestimating yourself, never underestimate the God in you. Remember, God often chooses the low, the weak, the common, the ignoble to do great things. Just surrender who and what you are to God and let the work that He does through you speak for you.
God bless you all.