Andrew
In my younger days, I didn’t think I wanted children. Nothing against kids, but growing up with the experiences I had, I thought I might be a terrible parent. I was deeply afraid of damaging another human being. But then holding my first daughter for the first time, everything changed! It was truly amazing! I’ve held each of my other two daughters for the first time at their births too. And I’ve experienced the same joy and amazement all three times! The awe and wonder of one of God’s greatest gifts to man!
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
Some of the things I experienced in India with a ministry partner were heartbreaking. People afflicted with leprosy and shunned from society. Widows and orphans who live on the margins and believe they’re cursed. And yet, through each of these experiences I saw the hand of God at work. Amazing people sharing their faith, serving those most in need, and living out the Great Commission in some of the most dangerous places on the planet. All of this confirmed I’m in the right place, doing the right things, and building towards a greater Kingdom impact.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
When I was 15 years old my family lost everything. We slept in the car. I often went to bed hungry. We went from middle class to homeless in a day. And every time it seemed things were getting worse, God intervened. We’d run out of money, and “out of nowhere” someone would drop off a bag of groceries. Or a gas station gift card would appear in my mom’s locker at work. It was in these seemingly small gestures that I knew God was with us.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
I serve on the board of an organization that provides support for veterans, active duty military, and first responders who are experiencing post-traumatic stress and trauma. While I’m not on the front lines of this work, I see through my volunteer service just how evil the world is. And the high cost that we ask people to pay every day to confront that evil and protect the rest of us. But there is hope. Many of these people are realizing that they are loved, forgiven, and able to repair broken relationships with their loved ones.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”