Summer is quickly coming to an end with back to school events. This makes parents giddy and students not-so-giddy. As its the custom of dedicated educators, many have spent the summer learning, growing and honing their craft. We are gearing up for some of these back to school events. As always, you will be inspired by my incredible husband as he shares how we combat poverty and why we serve our communities in this repost. We believe in casting a stone across the waters to create many ripples. Be sure to enjoy what's left of your summer. Love & Blessings!!
During a recent travel, my uber driver and I were discussing about the effect of poverty in our nation. He was concerned that many churches invest more overseas while many communities are still affected by abject poverty in a leading nation as America. Sharing with him on the importance of the return on the investments made by churches overseas, my driver reasoned that bringing souls to Jesus Christ while alleviating hunger, poor healthcare, and enhancing quality education among other effects was worth every investment. Whether here or overseas finding ways to lead the least of these to the source of life is commendable (Matthew 25:40).
Our ministry-Take Back Ministries- works with disadvantaged families to restore and equip them back to a place that establishes generational legacy. Not just my wife and I, but each leader on our board have a heart to see tangible transformation in our disadvantaged communities. Our approach is different for each community we serve. However the common denominator for each community is building relationships and equipping them for a fruitful life.
No matter where we stand as believers on overcoming poverty in our communities, we know from scriptures that the poor will always be with us (John 12:8). This does not mean we develop an apathetic way towards poverty. Rather, it should stir our hearts to a place of generosity and to be open-handed to the least of these. I have heard the reasons why helping the poor are either good ideas or bad ideas. Helping the poor is neither but a God idea according to the scriptures. To obey the mandate to help the poor is just one of the ways of showing the love of God to a world that needs to know how much the Ultimate Giver loves them.
To believe, to know, to accept and to experience the love of God is a restorative medicine to the ills of humanity. The love of God is at the core of salvation. The love of God is at the core of freedom. The love of God is at the core of holiness. The love of God is at the core of worship. The love of God is at the core of commitment. The love of God is at the core of serving. Take away the love of God, and our profession of faith is obsolete! Because God loved, He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our eternal ransom.
Beloved brothers and sisters, as we follow in the footsteps of our heavenly Father- the Ultimate Giver in meeting the needs of the poor in our communities whether here at home or overseas, we hasten the coming of our Lord. God Bless You!
For The Cause of Christ,
Dr. Johnson Obamehinti