Friday, June 20, Servant Friends

Happy Friday! As I write, I am sitting in the Embassy Suites in Concord, NC. Today, close to 600 women will be arriving for the Proverbs 31 Ministries' Annual She Speaks Conference. There is excitement in the air as we anticipate all that God has planned for the weekend. In the midst of all of this, I remembered I had a devotion running today. The topic of "Encouragement for Today" is one near and dear to my heart.

If you are visiting my blog because you read my devotion, welcome. It's my pleasure to share with you some pictures from that story. Today's devotion, which you can view by going to http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2008/06/servant-friends.html, is titled "Servant Friends". It was inspired by my daughter, Hayley Grace and her friend, Sydney. Together they worked to raise money for a very worth while cause, Compassion International. The picture above is from the first time they set up a stand to sell rocks for the "pore". The money they raised, they decided to donate to Compassion International.


Here is another picture from another time selling rocks. I am amazed that people actually bought rocks, but they did. Well, kind of. They really bought more than rocks. They bought an opportunity. An opportunity to do something good. An opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. An opportunity to make 2 little girls trying to raise money feel really good about themselves.




Here you see Sydney and Hayley Grace. They are holding pictures of the girls they sponsor through Compassion. Yes, with the help of their families (and selling rocks), they give money to help these children. More than that though, they are building relationships with these girls. They write letters

and draw pictures for each other. They are making an inpact and changing the world for the lives of these girls. And in the process, they are changed as well. Their bond of friendship has a deeper meaning because it has a greater purpose.

Hayely Grace on "Rice and Beans Night". This is the night we eat a meal similar to what our sponsored kids may eat each day. After the meal, we write letters, draw pictures, and gather special photos to send.






I had the privilege of traveling to Ecuador last August with the Proverbs 31 Team. Meeting Maria, our sponsored child, was one of the most special times in my life. I was able to see first hand exactly how Compassion International is working in the lives of the sponsored kids and their families.



I hope these pictures and this story have inspired you and moved you in a way that you will take action. Maybe you are considering sponsoring a child through Compassion. If you'd like to do that, just click here for more information. http://www.compassion.com/Sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=68813

Or maybe you've been inspired to get with a friend and together choose a cause that is special to you and team up to make a difference there. It's a way to take your friendship to the next level by adding a impacting purpose.

Or maybe you don't know how to get involved serving somewhere. Well this is your opportunity to pray and ask God to open doors for you. Your life can be used in a mighty way. You were created for something way special. And sometimes it can be a simple as selling a few rocks:)

Blessings and Happy Serving!

Melissa

****If you have a story of friendship and serving, please share. By sharing your ideas, you may give someone else an answer to their prayer of how they can serve! Also, if you decide to sponsor a child, let me know that too. Thanks a bunch! Love to all:)