The Great Banquet

One of Nicaragua's most powerful advocates is a gentleman named Eddie Morales, and it is my privilege to call him my friend.

Actually, Eddie has many friends - he's just that kind of man of faith (that I can only aspire to be) with an amazing vision, plus the gift of communicating his vision for those he serves.  His faith and confidence in his God using him for His purposes courses through his being, which is so contagious, one cannot help but be uplifted by his certainty that the vision he shares will be achieved and surpassed.

Tuesday July 9th, our Team had the honor of being visited by Eddie.  His smile and enthusiasm emanates from his deep faith as he met many for the first time, making instant friends.  (Note:  He remembers names well, even if you see him once a year!  Amazing!)

In the past year, the number of kids OrphaNetwork serves (through the spectrum of their initiatives) grew from 4,000 to 12,000 kids, causing the organization to "dream a bit bigger" and consider the story of Esther.  Our role, and that of many O'Net partners is to take Esther's being called for "such a time as this" to heart and act on that call.

If you recall, Esther wasn't sure if she had the strength to save her people from a holocaust.  Her uncle told her that God is God; he'll accomplish His purposes - he's God, after all.  So if Esther didn't stand up, someone else would.  Of course, Esther decided to take action by approaching her husband, the king, and telling him of the evil plot to destroy the Hebrews.  Her action required bravery, for merely approaching the king uninvited meant certain death.

We know how the story ends and it leaves me thinking of another story of God doing God's work, and that is in the parable of The Great Banquet.

Luke 14:12-24 (I love Luke - he was a physician, so scientific and detail-oriented, ensuring that what he was writing was accurate - I digress).  Luke 14 records the parable of the Great Banquet where God the Father invites many to his table for a banquet.  So his messenger goes out and invites many of the social elite to the banquet, only to find the potential guests making excuses for not coming.  As a result of the returned RSVPs, God says, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame."  

The host is God the Father.  The guests are the Pharisees and other "elites" that end up turning down the invitation, so God searches for the poor, lame, and others considered social outcasts so that they can take their place in the Kingdom of God.  Some theologians believe that the parable should only be interpreted this far, but I'd like to add (and I am no theologian).

I am so grateful for those who supported me prayerfully and financially - you are all truly committed to supporting our efforts here and in Nicaragua.  

You have been invited and accepted an invitation to affect those in Nicaragua, as have those on our Team that travelled just a few short weeks ago.

God will restore the world, and as such, we've been invited.  As the Church, we've been not only invited, but summoned to affect others in a positive way.

Part of Eddie's vision is "affecting one person at a time," meaning - if we allow ourselves to be overcome and overwhelmed by the vast expanse of poverty, we may not take action (i.e. accept the invitation).  But, if we can affect one child, and that child grows up healthy and educated, loving the Lord, that child can graduate from the orphanage.  

When the child graduates, he/she makes a transition in the church and marketplace, then turns around to mentor another child.  Over time, this duplication can, and will, affect a nation.

"Lord, Father, count me in on your plans.  I know you can do it without me, but I need to be part of what you're doing.  Here I am.  Openly submitting my will to yours.  Use me as you will.  It's all yours anyway!  Amen!"