When the September team came, on the last few days they were here we found some leftover bags we had forgotten to hand out. I’ve been trying to figure out whom and how to give these bags out when I decided to do “Blessings in a bag”. So I went to the supermarket to shop for some basic things to fill the bag with. The list of what each bag included can be seen below:
I want you to know exactly why I’m doing this though. God has blessed me immensely, like He has most of us reading this (no matter our circumstances at the moment) we are FAR more blessed than a lot of the world. God doesn’t bless us so that we can keep it to ourselves, however, He blesses us so that we might find joy in that blessing but not keep it to ourselves, but share it with others –this is where “Blessings in a Bag” came from.
As I peered out the window seeking someone to go give the bag to I just didn’t see anyone. I’m sure each and every single one of the ladies that walked by could’ve used the bag but I knew God would point me exactly to the person that had the most need. Then a lady came walking by in a black skirt, yellow top, jacket, everything looked normal until you saw that she was carrying her shoes and limping. I ran after her with a bag in hand. When I approached her I asked her what her name was…Naomi. I explained to her why I was giving her the bag, what was in the bag and who I was. I looked down at her feet (bad idea, I’m surprised I didn’t pass out). Her feet were bleeding profusely, her legs messed up as well. I asked her where she was headed and she said she was going to the hospital (less than a quarter of a mile from where we were at that point). I asked her how this had happened; it obviously was not just blisters from her heels, when she said she fell off of a motorbike (one of the main sources of transportation here known as boda boda). I walked with Naomi to the hospital to try and see if I could help her in any further way. I know it probably wasn’t the safest for me to walk to the hospital and stay at the hospital with someone I just met but God was telling me to stay, go with her. Needless to say, I went.
I am thankful for the fact that I listened to God when He said go. Yes, I sat at the hospital with Naomi for a good 2 and a half to 3 hours but during that time I gained a sweet, sweet sister in Christ and a family I can now say I’m a part of in Kenya! God had something up His sleeve…It was just a matter of whether or not I was willing. I feel often times (I’ve definitely been here before) we are so caught up in our own lives and our busy schedules that we don’t take time to stop and listen to God when He says “GO”.
I am thankful for Naomi’s health as she was quickly taken care of and discharged. I am thankful for her amazing husband that took such great care of her, and me while I sat with her. I am thankful for the doctors and medical staff at Machakos Level 5 hospital that responded quickly and helped my sweet friend. And I am thankful to God for leading me to Naomi.
Moments like today with Naomi are a constant reminder to me that I am EXACTLLY where God wants me to be and needs me. Nothing gives me a peace quite like that.
I want to challenge you to give a “blessing in a bag”. It doesn’t have to be something expensive or massive. Go, meet someone you feel God is leading you too. Share a small part of how God has blessed you with someone else. You never know who He will lead you to; you just might end up with a lifelong friend or a wonderful witnessing opportunity. And if you do share a “blessing in a bag” I would love to hear how God worked through that!
“Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing work in your days that you would not believe if told….Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation God, the Lord, is my strength” Habakkuk 1:5, 3:18-19
- A loaf of bread
- A tub of butter
- A pack of rice
- A wooden spoon
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- A box of matches
- Pack of hand washing detergent
- A pack of pads
- A bottle of water
- A pack of tea
- A sweet (Small pack of gum)
I want you to know exactly why I’m doing this though. God has blessed me immensely, like He has most of us reading this (no matter our circumstances at the moment) we are FAR more blessed than a lot of the world. God doesn’t bless us so that we can keep it to ourselves, however, He blesses us so that we might find joy in that blessing but not keep it to ourselves, but share it with others –this is where “Blessings in a Bag” came from.
As I peered out the window seeking someone to go give the bag to I just didn’t see anyone. I’m sure each and every single one of the ladies that walked by could’ve used the bag but I knew God would point me exactly to the person that had the most need. Then a lady came walking by in a black skirt, yellow top, jacket, everything looked normal until you saw that she was carrying her shoes and limping. I ran after her with a bag in hand. When I approached her I asked her what her name was…Naomi. I explained to her why I was giving her the bag, what was in the bag and who I was. I looked down at her feet (bad idea, I’m surprised I didn’t pass out). Her feet were bleeding profusely, her legs messed up as well. I asked her where she was headed and she said she was going to the hospital (less than a quarter of a mile from where we were at that point). I asked her how this had happened; it obviously was not just blisters from her heels, when she said she fell off of a motorbike (one of the main sources of transportation here known as boda boda). I walked with Naomi to the hospital to try and see if I could help her in any further way. I know it probably wasn’t the safest for me to walk to the hospital and stay at the hospital with someone I just met but God was telling me to stay, go with her. Needless to say, I went.
I am thankful for the fact that I listened to God when He said go. Yes, I sat at the hospital with Naomi for a good 2 and a half to 3 hours but during that time I gained a sweet, sweet sister in Christ and a family I can now say I’m a part of in Kenya! God had something up His sleeve…It was just a matter of whether or not I was willing. I feel often times (I’ve definitely been here before) we are so caught up in our own lives and our busy schedules that we don’t take time to stop and listen to God when He says “GO”.
I am thankful for Naomi’s health as she was quickly taken care of and discharged. I am thankful for her amazing husband that took such great care of her, and me while I sat with her. I am thankful for the doctors and medical staff at Machakos Level 5 hospital that responded quickly and helped my sweet friend. And I am thankful to God for leading me to Naomi.
Moments like today with Naomi are a constant reminder to me that I am EXACTLLY where God wants me to be and needs me. Nothing gives me a peace quite like that.
I want to challenge you to give a “blessing in a bag”. It doesn’t have to be something expensive or massive. Go, meet someone you feel God is leading you too. Share a small part of how God has blessed you with someone else. You never know who He will lead you to; you just might end up with a lifelong friend or a wonderful witnessing opportunity. And if you do share a “blessing in a bag” I would love to hear how God worked through that!
“Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing work in your days that you would not believe if told….Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation God, the Lord, is my strength” Habakkuk 1:5, 3:18-19