Unity in the Body

We Have One Head — Christ — And Unity in the Body

The Global Advocate’s Conference came to a close tonight and we can only go back to each of our countries better people, better Advocates for children.  I had not realized how many partners we have in this fight against poverty.  It is so assuring to know that other Christians around the world are doing their part through Advocate’s Networks in other countries.  As we all take directions from our leader, Christ, we will accomplish a mighty work.  This is truly the body of Christ – loving, serving, suffering together, giving, praising God.  It is not a building or a certain denomination, race or fellowship.  It is a world-wide body of believers and nothing is going to stop the mighty growth of this entity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been so blessed by the worship with Graham Kendrick.  He has taught us new songs, shared scriptures that we have actually put to music together, and has brought us together in unity in so many ways.  One day we were called to repent as a nation, each individually, for the abuse, neglect and harm brought against our children.  We gathered around each of our flags in separate groups and brought our corporate sins before Him.  It was a moment I will never forget. 

 But our unity and fellowship was not limited to the nations that came; we were also united with our fellow believers here in the Dominican Republic.  I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for us from children, parents, Pastors, project directors, country office staff, LDP students, translators, kitchen and waitress staff and by our tour guides.  We can never repay them for the kindnesses shown to us. 

 We have a huge global need to help those who are hungry, broken, and in darkness; and it takes a global effort to bring comfort to those who suffer.  The word “compassion” means “to suffer with,” and this is truly what we have done this week.  We visited homes today and prayed with the families.  We took gifts to the projects we visited.  We sat down and played with the children, took their photos and let them take our photos.  We giggled and danced and sang with them.

 I truly believe we need the poor as much as they need us – they have given us their joy, contentment, humor, love and blessings this week many times.  I know I will return home with less greed, selfishness and materialism.  I know that I will remember I have a whole army of Compassion Advocates all fighting alongside me for the children among us who have needs.  Our speaker tonight, Tony Neeves, said that we are part of a huge network–a huge army.  We were certainly united in heart and mind tonight as we prayed again for our countries, for the wonderful Dominican Republic staff that have served us this week, and as we sang together again in worship. 

As I have thought about the love I have for so many friends across the United States, in the Dominican Republic and all around the world, I am reminded that we each have our own stories of pain, hardship and suffering.  We also have our stories about why we are Advocates today.  It is these stories of hardship that have caused us to speak up for children in need.  It is the reason we are filled up with the love of Christ.  

I know God has done a mighty work in all of us, and I give Him all praise for His gracious love and blessing.

~ by Juli Jarvis on October 10, 2008.