.jpg)
MISSION ARTICLES
This is a collection of articles that our missionary wishes to make available to you. If you find that our efforts are important and worthwhile, perhaps you would consider supporting us financially. If so, Please Click Here and in Preference, please enter "Elizabeth Ratliff"
Or, perhaps you would like to come to our mission and participate with us in this very fulfilling work. To find out more about how you can organize your own team, Please Click Here. Or if you would like to find out about how to join a team that may be looking for additional members, Please Click Here.
We are all created equal.
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
The God that created the world; the God that created the heavens and the earth, created us all equal. Image bearers of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
For me, living in Nicaragua is difficult. I see the face of the child sleeping on the street and my heart hurts. I see the grandpa limping on the road begging for 10 cents, fare for a bus. I read the stories of the girls that are legally sold into marriage as young as 10 years old in Sudan.
I think about my adorable little son sleeping on the street. My grandpa stranded on the side of the road. My beautiful girl being forced into an abusive marriage. Untold horrors abound in this world.
So where does that leave you and I? Kenzi has asked me several times in the few months that we have lived here in Nicaragua, “Mommy why is that girl sad?” She sees their faces. She sees their emotions.
My response. “Kenzi this life is hard for a lot of people. People are hungry. People are sad. But there is someone who can fill their heart and give them hope. His name is Jesus.”
Friend please do not forget that there is One who can fill our life with hope and love. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God. He loves unconditionally. Will there still be poverty in this world? Yes. Will there still be inequality, prejudice, hunger…? Yes.
Let me tell you about a new friend that I have recently had the honor to get to know. This family eats rice and beans every day, and at times struggles to be able to put that on the table. This person smiled with joy and shared that the love of Jesus has filled the soul to overflowing. God’s love has covered this family through each one having a personal relationship with Jesus.
I wish that I could stop the hurt. I wish that I could give every child a loving home. I wish that I could stop the injustice. Can I? Not really… What can I do? I can love the people that God brings into my path. I can show them love and that I believe that they are created the same. How?
While studying at a local coffee shop an old man approached me, begging for money. He had a hard time talking, let along walking, with what appeared to be a problem with his hip. Knowing the problem of addictions, instead of giving him money, I offered to buy him breakfast. He didn’t quite understand. I walked up to the waiter at the restaurant and asked that he please make the old gentleman comfortable with a refreshment and to let him know that he would be served food. Did this solve all of this man’s problems? No. I wanted this man to see that a life changed by Jesus can love others. I pray that this man will see that Jesus loves him. I pray that this man will know Jesus personally and intimately. I pray that the love of the Lord will fill this man hope.
What can you do? You can love the people that come into your day. The woman at the grocery store, the man at the gas station, the child at the park… Let them know that Jesus loves them. You don’t have to go into a long sermon. You could simply say, “I hope you know that Jesus loves you so much. You are valued. You are worth so much more than you could ever imagine.”
I have to say that I am so thankful for the team of people who give to enable my family and I to live in Nicaragua and show the love of Jesus. You are changing lives here in this country. You are the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching the broken to share hope and love. Did you know that Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the entire Western Hemisphere? Simply said. There are a lot of opportunities for my family and I to love on others through your generosity. THANK YOU!
“I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Cor. 9:23
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Let pray together:
Jesus I pray that You would help each of us to look at every person the same; created in Your image. Jesus I pray that the love that You have put in our hearts would overflow to reach everyone for Your glory. Jesus I pray that you would help us to love unconditionally. Thank you for the love that you have mercifully poured out for us all at the cross. Lord I pray that You would help us to bravely step out and show your love in our actions and words. Amen.
