Help stop this terrible disease!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFZz6ICzpjI

Wow! We have so much! Stuff that is. I was talking with a good friend today about simplifying and then I came across this video.

Since returning from my missions trip to Ethiopia this summer, I find it hard to forget the everyday amenities and conveniences I enjoy. Brushing my teeth with clear, running water, directly from a faucet. Taking showers (without flip flops) that last entirely too long because the water is so wonderfully hot and clean. Walking barefoot in my home, not scared of what's on the floors. One towel for my head and one for my body. More food than two people can eat yet I find myself at the grocery store a lot because we have no food in the house (what?). Too many pairs of shoes to choose from every day. Standing in front of a closet jammed pack with clothes, saying that I have nothing to wear. Dusting a bookshelf with an entire shelf full of Bibles....what translation do you need? Carrying big sacks of plastic bottles out the the recycle bin because I've had a lot of fresh bottled water to drink, as if the water from the tap isn't good enough. Medical and dental care within walking distance. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

We are so blessed with so much. So many don't have the very basics that we sometimes take for granted. Six months after the missions trip, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with that experience, with what I saw, heard, smelled and tasted. Praying the Lord will show me a tangible way to do SOMETHING meaningful for Him for His people.

Here is the Scripture I took away from Ethiopia:

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? James 2:5

And here is something for us to wrestle with:

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:15-17

And and:

"The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 24:40

I believe the Bible makes it clear that we are called to tangible ministry to others. Hope you'll chew on this with me....