GOD'S AMAZING LOVE

A changed life is the most powerful testimony there is of the reality of Jesus Christ. Nothing declares the truth of the gospel more effectively; nothing brings Him more glory. And when you witness the Lord's touch upon someone's life and see Him using them to make a difference in the lives of others, it fills your heart with such wonder and joy that it is hard to even express.

I recently received a touching email from such a person in my life, my niece, Hannah Koppers. She is a young woman who has followed God's call all the way to the mission field of La Paloma, Mexico. Today, I want to relay the poignant story she shared of the work that she is doing among poor orphan children in that place. I encourage you to take a moment to read it through. I was moved by the warmth and simplicity of what she writes, and how it so clearly expresses the heart of Jesus and His call upon us all to, "go… and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19).

I pray that Hannah's story of God's amazing love will inspire you to continue laboring in whatever fields He has placed you.

Hannah writes:

It's 6:30 am. We just finished our morning prayer. The sun is casting its bright eye over the sleepy Mexican landscape. Despite how difficult it was for me to drag myself out of bed this morning, I feel good, and I am excited to see how God will answer the petitions we've just lifted to His Throne of Grace.

As I finish my coffee I hear the children beginning to stir. A hushed whisper and the creaking sound of someone getting out of bed signals that it is time for me to start breakfast -- scrambled eggs with tortillas. I put on some worship music and begin cracking eggs, hoping they will sleep for another half hour. Oh how I cherish the peace and quiet of these early morning hours.

Just then Pearla appears. She comes out of her room in her Little Mermaid nightgown, curly black hair tousled by sleep. I sigh inwardly as I greet her, "Buenas dias, mija." She leans against my side pulling my arm around her. Though difficult to do while scrambling eggs (and chiding away momentary annoyance) I simply can't resist cuddling this sweet child just a little bit.

Pearla is six years old. She has spent most of her life in the dark, oppressive environment of her family's segunda (secondhand store). Her young mother has a history with abusive men and as a result Pearla has suffered things that no child her age should have to endure. Love has been rare for her, security nonexistent. As I remember her story I hold her a little closer, and patiently try to answer her endless stream of questions.

The majority of the children who live in the La Paloma program bear scars from abuse (physical and emotional). Yet I have seen the powerful difference that love has made in transforming their young lives, and helping them, at least in part, to heal. Where once they were morose, now they laugh; where once they were wary, now they cuddle.

The eggs are ready, the tortillas hot, and the peaceful morning has been shattered by the sounds of children's voices. Pearla wriggles out of my embrace and runs off to play. I take this moment to ponder: In this house -- in this family -- there is no end to love. And by extension there is also no end to the demands placed on that love.

A light bulb suddenly goes on in my head. "That's it! That is the reason why this is the hardest place I've ever had to live, to work. Not for lack of love, but for its abundance." Love is beautiful, but it asks so much of me:

When I am tired, love asks me to go that extra mile. When I am frustrated, love asks me to be gentle. When I am reading, love asks me to lay aside my book and read Green Eggs and Ham for the fourteenth time. Love asks that my lap always be available, my arms always open, my temper always even, and my patience endless.

Is it any surprise that most days I find myself wondering how I will make it through? My love can nurture, for a time, but it runs dry. Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph! He knows that I can't do it, and is just waiting for me to realize it too. His grace is always sufficient: His love is ever flowing, and it is His love and grace that is accomplishing the powerful work of binding up the broken souls in this place. What a lovely thought,