I love the story of Hagar.
She had an encounter with the Living God in the desert. She found herself expecting a baby and at the same time receiving bitter opposition in the home where she lived. The story is well-known, and found in Genesis 16:1-15.
God met her at the point where she had given up in desperation, ready to die, so great was her thirst. "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" The Angel of the Lord came to her and promised a son, Ishmael- he would be a "donkey of a man", with his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, living in hostility toward all his brothers. Then she gave a unique name to the Lord, El Shaddai, "The Lord who sees me, for I have seen the One who sees me." (I believe this was an appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in a pre-incarnation moment. Think about the nature of her words!)
Ecuador has a very high percentage of teen aged girls who are expecting a child. Teen pregnancy according to the government is above 20%. Christians in various cities provide medical care, basic resources and counseling for girls 12 to 18. Some as young as 11. The cycle of poverty facing these young girls is a huge threat. Poverty, ignorance, poor health, violence in the home, and reduced opportunities for both the mother and the child: these are some of the sad situations ahead for one in five girls in Ecuador.
The situation in other South American countries is also serious. Young lives are deeply affected. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ makes a huge difference to individuals. May thousands of young girls and women be able to say, El Shaddai, "The Lord who sees me, for I have seen the One who sees me." - and not only find water in the desert of their experiences, but love, care and a nurturing home.
Recognizing this, you might want to make this your focus for loving people this year. In Ecuador or any other Latin American country. If so, get in touch with your church, or mission agency. Pray, give and get involved.
She had an encounter with the Living God in the desert. She found herself expecting a baby and at the same time receiving bitter opposition in the home where she lived. The story is well-known, and found in Genesis 16:1-15.
God met her at the point where she had given up in desperation, ready to die, so great was her thirst. "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" The Angel of the Lord came to her and promised a son, Ishmael- he would be a "donkey of a man", with his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, living in hostility toward all his brothers. Then she gave a unique name to the Lord, El Shaddai, "The Lord who sees me, for I have seen the One who sees me." (I believe this was an appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in a pre-incarnation moment. Think about the nature of her words!)
Ecuador has a very high percentage of teen aged girls who are expecting a child. Teen pregnancy according to the government is above 20%. Christians in various cities provide medical care, basic resources and counseling for girls 12 to 18. Some as young as 11. The cycle of poverty facing these young girls is a huge threat. Poverty, ignorance, poor health, violence in the home, and reduced opportunities for both the mother and the child: these are some of the sad situations ahead for one in five girls in Ecuador.
The situation in other South American countries is also serious. Young lives are deeply affected. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ makes a huge difference to individuals. May thousands of young girls and women be able to say, El Shaddai, "The Lord who sees me, for I have seen the One who sees me." - and not only find water in the desert of their experiences, but love, care and a nurturing home.
Recognizing this, you might want to make this your focus for loving people this year. In Ecuador or any other Latin American country. If so, get in touch with your church, or mission agency. Pray, give and get involved.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the recap of Hagar's experience. And for a reminder of the God who sees me! Also for a prompt to help those in need.
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