Open Your Heart

As I sit and think about Authentic Outreach I think of my little girl, Madelynn.  She is my precious 6 year old and she has special needs.  I have always thought of her as my mission field.  As a stay at home mom my mission field is pretty much my back yard!  But I am so blessed when others decide to  reach out to Madelynn by taking the time to say "Hi",  talk with her, and even play with her.  She may not respond to these people or even play with them, but I know that God smiles upon such people.  Think of Jesus's words in Matthew 25:40, "When you have done something unto the least of these you have done it unto God."  I believe that verse speaks volumes about outreach.  Outreach can look like so many things.  Outreach occurs when we sit with children and teach them about God,  or when I step out of my comfort zone to help others.  Outreach happens when I purposely smile at someone or even let someone get in front of me in a grocery store check out line. What this verse tells us is that Outreach happens when we value others more than we value ourselves, our time and our energy.  I encourage you to open your heart and let Christ work through you!!  I don't want to miss a moment to teach my children about Christ.  God doesn't want us to miss a moment to reach out and help those around us in need.  Open your heart today to help that person sitting or walking next to you at work, the grocery store or even in your home.  Do something for the "least of these" in your life!

Staci Quarles

Outreach Coordinator