I am now reading “Radical --Taking your faith back from the American Dream” – I am reminded that Jesus is not a nice, middle class American. His purpose for us has nothing to do with prosperity and success. I have to ask myself -- what am I really doing? Am I just living a convenient faith? Am I willing to go into the tough places, and do more than live a comfortable life?

But God has indeed grabbed each one of us. He has awakened us and broken our hearts. We long to see God advance His Kingdom, to use us to help to alleviate physical needs and attend to spiritual needs of the people in McDowell County, West Virginia.

Like the boy distressed to see thousands of starfish washed up on the beach after a hurricane, he knows he can't save them all, but he can make a difference for "this one" as he tosses it back into the ocean. If we can make a difference for one, it will all be worth it. But of course, it will be all God's doing, because He is at work here, and we are just going to join in!

I can’t seem to get our trip to Welch off my mind. It has continued to tug at my heart since the moment we left the school house. It’s sort of like that last bite of chocolate cake. The flavor just lingers and it makes you smile and want more. Not that our trip wasn’t with its fair share of roadblocks, we all agree it was. But God’s perfect orchestration of each minute of our trip just makes me yearn for more of Him.

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation. Ps 149:4