When enough is too much....

This week we had a challenge offered by our church, University Christian Church. Instead of an offering this week, bring one full outfit for the people of Haiti. My mother-in-law, Dori, and I had a great time shopping. We had fun, and it felt good to be able to do this. We were able to send 9 total outfits together to Haiti. But, why you ask???
Well, in Haiti, you cannot attend church if you do not have the proper attire. This is NOT a church rule, this is a societal rule. So, this deters many people from being able to attend and ever HEAR about Jesus, let alone become a believer.
While I think this is an awesome cause, some of my friends would argue that we first need to help the people in our own country. They would say we have people here who need clothing, food, and assistance. While I am sure that is true, let's take a moment to examine the facts here.
Fact 1 - there is state aid available to many people in the United States that doesn't exist in other countries.
Fact 2 - While some children or adults might be without a little, we really have NO idea of what starvation is in our society. Take an example that was told to us from the recent trip to Haiti. A mother is waiting in line to get medical attention. Workers there notice one of her 4 children are crying, and she is scolding the child. When the woman is helped, they ask her why the child is crying and why is she scolding them? Her answer, "He's crying because he is hungry. I am scolding him because it's not his day to eat." Take that in for a minute....it's not his DAY to eat....Maybe I live in a sheltered world, but I have never know of this type of starvation in America. This breaks my heart...
Fact 3 - The Bible tells us to help ALL of God's people. Not just our own. Not just the ones who believe what we do, but ALL. 1 John 3:17
"But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

So today at church, at the end of the sermon, he asked for all to start bringing up the offerings. It was SO amazing to see all the sacks of clothing for Haiti. I found myself crying. What an amazing thing that Jesus has done....It made my heart feel good and know that some day in Haiti, some man, woman or child, will get to go and hear about the gospel, because of these generous gifts. Can you imagine a country where you aren't able to just go outside in the clothing you have, where you can be persecuted for your religion? Where you don't even get the oppportunity to HEAR about Jesus, let alone, decide if you believe....
I cannot...and for that I am grateful....Today, I learned a lesson. I'm sure I've learned it before, and I'm sure I will need to be reminded again, but today it hit home....there are times in our lives when we complain about what we have or don't have, but in our country, enough is really too much....