Serve God by Serving Others: Live 2 Serve

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15

All of the Ten Commandments are tied into two commandments:

1) "And though shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30

2) "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." - John 15:12

Discipleship

It takes hard work, love, faith, courage, and selflessness to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. We must pick up our cross and carry it daily, following the master where He leads. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Carrying our own crosses is one step in the right direction, however it is not enough. We must be willing to help our neighbors carry their crosses as well. Jesus said, "Come follow me." We can help others follow the Lord by helping them through their faith journey. One of the many ways we can show our love for God is by giving up ourselves to others. Serving others means giving up our time, energy, and skills to create a better world by helping our neighbors. We are all blessed and must use our gifts, which come from above. Everyone has unique and special skills, which can be implemented in order to help and serve our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We can show others what love and Christianity is all about by the way we walk. By this, I mean that talk is cheap because anybody can do it, but actions take a real effort and they are the solid proof of a committed Christian willing to serve others. There are many people who desperately need our help in this world. Sure, it is not always easy, but remember, God's Son, Jesus Christ, did not have it easy dying on the cross for us. WE are all called to serve the Lord and others in different ways. One of our missions in life is to figure out what way we are to serve the God and our fellow man. This part of exploring our faith is known as finding our purpose in life.
Every human being created was born into the world for a reason. Nobody is an accident; everyone is part of a master plan. Why are we, a chosen people, here on this planet? "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (John 15:16) We should not go through life taking everything for granted, but instead first being thankful for the life we have been so graciously given. Each person who roams this Earth must figure out why he is here. We all have a purpose: there is a reason why we have been given the gift of life. If we do not ever give any thought to what this life is all about, how can we understand how to live the right way? There are many philosophies and millions of ideas, but only one truth. That truth come from above, the Lord God grants it to all. We must live life by serving God and our fellow brothers and sisters, and then we surely will be rewarded. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10) When dealing with the purpose of life, we must always remember that no matter what career we choose or whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God with the purpose to serve Him, and those around us. God calls us to live through love and by doing this our life by grace is made complete. "In all that you do, whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (New Testament)
There are many ways to serve; it just takes some effort to get the job done. When we help cloth the naked and feed the hungry for example, we are essentially feeding and clothing Christ himself. For the word of God says "whatever you do for the least of my people that you do onto Me." "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall no way lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42) It is essential that we pick up our crosses, which are the struggles we face daily and prevail day after day for God in service. God is all knowing and understands all of the obstacles we face. Jesus is committed to getting up to bat with us, helping us overcome all of the curve balls that life throws. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) WE must remember that we are not supposed to be living for ourselves, but for God and for others. If we do this we will surely be granted a reward. We might not see our reward right away, but we know that God is true to us always, and will grant us happiness in the world to come. Mother Teresa, a true servant of the Lord and powerful missionary disciple who lived a life of love and charity, said that we should live life through JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself. If we live life this way, and in this order, we cannot go wrong. Doing God's will is the only way to live; there is no substitute to loving God and neighbor. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Let us in whatever we do remember these words of prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I will follow where you lead. Perhaps I will never understand the way of the cross; I will, though, by your grace and strength, learn to walk in it, confident that since it is the way you chose, it is my way to the Father as your disciple. Amen

GO AND BE FISHERS OF MEN!

Some of the ways we may serve the Body of Christ

-Habitat for Humanity
-Working in Soup Kitchens
-Donating clothing, food, or other goods to the less fortunate
-Donating Money to charitable organizations
-Visiting the Lonely
-Visiting and spending time with the Elderly, Going to Nursing Homes, Hospitals
-Offering help to others (especially our family) without being asked
-Helping siblings as well as being good big brothers/sisters
-Being a positive role model for youngsters and our youth
-Supporting those who are influenced by peer pressure and helping them abstain from alcohol, drugs, and sex
-Cleaning up the environment by picking up trash
-Helping fellow students with studies or in student tutoring
-Putting others first all the time
-Thinking WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) before acting and then doing the right thing
-Showing others the way of Christ by your faith, actions, deeds, and love

What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) Put Your Trust in God's Sprit, The Holy Ghost

There are many challenges and obstacles that are thrown at us on a daily basis. However, no matter what we face we must make a decision. This at times can be tough, but thinking before we act can save us from much pain, distress, and regret. Whether we are in tough situation or just choosing how to use our free time, we must think about our actions because they certainly will effect us and those around.

There are some people who will continue to waltz through life doing whatever they feel they desire at any given time. These people certainly will not get very far in a relationship with God. The disciples of Christ are those who take the time each day to say What Would Jesus Do? It is very easy, however so important and key to making a moral and good decision when facing temptation or what seems to be something that is "harmless." Asking oneself the question, WWJD helps us to take a step back and analyze our choice, understanding that if Jesus would do it then it is certainly ok for us to do.

It is true that we all have specific struggles, but by accepting the help of Christ who is the light we can overcome all darkness. In this day and age there are so many difficult things that we face whether it is temptations via the internet, television, relations with other people, or the consumption of various things, it is much easier to do wrong than it is to do right. With one bad choice entire life and the lives of others can be forever changed. This is why it is so essential to not only think what Jesus would do, but to step up to the plate and do it. Maybe it is not easy, but remember that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. It can be extremely hard to stand up against the popular norm, but by saying, "There are things I will do because I am a believe in Jesus Christ and there are things I will not do because I am a believer in Jesus Christ" we pick up our cross by the grace of God and make a bold statement about who we are and who is number one in our life.

Another daily thought which must come to our minds is that of the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Father so that when He returned the Advocate, the Holy Spirit could teach us all things and give us the strength to conquer evil and defeat sin. Through the power of God's spirit we have the ability to do what is right as long as we genuinely want the Holy Spirit to give us strength and are willing to make the effort to do all that we can. Certainly our life is empty without God, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. With this incredible trio we are in the best of hands and will be tended with the utmost love and care as the Good Shepherd gives everything to His sheep. So call on the Holy Spirit and ask the Spirit of the Lord for strength each day for this is the life force which we all need and which will be the guide that paves the way to an eternal future.

So in the days to come please call on the name of the Lord, for he is the one who lightens burdens and will give you rest. Ask yourself What Would Jesus Do? And say, come Holy Spirit fill me with the fire of you love and give me the strength that I need, help me to put my trust in you Lord. Being a Christian is awesome, being a soldier of God great, and resisting the Devil by striving to defeat sin putting our trust, love, and belief in the Lord, will hopefully help us reach the Heavenly Gate. Remember that all that we have comes from God and it is by Grace that we are saved. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (Book of James)

3 Week Immersion Trip to Kenya In A Nut Shell

Kenya Trip

NYUMBANI HOME

-Project of Father Angelo D’Agostino (Jesuit Priest & Medical Doctor) as a response to the issue of millions of orphans in Africa. Currently there are more than 15 million orphans in the continent.

-Children’s Orphanage for HIV Positive Children whose parents have died or abandoned them. Currently Home to about 100 children between the ages of 2 and 18.

-Sister Mary and another Nun take care of the Children along with a volunteer staff

-Have Nurses who administrate medication daily to the children.

-Children receive the proper nutrition, love, care, and schooling needed to have somewhat normal lives.

-Nyumbani Home has reached almost 3,000 children since the late 1980s until present.

-Nyumbani has the technology to test children and even babies for HIV.

-There are different buildings where the children live according to their age and gender. The teens live in houses by themselves and cook and clean on their own after being taught how to do so.

-SCHOOLING

-The youngest attend preschool at Nyumbani Home, while the other children go to school in the nearby community and city schools.

-FACILITIES

-Nyumbani Home has a full size playground, basketball court, and soccer fields for children to play. There is also a computer lab for doing projects and for further educational purposes. Mass is held every Sunday and the children participate as alter servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, singers, and dancers.

We spent some time a few days at Nyumbani Home with the children giving of ourselves to them by playing and just loving on them in any way possible. We went to Mass two times at Nyumbani Home and did other activities with the kids such as the computer lab.

NYUMBANI VILLAGE KETUI

-We also spent 5 days and 4 nights in Ketui a village 5 hours from Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. The goal of the village is to be made self sustaining so that the people can live off of the land and with the support of each other. Children who have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS killing their parents live with grandparents in the village homes.

-At the village we lived in a guest house which was equipped exactly how the villagers houses were. There was no running water, no plumbing (as we went to the bathroom in a hole) and no electricity.

-For the days we were at the village we worked along side the people there:

Clearing fields, watering thousands of small trees (which are used for fire wood for cooking), making Jicos (outdoor cooking stations), teaching in the school, covering books and assisting the teachers, and playing with the children.

-The average meal consisted of rice and beans and some bread.

-The kids were amazing: they were so attracted to us, just like at Nyumbani Home. We played soccer and just relaxed with them sharing English words as they taught us Kiswahili. There was a special connection made as we developed close friendships with some of the kids and even were taught African handshakes.

-There were a couple of amazing things in Ketui:

Because we had to wash our clothes outdoors in a wash basin using a bucket of water and soap, it was not easy and the children knew this was new for us so they raced over and helped us wash our clothes.

One day I cam back and was filthy from working in the field and my legs were extremely muddy so one little girl came over to me and started wiping off my leg with soap and water…I couldn’t believe this.

The most amazing thing was the children coming to us and wanting to write in our notebooks so they did and wrote their name, standard (grade) in school, and how old they were.

But one little boy stood out above the rest his name we later found out was Kamanzi but we called him Larry. At two years old he first went to the bathroom, then took off all his clothes and placed them in the wash basin. All by himself with no one else around except for me observing, he thoroughly washed his shirt and shorts. After taking them to his sister to hang up, he cam back out and got in the wash basin only to give himself a complete bath washing his hair down to his feet. It was truly remarkable.

LEA TOTO PROGRAM VISITING THE SLUMS

-We also worked many days with the Lea Toto Program, an organization which administrates medication and food to HIV positive children and their families in the slum areas around Nairobi.

-We went around with the social workers to five different slums including: Kariobangi, Kibera, Dandura, Karangwari, and Kangemi. The majority of these slums had at least 200,000 people residing in them and the largest being Kibera had over a million.

Lea Toto has serves over 2,000 families in the Nairobi area in these five slums and distributes food to over 900 families.

Lea Toto has also funded members of the program to start them off with small businesses—hoping that eventually the people can provide for themselves.

The organization continues to attempt to educate as many people as possible about HIV/AIDS.

-When visiting with the clients of Lea Toto we talked with them about their lives, about what the program is doing for them, and just gave them all the support and love we could.

One woman we visited with said she wanted people to know how beneficial and helpful Lea Toto is and because of the free medication for HIV and food her children have a chance for a better life.

All the families we visited were happy that we would spend some of our time with them, they were extremely hospitable and appreciative to us. The one thing that they all would agree on is that they do not want to be forgotten, as they want others to know that their lives can be better if we collectively care to do something about it.

-We also visited High Schools and talked with students about U.S. education, U.S. politics, there interests in studies, and their goals.

CONDITIONS

No Sanitation

No Sewage—people are forced to go to the bathroom in their homes, allies, or streets.

No Running Water

Minimal Electricity

Rent costs about $15 per month and many people can’t afford it or struggle to pay.

The houses are shanty shacks made of metal roofs and boarded walls, as well as a cement mixture

On average a home can have 5-10 people and is about 40 square feet.

Garbage Heaps are everywhere and line the streets.

The Crime is horrible as there are murders daily, big gangs and violence, and a serious problem of drugs and alcohol. It is unsafe to go outdoors at night, especially after 9 pm, therefore the people have heavy padlocks or huge stones in front of their doors.

Tens of thousands of people are without jobs as there are no jobs in these areas.

Those who do work: sell fruits and vegetables, charcoal, repair bikes, work in the fields, shoe maker, shoe polisher, hair salon, metal worker (welder), secondary clothing stand, construction worker, matatu (public transportation) driver, butcher, coca cola stand woker.

PROBLEMS

The Government is extremely corrupt and although the country is Democratic, the people get to vote in a President but that is basically all the say they have. The government and country has enough resources and finances that the poverty level could be minimized to that like the United States, but instead the president and his ministers keep filling their pockets, bank accounts, as well as buying many enormous homes and expensive cares, while the people continue to suffer. Therefore the country is run more similar to a dictatorship in that what the President says goes even though there is a constitution because the people’s “rights” are not truly protected.

Police are extremely corrupt as they are tied to the government and do not serve the people or treat them fairly all of the time.

Nature of Kenya

Lastly we visited some national parks to see the geysers, lakes, vegetation, the Great Rift Valley which extends from Russia to South Africa, and animals that inhabit Kenya. The country is one of the most diverse regions in the world and we were able to see Lions, Leopards, Rhino, Elephants, Giraffes, and Buffalo to name a few.

Certainly this is God’s Country, Gods land, and God’s people. These people have so much hope despite their living conditions and lack of good health. They also have an incredible amount of faith in God and religion, as well as a spiritual life is so vital to their being. They get up every morning and live the best life they can, but will hopefully have a better life over time with our collective efforts as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters.

Thank you very much for you time, support, and willingness to listen to my experiences from my trip to Kenya. May God bless you and may your future be filled with peace, happiness, and light.

Log on to www.nyumbani.org to find out more about Nyumbani Home, Nyumbani Village, and the Lea Toto program.

AJAN (Africa Jesuit AIDS Network)

HIV/AIDS is one of the largest causes of Death and leading cause of children being orphaned in Africa.

Roughly 10% of those living with HIV/AIDS in a given country will die each year.

Statistics are important because they drive research and response.

HIV positive (+) is not an illness itself but a vulnerability-- as any sickness can lead to death since the immune system becomes defenseless.

Only 10% of a given infected population can even take the medications that are available to treat HIV/AIDS because one's body and case must be able to match correctly with the medication as each situation is somewhat different -- thus, the most appropriate and most comprehensive response must be wider than a purely scientific/medical approach.

There is a long term mentality at AJAN as this program is thought of as a 100 year project.

Challenging opportunities have arisen in order to think more about questions considering human sexuality because of HIV/AIDS.

Poverty is the central question/context surrounding AIDS--nutrition, education, and other problems stem from this.

Positive Living-- a term used to portray a way of life in which victims of HIV can live much longer before become infected with full blown AIDS. Positive living includes proper nutrition, clean water, basic social services, education, security, relationships, and faith. Those who are able to take part in Positive living can live as much as 15 years before even acquiring AIDS.

Therefore, there are a vast range of premedical approaches that are important and essential responses as well.

Problems
-People are trying to help Africa merely survive, NOT help Africa Live and Prosper
-$15 Billion is given by President Bush (U.S.) for Medicine to treat AIDS-but minimal funds to aid the millions struggling at the hands of poverty.

Three Populations to Approach when working on the AIDS pandemic in Africa
1) Prevention from infection
2) HIV+ Positive Living
3) AIDS Patients--Take Medication for Life

JRS (Jesuit Refugee Services)

Kenya is a country with hundreds of thousands of refugees and JRS is working to provide a better life for these people.

*The Kenyan office works with refugees from East Africa currently living in Nairobi or Kakuma (the refugee camp in Kenya).

*There are are over 269,000 refugees in Kenya located at the two main refugee camps and possibly a million or more other refugees in spread throughout Nairobi (the capital city) and other areas in the country.

*Social services are provided:
-1 on 1 counseling= counselor training (refugees then begin counseling others)
-massage facilities (help find physical problems and address them)
-SAFE HAVEN= battered women and children's center.

*Educational Services:
-Scholarship program: started with primary and secondary education; in 2001-- started providing university scholarships; 2006-- only offering scholarships for 2 year diploma programs; 50% of those enrolled in these programs are woman; the refugees have an extremely high motivation and perform very well in the degree programs.

JRS Mikono Income Generating Project
-Suffering is the reality for the majority of refugees-- as they are not allowed to work, and therefore have no means of sustenance.

1) Micro finance campaign-- loans are provided without interest, this enables refugees to begin small businesses such as arts and crafts, etc.

2) Mikono shop-- hand crafted goods made by refugees; high quality products but difficult to market; the majority of Kenyans cannot afford luxury items so international marketing will be important. (One can help by buying in bulk order from the shop and resell for fund raising purposes)

Pastoral Center
-Home visits by Pastors who work with refugees to learn more about their situation and condition.

Prayer to our Lady, Cause of our Joy

O Mary, Immaculate Virgin,
Woman of pain and hope
Be benevolent to each person who suffers
And obtain for everyone fullness of life.

Turn your maternal gaze
Especially to those in Africa
Who are in extreme need,
Because afflicted by AIDS
Or another fatal disease.

Look at the mothers
Who weep for their children;
Look at the grandparents
Who are without sufficient resources
To support their grandchildren
Who have become orphans

Clasp all of them to your Mother's heart
O Queen of Africa and the whole world,
Most Holy Virgin, Pray for us!

-Pope John Paul II

Whatever You Do For the Least of My People, That You Do Onto Me

Serving is not easy, it requires giving up our time, energy, and selves to another person or persons. It is much easier to "let someone else do it." However, we all have specific qualities and abilities which we need to share with others, especially those who are not as fortunate as we are. Certainly each of us has certain gifts and talents that have been given to us, why not share them in service. Many people might say why should I help other people? Sure, this is a question that might come to mind, especially when we are living comfortable lives and do not have to worry too much about anything. Why not take an approach that will help you grow as a person and benefit another in a significant way.

There are many people out there who can do various acts of service which could change the lives of others. The only people who fail when it comes to service are those who do not try. Why was I given this life in the United States? Why was I given this life in which I have been granted an education? Why was I given this life where I do not struggle to find food or clothing? Why was I given this life with a family that cares so much for me? Why was I given this life in which I enjoy a healthy body, mind, and soul? These could be questions that you have asked yourself or maybe could consider. Why, because if you are living a decent life that is great and I am happy for you. Maybe you worked very hard to get to where you are, maybe you are fortunate enough to have been born into a family that was set from the start. Whatever the case may be, your life is important in the eyes of others.

We are not only talking about donating sums of money to various charities, organizations, and funds. However this is an excellent thing to do especially for those who can do so and I urge those who can to do this. We are also talking about giving of our talents and abilities whatever they may be to benefit other people who need our love. There are many people in this world who do not have it nearly as good as we do. I urge you to join in and serve your fellow man because in doing so you will touch a life. If you are able to touch one person in a unique and special way you have done a monumental thing.

It is very easy to care and to love those who care and love us. It can be difficult to reach out to those who are forgotten. One group of people who need our love and charity are the poor in the our home country of America, but especially those who live in third world countries across the globe. Not only are these people grateful for all that we do for them, their lives may be changed forever. It is much easier to give to those who we may receive from later on in life. It means all the more to give and to expect nothing in return and it is outstanding to give to those who can never repay us. For giving is an act of love, it is something one does because he cares about the universal human good.

Therefore, I once again urge you to give of yourselves in service to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world. For God has told us that whatever we do for the least of His people that we do onto Him. By serving others we not only show our Christ-like love for them, but we honor, worship, and serve the Lord our Maker who has given us all that we have. For those who are able to go over seas or to another country and do service work, do so for you will come back with a new perspective on life, a new appreciation for what you have, a sense of accomplishment, and just knowing that you loved on another person and served your God. For those who are not able to travel, do something in your neighborhood for the less fortunate, maybe donate to some Charities like Food for the Poor Inc. And lastly use what you have been given for by using our talents we will receive more and be able to do more for others.

The late Pope John Paul II once said, "Christian love is not simply an act of charity, but an encounter with Christ Himself in the poor." For the scriptures do say that there is no greater thing that one can do than laying down his life for another. Why not pick up our cross and lead others to a better life and a happy future by the grace of God. Why not serve and do what Jesus stood for, what the Lord calls us to do "My commandment is love one another as I have loved you." Thank you and God bless you, may your heart be filled with treasures of love, happiness, charity, grace, and peace.