(Matt. 25:34-40, MSG, emphasis mine).
Yesterday, I tried to call my friend, more than once. She missed my calls. Afterwards, she sent me this message, letting me know why she hadn’t picked up (context detail –> Belén is one of the poorest areas in our city of Iquitos):
“I went to Belén this afternoon. I went to see my kids and their families. I took a little gift to two of my little girls, and I found that they were crying from hunger. I had a little money on me so I bought them two pounds of rice and some eggs so they could eat today. It tears me up inside. I didn’t know I would encounter such need. So many there are crying with hunger pangs. But I am so grateful to come to know these children and their families. That’s why I missed your calls today, my dear Pastor.”
My friend began a new teaching job in that desperate neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. Already, she has adopted her new students as “her kids.” As long as I have known her (which is about twenty years), she has had a beautiful heart to reach out to those in need. She has fed the hungry, cared for the sick, clothed new babies born to unwed mothers, sat with the dying, wept with the bereaved, and spent her life sharing Jesus with everyone she encounters. She is amazing.
She sent me this photo of the two little girls she visited yesterday. They are three and five years old. I zoomed into the picture and gazed at their little faces. The suffering they are enduring is written there. Their beautiful, sad eyes caused an ache and a stirring in the depths of my heart. Holy Spirit whispers to my spirit… He loves them… May we never stop being Jesus’ hands and feet, as long as He has us here…
“Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person” (1 John 3:17, NCV).
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Have you sometimes had the experience of looking into the eyes of someone who is in great need… and felt the love of the Father breaking your heart for them?
Feeding On Jesus 
Good reminder that many are suffering today, even in areas we least expect it.
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Thank you, Janet 💗. May He ever keep us sensitive to His heart.
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The agony in my heart 💔. Father, please bless these precious little girls & their teacher today.
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Praying with you, Barb. Yes, Abba Father!
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Let us pray often that what breaks your heart LORD, let it break mine. There is so much suffering and pain right now so what is one to do? DO what is in front of you!! Thanks you for this post!
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Both of those insights are so powerful, Maxine. That prayer is spot on. And amen, He is only calling us to do what He has put into our hands the capability of doing with His help; NOT to try to carry all of the weight of the world on our shoulders!
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So sad, Jennifer. These times are so difficult, and I fear it’s only getting worse all over the world. I pray the Lord reaches us to these little ones and brings them comfort.
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I join my prayers with yours, my sister. Thank you 💗
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What a powerful piece of shared writing. We all need to look beyond our own boundaries and see what is around us. xx
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Thank you, Faye! Yes, Father, help us look beyond our four walls!
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Empathy heels their wounds. So kindness is greatest and powerful word. You have kind heart and may God bless you.
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Thank you, Avran! I receive that blessing gratefully. May He richly bless you too!
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That prayer really is something to remember to live out. Communicate with those around us, especially those in need. Search within our spirit and give of our heart in the capacity we can. Certainly something I need to do more of. Your friend is a real gem, so thank you for sharing this beautiful story. ❤
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May we all continue to grow in compassion and generosity, reaching out with Jesus’ hands and love! You are truly welcome, Hamish 😊
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