The holidays have passed. The New Year is well under way. But I keep thinking about a woman who came to our Christmas outreach. Mind you, it was a children’s outreach. But she had heard there would be hot chocolate. I know, it may surprise you. But here in the Amazon Jungle where we are nearly always enjoying weather in the 80s, the people absolutely love hot chocolate. No snow necessary to put them in the mood for it. (Which is good because it’s never going to snow here in the tropics!)
The thing about it, though, is, that they can hardly ever afford hot chocolate. That’s what makes it an extra special treat and a wonderful draw for outreaches. That’s what brought this precious woman to the door of our church that day, a week before Christmas.
The event was not scheduled to start until 5:00 pm. She was there at 3:00 pm, waiting. She did not bring any children. She brought herself. She just wanted some hot chocolate. She patiently waited nearly three hours for the program to begin (like a good Peruvian production, it started almost an hour late). She watched all the colorful choreographies, skits, and other gospel activities designed for little ones to learn about Jesus’ birth. Then it was finally time. The hot chocolate was ready!
She got her hot chocolate accompanied by tasty sweet bread. And, I pray with all my heart, along with it she got new experiential knowledge about the way that Jesus loves her. I pray that she could see Him in our eyes, in our faces, in our body language, as we served up that cup with all of our love. I pray that when she went home, savoring that special treat, she was feeling His presence. Jesus wanted her to have the desire of her heart that day. And He wants so much more than that for her.
How devoid of pleasures her life must be, if she would wait five hours for a cup of hot chocolate! Right now, I feel His ache for her – His aching desire for her to know how loved she is. I am deeply grateful that we were able to provide that gesture of His love to her. May we be His hands and His heart, every day. May someone find out that Jesus loves them through the way live our lives… going out of our way so they would know.
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Has sharing Jesus’ love in a tangible way brought you special joy recently?
Feeding On Jesus 
Such a beautiful message today. I read James 2 today and to read it again here with a you sharing that story, leaves an impact. May we always be His hands and feet reflecting His love in all that we do.
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Wow! I so, so love how Holy Spirit does that, confirming His Word and imprinting it into our hearts. Thank you so much for sharing that, Manu. (Slow in replying because I’ve been visiting my family in the U.S.)
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That was so touching, Jennifer. And what an appropriate passage. One tangible gift can go a long way when God is in it. ❤
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Amen! When He anoints something with His presence and power, it makes all the difference. Thank you Annie! (Slow in replying because I’ve been visiting my family in the U.S.)
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A wonderful story, Jennifer. The simple pleasures can make us the happiest. I pray that this woman was brought closer to Jesus. Thank you for sharing. Scott
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Thank you too, Scott! Amen and amen. Rich blessings! (Slow in replying because I’ve been visiting my family in the U.S.)
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Living in a community of students at the University near where I live had been a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love. It is a group of houses in the same suburb, and we meet once a week to have a pot luck dinner together and encourage each other in sharing life. I have found this to be humbling, at times difficult when I would prefer to rest on this community night (my introverted part requires time alone to rest and recharge), and a real opportunity to share difficulties and work through them in prayer and conversation.
Thank you for your kindness. ❤️
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Your community night sounds like an amazing gift, Hamish. Thank You Jesus for this! I totally get that about the challenge you feel, as I am so very introverted myself. How wonderful that you push past that and connect with the people our Father has brought into your life to enrich you this way. I know He is proud of you!
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