October 1, 2008

by Sheila Walsh on 10/01/2008 01:10

YOU ARE SAFE IN THE ARMS OF GOD

Dear Friends,

I am writing this on the flight home from our conference in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a wonderful conference for many reasons. Max Lucado was with us on Friday night sharing the message from his 3:16 book. Luci brought the house down at the end of the day on Saturday when she used a word that was not the one she meant to use. The word in question was a little "edgy", and she was so apologetic. But suddenly, the whole arena began to chant the word -"GRACE!" It was clear that they had received the message of Infinite Grace loud and clear. The highlight for me, however, was meeting one of the most remarkable fourteen year old boys I have ever met.

His name is Austin Gutwein, and he was with us to tell us about a ministry called "Hoops of Hope" that he began dreaming about when he was only nine years old. He discovered through an African pen-pal that so many children in Africa have lost their parents to the ravages of the AIDS crisis. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to have no mother or father, so he decided to do something to help. Here is the dream behind "Hoops of Hope" in Austin's words:

"In the spring of 2004, I watched a video that showed children who had lost their parents to a disease called AIDS. After watching the video, I realized these kids weren’t any different from me except they were suffering. I felt God calling me to do something to help them. I decided to shoot free throws and on World AIDS Day 2004, I shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during my day at school. People sponsored me, and we were able to raise almost $3,000. That year, the money was used by World Vision to provide hope to 8 orphan children.

From that year forward, thousands of people have joined me in a basketball shoot-a-thon called "Hoops of Hope". By doing something as simple as shooting free throws, Hoops of Hope participants have raised over $450,000. The children left behind by AIDS now have access to food, clothing, shelter, a new school and finally, a medical testing facility."

I was reminded as I listened to Austin of the power of God through one life, believing that in God's strength they can make a difference. If you would like to read more, or organize a "Hoops of Hope" event in your church or school go to www.hoopsofhope.org.

Even as I write, I am so aware of the unrest in our nation. Whether you are worried about finding gas to fill up your car or wondering what will happen to our nation's economy, these are difficult days. I would love to remind you even as I remind myself that nothing that happened yesterday, today or will happen tomorrow is a surprise to God. He is still in control no matter how out of control things may appear. Even in the midst of all the speculation that is going on all around us, I find that I take even greater comfort than ever in the arms of our Father, who watches over us. As the Psalmist, David wrote:

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
Psalm 91:1-2

May the Lord bless and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you peace,

With love,

Sheila

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