Nina Winkelman created a display at Platinum Salon in Stevens Point to collect gifts for Moldovan children.
When Amy and I were planning our special night, “The Worth of One,” we had people like Nina in mind. Our greatest vision was to inspire others towards the purposes and plans that God created them specifically for.
What we didn’t know was that Nina has a real compassion for the kids of the world. Her coworkers watch in amazement as Nina has patience and love for even the tiniest, most difficult, wiggling salon customers. When she heard about the needs of the children in Moldova, she decided to do what she could to help. She and her coworkers set up a special display and are receiving donations that will benefit orphans and the children of victims of sex trafficking. Because of people like her, our suitcases will be packed full of things that will bring smiles to some of the poorest children in Europe.
Others have shared with me what they’ve been challenged to do: Volunteer at First Choice Pregnancy Center. Work to share about purity with young women. Go for the big vision, “Changing the World.”
Because we are following our dreams to Moldova, God is inspiring others to follow their dreams. Nina is leading her coworkers in the worthwhile endeavor to love kids, both near and far. Whatever your purposes are, I challenge you to take Nina’s example. As you make that next step, others might just follow your lead.
Moldova is to the right (small,yellow) and Sweden is at the top (green)
Many people have been asking Amy and I questions about our trip to Europe. So, here’s the scoop. We plan to depart for Moldova on July 15th, arriving on July 16th. We will be staying in Moldova 5 full days with Missionaries Troy and Heidi Darrin. We are working to arrange meetings with people who help orphans and victims of sex trafficking and interview them about what they do, their organizations and more.
Moldovan pastors to discuss how these social justice issues affect their churches and communities
Moldova’s Teen Challenge
Government organizations who are working to combat human trafficking (Please pray with me that I will be able to meet with Stella Raturo.)
We are excited to meet the people of Moldova. We will spend time in the busy capital of Chisinau and go out into the small village communities, as well.We plan to share it all with you through photos and blogs and video, during our trip. Check back here.
You may not know that we are flying from Moldova to Sweden. We will spend 5 days there, visiting my twin brother and his family. During our time there, we will travel by train across Sweden for my sister-in-law’s family reunion. We’ll have opportunities to do some site seeing, as well. Then, we will fly back to the US on July 28th.
The entire trip will be a total of 14 days, including travel.
If you have any more questions, please ask. We’d love to share more details with you!
Before my oldest son was born, I would pray, “Lord, make him happy, healthy and whole.”
Before my youngest son was born, I would pray the same, but add, “And help Him love you all the days of his life.”
Now I simply pray, “Lord, Make us world changers!”
You see, to be world changers, my sons will need to be totally in love with Jesus. They will need an utter dependence on Him, alone. It won’t really matter if they are “happy, healthy and whole.” God alone provides true joy. He uses the sick. God uses the broken.
I trust Him with their lives. I pray that I can be a true example of Jesus Christ. No matter what it means for any of us, I pray for us to have His abundant life! That we will go after God with our whole hearts and follow Him wherever He leads and do whatever He asks us to do.
Live for Jesus. Change the world. That is our mission. That is my prayer.
For weeks, Amy and I have been planning a special night for those we love. At “The Worth of One,” we wanted to inspire compassion in others for the millions of orphans and the hundreds of thousands of victims of trafficking in our world. We intended to share about why we are going to Moldova, Eastern Europe. We were grateful for the opportunity to request financial help from those willing to partner with us on our mission. But, our greatest desire was that God would do His supernatural work in each person there, to show them their own amazing value and encourage them towards their dreams. Amy and I going after our dreams will be world changing. But a roomful of people all going after their dreams is exponentially world changing.
Well, God went above and beyond anything I could expect. He showed up. I really believe that the great worth of each person was made completely clear. Many people shared with me about what God was speaking to them, personally. He is truly motivating each one of us to do things that lead us beyond ourselves. We have an extraordinary God who is more than happy to use every available person, even if they feel too ordinary. I am so grateful to God and to each one who is helping us fulfill the dreams that He gave us.
Please leave a comment here if you were inspired by “The Worth of One.” Your comment might encourage even more people towards their big dreams. God bless you!
A couple weeks ago, I was trying to fall asleep, but I couldn’t stop thinking about finances. I was asking God why he would lead me to take an expensive trip to Moldova when there are so many other needs; more needs than resources. Was this being responsible?
It wasn’t a vision or a picture story that I tried to conjure up. But, as I was praying, I sensed that I was climbing up into The Lord’s lap. I felt such faith that He was my daddy, and that He would meet my needs. I started crying, filled with an intense trust that He would be faithful to provide. It was a miraculous moment filled with new, childlike trust.
On Thursday night at “The Worth of One,” my Daddy provided enough financial support to provide for both Amy and I to purchase our plane tickets! THAT is the kind of God I serve! That is the kind of Father that I have.
I’m doing what He’s asking me to do. And, He’s doing what I’m asking Him to do, so that I can follow Him. What a great relationship we can have with our Father God! What a good God!
“Sometimes the will of God feels downright irresponsible. You are called to make a decision or take a course of action that seems to make no sense. And if you do it, the people closest to you may think you are crazy. But responsible irresponsibility means refusing to allow your human responsibilities to get in the way of pursuing the passions God puts in your heart.”
Cristi is the girl who reminds you of someone you already know, but surprises you (and herself) with who she really is and what she's all about. Hazel Daisies is a spot to randomly record and reflect on these discoveries.
