one life

we as a youth group participated in World Vision's One Life program, which for $17 gives one child food, water, health care, counselling, etc. for one whole year. we started about a month ago with this simulated journey of what an african child goes through; their entire life affected by hiv/aids. then we had a series of bible studies about social justice and what our part should be as "wealthy" north americans. something that has really stuck with me through these talks has been the verse that says something along the lines of "to whom much has been given, much will be expected". we as people with houses, cars, food, clothes, etc. have been given infinitely more than millions of people around the world, and i think it is our responsibility to assess (hopefully by way of prayer) what our part should be in making the world a better place. sure these are all cliche phrases, and maybe that's why when we hear them we pass over them without thinking. but the theme phrase for this one life thing is "you have one life. do something". anways, i didn't mean to go off on the whole philosphical aspect, i just wanted to celebrate the fact that as a tiny youth group (both jr. and sr.) of about 50-60 youth, we collectively raised over $11,000!!!! This just blows me and the other leaders away; that is over 647 kids helped by us here in winkler. at our celebration night last wednesday we had a girl come in from winnipeg/formerly from kenya to talk about her life, and it was really heart-warming to observe many of the youth reacting to the experiences she had and had witnessed. it was a really awesome experience to be a part of.