Pure Religion | What Does God Say About this Work?
Pure Religion: What Does God Say About this Work?
by Scott Nordstrom
What Does God Say About this Work?
This seems to me to be straightforward, but rather than simply providing scripture… I want to share with you the heart of the Father regarding His children.
While serving orphan children might be challenging at times, it is powered by His love; and by no more and no less than the other aspects of His Kingdom. I have no lack of “want to” regarding this Kingdom work through our service to orphaned children because He is leading me. Much like other parts of my spiritual walk I am not expected to accomplish this under my own power. I am moving forward into the unknown as He guides each step of my journey.
My concern with ministry to orphaned children is that some within the church believe that this can only be done at the detriment of some other objective of the church. For example, the Great Commission is paramount in scripture, in the church today, and for His eventual return, but Jesus’ command for us to spread the Gospel does not dismiss us from the other responsibilities outlined in the Word. Would not the process of making disciples include teaching others to love your neighbor as yourself?
In certain conversations, I have felt that our work to care for orphaned children is diminished in some way. Kind of like that we are at the family Thanksgiving and we are still seated at the children’s table… Not so fast! At least this is not the way Jesus sees it.
As you might imagine, service to the poor can be capital intensive. Ministry costs money. Whether this work is in your community or if you are serving in some faraway corner of the world, there is a cost to providing aid to the poor. I am uncomfortable that the church may choose the Great Commission over the Great Commandment when it is all powered by the same love and from the same source. God’s Kingdom does not deal with the lack of resources that our own households or churches might experience. If we are about the work of advancing the Kingdom, God will provide the resources and He won’t do it at the cost of something else in the Kingdom. God owns it all doesn’t he? God’s economy is not challenged by any constraints that we may have experienced on earth. There is simply no comparison. Why on earth would we allow this scarcity mentality to rule when in heaven there is an abundance? Are we not to be about the work of bringing heaven to earth?
… The church today (in North America) is too inwardly focused. We allocate far too many resources reaching what I call “the reached again” versus building up the body abroad. For example, in North Africa and Asia, the Gospel is not accessible to the vast majority of people—this equates to billions of people. If we believe in what we profess, shouldn’t we be focused on this part of the world to advance the Kingdom?…
Scriptures to Consider
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. -James 1:27 (NLT)
How can anyone get closer to the Father’s heart than practicing Pure Religion? And I don’t believe that this is the result of doing good, but the driving force that causes us to do good. This action of caring for orphans and widows is a demonstration and expression of our faith. How close are you to the Father’s heart for His children?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? -James 2:15-16 (NIV)
Talk is meaningless as we should be demonstrating His love by the actions that we are taking.
Construction of the 6th home at the House of Faith Orphanage in Zambia.
God is inviting us into this story as He comes to the rescue for many of these children with no mom or dad. He is asking you to consider being his hands and feet! You can join us at Global Orphan Relief, and we can journey together if you choose as you pray, volunteer, serve in the field, and or financially support the least of these—the orphaned child.
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Global Orphan Relief (GO) has been serving orphaned children since 2005. We have accomplished this work to date through local partners in each country that provides oversight and distribution of care.
Scott Nordstrom leads GO! today and was a co-founder when we launched in 2005. Scott has served with GO! for 16-years and has been responsible in deploying 163 volunteers on 26 teams to the mission field. He has personally served in DR Congo, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, South Sudan, and Zambia since 2005. Scott is the author of Pure Religion, and has also spoke in the United States, as well as, internationally regarding child welfare and matters of faith, hope, and love.
You may send financial support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at Support the Global Orphan Relief Children or you can give on this website at the upper righthand corner under ‘Donate’.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.