Pure Religion | Great Commandment
The history our experience with the Great Commandment goes back many years in our ministry. In fact, you might say that we have been a Great Commandment ministry from our beginnings as we have set-out to serve orphan children.
Early on we were doers of the Word even though our experiences had not fully equipped us to accomplish this sort of work, we were able to move forward with confidence based on our faith. It is fairly easy to discern the scriptures—that His Church is to be about the work of the Great Commandment. Now I used the capital “C” here, but the Church includes you and me. Loving our neighbor is not something that we can assume that the Church is accomplishing, and we each have our own portion of work to do to fulfill the scripture.
There is going to be a bit of “spitballing” here so there may not be chronological order to my thoughts. Additionally, if you attended one of our workshops, there may be some duplication in the concepts within these pages. For now, we will consider this reinforcement to how God might already be stirring you to take action to serve the impoverished–specifically the orphan child.
…Catalyst
From my experience, the lack of movement on the part of the Church, specifically the people, starts with the lack of awareness of the need.
I am certain that if the people within the Church comprehended the scale and scope of the needs of orphaned children in their community, and were confident about methods on which to help, they would be obedient to how the Father is directing us to take action.
Early on in our ministry we realized that building awareness for the plight of orphans is an important part of what we do. This process is simple, but not easy—especially in proportion to the needs that exist for the orphan child.
This is one of the purposes of the Great Commandment Workshop—to build awareness for the plight of orphans. During these one-day events we disclose the number of orphans in their community and outline the pressing needs. We also discuss practical methods in which to address their biggest area of need. These discussions and teachings are provided by local leadership for the most part.
When accomplishing this process, it is nearly impossible for Spirit-filled men and women not to act. The Great Commandment Workshop is simply a catalyst as we build awareness for the plight of orphans, expose some practical ways in which people can take action, and share what God says about this in the scripture. God does the rest as He directs each one of us to move out in His power according to His purposes for us.
…Mandate
We all have this mandate to love our neighbor, and since love is an action, this means to serve others. It is a responsibility you might say. A demonstration of our faith that cannot be accomplished without the love of Jesus living through us.
God has given you something to work with; skills, influence, experiences, resources, and a vision. If you are not already involved in serving others, I would encourage you to put your hands to the work and see how the Father blesses you in the process.
What’s in Your Hand?
What is in your hand and what will you do with it? We all have some level of resource that is within our power use. Think about it. What is available to you right now to deploy for use in the Kingdom? This might require a change in your mindset. This consideration is not about what you don’t have, but what you do have to deploy to advance the Kingdom of God.
This will be a journey of faith as you set out to do much of this work. You will have very few of the answers when you get started; the needs assessment, the solution, and building desired outcomes for the beneficiaries will all be unknown to you.
It is time to take what is in your hand and take your first step.
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. -Isaiah 1:17 (NLT)
As you journey forward may God aid you to learn, seek, help, defend, and fight. Amen!
Zambia Child | Journey of Faith Mission | 2008
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 18-years and has been responsible in deploying 174 volunteers on 29 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 speaks 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.