I Wrote This 3/14/11 And Came Across It Today

People are so concerned about giving money here, there and everywhere around the world. What about in your own hometown or family? It is great to stretch out your hands and heart to those that are hurting and in need. When you have things in your life that pull and tug at you to reach towards others in need that is a good thing. People in general feel that they do so much more when they send this money to other nations to feed the hungry and clothe the poor/needy. That is truth but how much more is it needed in your own country or town that you live in. When children suffer due to lack of finance in their homes how much more you should turn your heart towards them.
I recently experienced something along this line. A family that had devastating news come to them, they are probably still in a state of shock and coping from day-to-day. Beautiful children, children are created to enjoy life and not be burdened down with the cares of life. What good is it to sit and say you will pray with them when they have serious needs? Sometimes you need to share and give to them for their hearts to be ready to receive your prayers. Children that need love need it magnified if their family is in crisis.
Do not close your heart but this is an opportunity to extend your hands to them via help. Children just want to be children and not think about crisis in their family. God will look at you one day and He may question why you gave so much of your finance and time to third world countries when there were needs amongst your own family? Change your thinking and do not think that the only way ministry can happen is if it is sent outside of your own neighborhood. Look and seek the Lord He may cause your heart to reach out to those in your family circle. I always heard these words while growing up, "Charity begins at home."
It is great to fund another that may be raising money to go on a mission trip. How much more if you took those very funds and planted it into the lives near to you.
Think back in your life, if you ever went through a period of time where you had genuine needs and a family friend or relative graciously gave to you in that time did it not bless you immensely? It may have been financial, words of encouragement or time they invested in your life.