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     Whitney is 6 years old and is in the 1st grade.  She loves to jump rope and loves to lead  praise and worship at Agape Home where she lives.  Whitney wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  Her father died before she was born and both mom and older  sister have HIV and are fighting for their lives.  Whitney is miraculously free of HIV and now sings to a great God who has filled her with joy.
      Whitney came to the Agape home in Kampala, Uganda after experiencing extreme devastation. There, she encountered the beauty of Jesus and  began the journey of being discipled.   She is loved and cared for and is finding transformational restoration and healing that can only be found in the Gospel. My eight year old girls read Whitney's story and talk about her life and what she could be doing. They write her letters and draw pictures to send her. They  are starting to understand that though we are not rich according to America standards, we are rich compared to much of the world. God has blessed us to be a blessing. We are forgiven so we forgive. We are loved so we love.  We are shown  mercy so we show mercy to the orphan and oppressed and fight against injustice. They are valuable to God.

     The   children of Uganda did not choose to be born in a place where food, sanitation and health care is not common.  Whitney could be you or me or my child.  God saved us for His glory and gave us a purpose on this earth.  He  wants to be involved in our lives to make disciples of all nations. As one person in small town America, I'm not  going to  save everyone or eradicate poverty or AIDS,  but I can help one. I can help Whitney.  I am weak, powerless, dependent, desperate but I know a Savior who can accomplish all things for His glory so that He is revealed and His kingdom may come to this earth. Who is your one today?    It could be your neighbor or co-worker, it may be a child around the globe to connect with and your story may be weaved into their story as you live out  God's purpose. We are the body of Christ, to have His heart and be His hands and feet to the world in a time such as this. Who has God placed in your path that with God's grace and in His power can impact today for His glory?
      There are many ministries to get involved with to spread the Gospel around the globe and change a life this Christmas. Go find one! Not because of guilt but because of Christ's atoning work on the cross, we are free to rest in His love and grace and spend our time, energy and resources on what matters for eternity. Here are a few ministries to consider supporting:

Agape Uganda Community Center is doing great things through the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of children at the home and in the community surrounding them.

To reach uncontacted people groups with the Gospel: PROJECT JAVARI is a program to support the efforts of the Indian nationals in Brazil to reach their own people with the Gospel in areas that foreigners have no access. For just $20 a month, you can support an Indian national who is being discipled and trained to carry the Gospel to his own people group. In fact, next month, three of these Indian men will be traveling by canoe to share the Gospel with their people for the very first time. If you want more information on how to be a part of this effort, e-mail Richard at b.r.whittemore@gmail.com. 

Help One Now  is building a school in Hati to benefit orphans and vulnerable children. You could help!

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a human rights organization that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery and oppression.