Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Proverbs Experiment: Day Thirty-One

So, here it is - the last day of my Proverbs Experiment. I enjoyed it, although it was tough at the end thinking of new things to write about. It seems like there are several repetitive themes in Proverbs - foolish vs. wise, laziness, don't oppress people, etc.

The last chapter of Proverbs are the sayings of King Lemuel. Whoever that is.

Proverbs Chapter 31:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. (vs. 8-9)

Two of my favorite verses these days. Actually, I first learned these verses several years ago when I became involved in praying for the persecuted church. I believe that these verses were some of the main verses for Voice of the Martyrs. Now that I'm focusing on human trafficking, these verses are used frequently as well.

Tonight I had the privilege of leading worship for a New Year event that my friend Seth had for his high school and jr. high students. First, it was great to lead worship again with some people who were on my worship team for several years here in Ohio. It was fun to be together again, and we all decided we needed to do it more often.

I also had the opportunity to talk a little bit about my passion, and I left some information about Love 146 and Rapha House on a table for students to pick up. I knew that some of Seth's students went to CIY this summer and saw the same video I did that inspired me to do something. I had a great conversation with a girl who actually put together a fundraiser for Rapha House with her former student ministry, which is really great. I got her information, so now I have at least one other person who is excited to make a difference in this area. I told her that I was thinking about putting together a non-profit organization whose goal is to raise awareness among high school and college students about human trafficking, starting here in Ohio, and she got really excited. So now there are two of us who want to speak up "for those who are perishing" due to human trafficking.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. (vs. 30)

The last part of this verse reminds me of several women who are very strong in the Lord and have inspired me with their passion for God. Some of them are in the anti-human trafficking arena - Stephanie from Rapha House, Kathy with Love146, and Allison in Illinois. Some of them are friends here in Ohio - Rochelle, Cathy, Tammie and more. I also think of my past youth coaches who were mostly moms who helped so much in my student ministries. Thanks to all of you for your inspiration!

2 comments:

Rochelle said...

Adam
I enjoyed reading your Proverbs posts a lot. I think there are repetitive themes because we easily forget these areas and need to be reminded.
Thank you for your kind words. You are an inspiration to me as well. I can't wait to see how God uses you this year!

darker than silence said...

Proverbs is fascinating. "The Art of Living."

I hear you're back in Springboro, which is verified by the fact that you were hanging out with Seth.

I checked out the organizations you're affiliated with, very good stuff, Man.