So begins the accumulation of “firsts” and “lasts” as I prepare for my two-year mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The “firsts” are easy and fun and exciting because they point to the beginning of a new life in a new world. Things like my first Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines (okay, maybe not so much fun, but necessary), the first letters mailed, the first donation received, the first meeting with someone to tell about my journey, the first presentation at a church.

The “lasts” are not quite so easy and fun. Even though they aren’t necessarily permanent lasts – I will return to my home in Goshen – they carry with them a measure of sadness. The last combine harvesting corn in the field, the last changing of leaves from green to explosions of colors, the last team meeting at the church where I have been serving on a preaching team, the last first snowfall of the season.

This is true of every change that happens in life. There is joy in the “firsts” and sorrow in the “lasts”. Nor can any of us escape change. It is an essential part of life – things, people, places, circumstances and even we ourselves will change. That is why as I face this major change in my life I am so thankful that I know the One who will never change, the One who has promised He will never leave me nor forsake me, the One who goes before me and comes behind – His name is Jesus.

I pray that you know Him, too.

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deut 31:6

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.  Isaiah 52:12

He wandered into the room where we were setting up for the puppet show, looking lost and forlorn. I walked over to him and slowly held out my hands not sure if he would let me touch him or not. The expression on his face didn’t change, so I carefully picked him up. Finding a chair, I settled him on my lap. He held himself stiffly as far away from me as he could get without falling off. We sat like that for several minutes. I couldn’t see his face, but he didn’t seem to be crying or distressed. Suddenly he sighed, long and deep, then leaned back against me. Within moments he was sound asleep. He had found a safe place.

I never learned his name, but to me, he represents every child in the world who is lost, lonely and needs someone to “pick them up” and  love on them. Kids Alive International is doing just that through their residential homes, schools and care centers. Here those children find a “safe place” where they are given food, shelter, medical care, education and love – not just the love of the adults caring for them, but they are introduced to the love of Jesus Christ.

This little boy and others like him are the reason I am embarking on a two-year journey to the Dominican Republic through Kids Alive. It is both an awesome privilege and a tremendous responsibility to engage with Kids Alive in the process of providing a safe place for needy and neglected children.

I’m ready to go. I’m excited and eager. I can’t wait to get there and offer another little one a safe place.