I just sat through a church service where two friends of mine discussed the 7 week trip they took around the world.  No, not to your typical tourist attractions, but rather to the areas where most are afraid to set foot in.   Sudan, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Iraq, India, and Cambodia….places filled with beauty….both in scenery and in the faces of the people….but also places considered highly volatile and in some cases quite dangerous (especially for two Americans).

It is difficult to wrap our minds around the issues that plague this world, which are so tragically highlighted in these areas….extreme poverty, orphaned children, HIV/AIDS epidemics, and sex/human trafficking to name several. 

On a lighter note, anyone seen the movie Taken?  It is a fantastic action movie where this ex…spy I guess, or special forces dude played by Liam Neeson goes after the sex traffic ring that kidnaps his daughter.   And how does he solve the problem?  Well he throat chops every last one of them in the process of rescuing his daughter.   Maybe Sly Stallone and Liam can get together and solve these issues with a few explosive tipped arrows and numerous chops to throats…

But since that does not appear to be the answer, maybe the Body should be?  Ahhh….but isnt it risky business traveling to these areas?  As my two friends referenced today, I point you toward Mathew 25: 14-30….the parable of the talents.  We can not expect to take what He has given us, hoard it to ourselves, and then reep a great reward.  I don’t want to live until I am 90, having done nothing to answer His calling to be a defender or advocate for those who are so less fortunate. …tossed into a life with no opportunity.    No, rather I am motivated to risk myself…rather it be my life, my money, my time, my career, etc….to be used to make a difference….Don’t be overwhelmed by fear or doubt that any of this can be changed.  It is our jobs to be obediant and faithful…nothing more.

If I am promised that by risking everything, we will gain so much more eternally, why don’t I do it?  I can’t be discouraged by my past failures either….just keep pressing on.

HELP’s Launch Party is February 28th.   More to come on HELP and the future of our risky endeavor.