Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Current Amount Raised
I wanted to apologize to the people we told we were up to $16,000. My husband and I made a mathematical error. We counted three people twice. So much for our college degrees, you would think we could keep this straight. Anyway, I am confident that despite me, God will still put this mission on the hearts of many people. Although I thought I might soon be able to leave my backpack at home, I will still be walking around with it. So, if you see me - stop and give me a word of encouragement. I would love to hear from you.
Love in Christ
Jill Murphy
Meet Jill Murphy
My good friend Tiffany thought it would be a good idea to write a bit about myself so that people could get to know me and why I am trying to raise money for digging water wells in Africa. So, here it is, from the beginning. About a month ago I was sitting in our church service singing and praying. I felt God say to me that He wanted me to help others. Not just search out a mission trip to go on, but make helping others a part of my day-to-day life. Why wait for a trip when I can do it everyday! Make every moment count. These thoughts collided with my heart for children in Africa. My family and I give to World Vision when we can and we often receive newsletters about what is going on around the world. I read many articles about children, babies who go with out water! I have read articles about a one year old that weighed 10 pounds! When he cried, no tears came because he is soo dehydrated. I have read articles about women who walk 8 miles to get nasty water for their families to drink. I began thinking of how I use water daily and believe me, I have become VERY aware of how I waste water and very aware of how easy it is for me to get water. Water fountains are everywhere!!! When I wash my dishes I think about how if that kid were here right now, he would not believe his eyes! Water coming out so freely and clean just to clean my dishes. I think about if that woman were standing beside me, she would probably cry at the ease at which I just turn the faucet on to bathe my children. I extend no energy in my efforts to use water daily. Not compared to them. While all of these thoughts run through my head, I start to tell God, “I am soo plain. Nobody would listen to me. I am NOT a speaker; I would tremble badly if I had to speak in front of a crowd. I am a mom; I have too many things to do. How could I possibly add something to my plate? I am just a special education teacher in Ruston Louisiana, how can I possibly raise $16,000?!” God said, “Just be willing.” After I spoke with my husband and did a bit of praying, but really, how much praying needs to be done when you already feel God has spoken? I needed to break into action. So, here I am today; I stand as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a daughter, a sister…trying to raise money for a waterless village in Africa. God is good and He is leading me on this journey.
