Orphan Outreach

For the past several years, I have opened up every journal entry with this word:

“Commit." 

It's from Proverbs 16:3:  "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

I've attempted to commit all that is before me to God on a daily, even hourly, basis.

My family.

Our health.

Our jobs.

Our finances.

Our kid’s school.

Orphan Outreach.

Our U.S.-based staff.

Our board of directors.

Our incredible international team.

The children we serve. 

I commit them to God.  And I trust that "God’s will be done."  I look at success as a by-product of committing everything to God.  When I don't know what to do, when I can't control circumstances, when I'm overwhelmed, I commit whatever it is to God, attempting to follow His lead.  

But now, in 2022, I have a new phrase.

“Look back - Lean forward.”

It is from my study of Joshua, Nehemiah, and Paul who went through their own transition in the scriptures.  I’ve always felt that when God repeats himself over and over, it's for a good reason and I should probably pay attention.  In the first chapter of Joshua (and throughout the whole bible), God repeats several phrases.  

• Be strong and very courageous
• Do not be afraid or discouraged
• I will never leave you nor forsake you
• Be careful to obey

Look back - As I was with Moses so I will be with you.  I have not failed you or abandoned you.  

Lean forward - Lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.  The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  

Look back - God started Orphan Outreach 15 years ago as an idea.  Since then, we have served over 100,000 children and had a generational impact.  And God has guided and provided every step of the way.

Lean forward - God will be with us as we move into the future.  God has a "promised land" for us, good works He has prepared in advance for us to do.  More than we can ask or even imagine.

Look back - God was always with us.

Look forward - God will always be with us.

I think this is a message for all of us.  The board of directors who God has called and placed to lead us.  The staff at Orphan Outreach who God has brought together to serve the orphaned and vulnerable.  The international team that God is using, right now, to impact children.  The partners, donors, churches, sponsors who God has mobilized to make a real difference in the life of a child.  

Let’s look back at God’s faithfulness and goodness.  Let’s lean forward to face the challenges of tomorrow knowing God is with us.

For His name and For His children,

Rey