Castles In the Sand

Why do I do what I do?  Where do I put my energies-and why?

In the book of Mark, Jesus asks, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

Last week I visited Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan, South Korea.  While I was there I met a man named Hamanda from Tanzania, Africa.  Hamanda was finishing up a theology degree at KNU and was looking into attending my alma mater, Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.  He wants to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work.

I inquired as to why Hamanda wanted to get a Masters Degree in Social Work.  I wondered what type of career plan he had in mind.  His answer left me stunned.  Through tears he shared with me that he wanted to get the advanced degree and to return to Tanzania.  He explained to me that there are thousands of orphaned children in Tanzania whose parents have abandoned them or have died of Aids.  Hamanda wants to help the orphans of Tanzania.  He explained to me that with a Masters Degree in Social Work he will be able to work within the governmental system of Tanzania to bring about help for the thousands of needy children in his homeland.

Wow.  Why do I do what I do?

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

I am praying for Hamanda and I am praying for myself-that I might have a heart like Hamanda's.