(593) visionary

We have a chapter in our study book on Vision. The author defined vision three ways:-
1. the God given ability to see possible solutions to the everyday problems in life
2. the ability to see beneath the surface of people's life
3. the ability to catch a glimpse of what God wants to do through your life if you dedicate yourself to him.

We realize not everyone has the ability  described in 3. Even if one person has that, he may not find the support he needs from his church. One of us was a member of quite a large group in his previous church who did not find the sympathy and support in that previous church. As a result of the leadership consistently refusing to support them in their vision, gradually most of that large group left that church.

I happen to know of a retired man who had the vision of taking the advantage of favorable currency exchange rate and his spare time to bless the hill tribe Christians in Northern Thailand. His Pastor did not share his vision. Neither did the group of leaders in his church. This old man was not discouraged. He prayed about it and with the support of his wife and children, he went on solo trips to his target area and started with repairing the houses of widows and orphans and elderly folks with the blessing of hill tribe pastors. Gradually, he attracted like minded friends who may contribute money, expertise or time. Last year, he had been lending a helping hand to people in the economically backward hill countries for  seven years. A Chinese newspaper featured him and his group of cheerful local and foreign helpers in the completion of a church building.

Perhaps there is only one Mother Theresa. Yet many among us could be a source of blessing like the elderly man described above, if we dare to dream, count the cost and step out in faith.