Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to help out at ROCK Intl. banquet. ROCK, Relief Opportunity and Care for Kids, is a Christian organization that works to bring hope to children around the world. It really opened my eyes to the world that I live in and all the suffering that is going on each day.
My job was to help serve food and drinks, but what I gained from the experience was worthwhile. The speaker and founder of the organization, Nathan Bramsen, spoke of the conditions of Niger, where he currently lives.
What I found amazing was that he only comes to the United States two times during the year. Once for the annual banquet in January (he only stays for one day) and once for a camp he leads each year (less than three days). He is only 28, and has made the ultimate sacrifice. I think he is such a role model to look up to.
The conditions in Niger are horrible, and that is probably an understatement. The fact that 20% of the children in Niger will die before their fifth birthday is unbelievable. There isn't enough food and clean water there, and it is one of the poorest nations in the world.
According to the ROCK Intl. website, over 1.1 million meals have been distributed in Niger from this foundation. Not only does this organization help with the famine, this is a Christian based Non- Profit Organization, and spreading the love of Jesus Christ is one of their main missions.
To me, it is unthinkable that people around the world don't have the resources to eat on a daily basis, yet in the United States millions of dollars are spent on sports. The SEC spends an average of $160,000 per football player during the season. Now let me say, I enjoy football just like a lot of you, but to take into account that millions of people around the world are starving to death and THAT much money is spent on football is beyond me. I'm not saying we should all boycott football, but I just wanted to let that sink in that even half of the money spent on sports in the U.S. could save countless lives around the world.
You Only Leave One Legacy Challenge: I say all of this to bring awareness about this issue. The ROCK Intl. organization needs more spotlight and attention, and I encourage you to visit their website: rockintl.org. Please continue to pray for these people in Niger and around the world, along with the ROCK Intl. organization.
"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me...'" (Mark 10:13-14)
Thank you so much for this Holly! I completely agree with what you said about it being unthinkable that people can spend that much on entertainment when others around the world (not just in Niger) can't even eat one meal a day, much less three. What do you think we can do to change those statistics about Niger?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your response. These people suffering need help, both in their physical health, and by receiving God's Love. I think a lot of people don't know to what extent these people are suffering. In order to change these horrific statistics, I think people need to spread the word. Get people talking and praying about it, and God's Work will be done.
DeleteExcellent post. I like how you linked to the organization's website and gave statistics on football. You use very specific examples that back up your point. Good work!
ReplyDelete