Like a lot of kids, I grew up being afraid of the dark. There was always a light on, a door cracked, or a flashlight hidden under the covers. I longed to be in the light and keep the darkness as far away as possible. It wasn’t “the dark” that kept me awake at night but the thought of what might be hiding there. As an adult, the night-lights have long been put away and the switches to lamps are turned off at night. Even though those physical lights are no longer necessary, there is still a desperate desire to keep myself in the light of the Lord and find delight there. The darkness that brought fear before is still there, but it looks different now. Instead of monsters under the bed and boogie men in the closet, I fear the lies of the enemy, the doubt he brings, and the frustration he puts in my heart.
Those lies fill the darkness for believers. The enemy lives and thrives there.
However, we often make the mistake of thinking that the darkest of places are inhabited by the darkest of people. Surely only fear, hate, and anger can thrive there...right? We need not look far to find the answer.
John writes that Jesus came to earth as “…the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) He didn’t reassure us that He would provide light bulbs or flashlights for all, but that He WAS light. Jesus came as light because there IS NONE without him and it shines through His children. His light pierces through the darkest of places. Good people don’t bring light, good deeds can’t produce it, neither can laws or government…Only Jesus.
And where is Jesus needed the most? IN THE DARK. It’s where his light shines brightest through his disciples.
God has allowed us to partner with some of his disciples to provide for the physical needs of his children. The thought that people care for those they haven’t met, allows a new light to shine in their lives. Although these people may live in a dark place, this does NOT mean that darkness lives in their hearts or abounds in their lives.
You can help us by providing the following:
SEND
Blankets (Large quilts) Closed toe shoes (all sizes) Rain Boots (all sizes) Pants Long sleeved shirts Short sleeved shirts (for men and children)* Long dresses Long Skirts Sunglasses New packages of underwear New packages of socks Rain Jackets Children’s clothing (ages newborn-12)Key Chain Flashlights
DO NOT SEND
Shorts Tank tops (sleeveless shirts) Bathing Suits Flip-Flops Leggings Short Sleeved shirts (for women)* Any items with stains or tears
*Modesty standards for women are much higher and generally women are covered at all times. This includes only wearing long sleeved shirts or dresses (no low necklines). Please only bring short sleeved shirts for men and children.
This will be delivered to a refugee camp that is home to over 6,000 men, women, and children. This specific camp has only received outside help ONCE in the last 6 months. Those donations provided for only 1/3rd of the people there.
This help is needed. It is appreciated. And it is more than just clothing.
It is a small glimmer of light that shows someone cares for them. Someone is thinking of them. They are not forgotten or insignificant. Their lives matter and have a purpose.
Will you put Luke 11:33 into practice in your own life?
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.”
HOW TO HELP
Please bring new or GENTLY used items to the office by Monday, May 9th.
One Vision Office: 2915 Alcoa Highway Knoxville, TN 37920 Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday 9am- 12pm Friday
If you plan on shipping your items, they can also be shipped to this address.
-This container will be received during the summer months. Lightweight clothing is preferred.
-Unlike our last container, there are no cultural restrictions on the color of clothing. All colors are welcome.