Last night my friend Anne and I began sponsoring a widow in Malawi. We had talked and prayed about sponsoring a child but when we saw the widows and understood their plight we decided to sponsor a widow instead...when I go to Malawi I will get to meet her!

Her name is Files Yohane. She is 70 years old and lives in the village on the outskirts of Esther's house where I am going. Her husband died from illness. She accepted Christ in 2010, so she is a new believer. There truly are no words to describe how I am feeling. People who know me know that I love to talk, but if there is anything I love more than talking, it's talking about Jesus! I can't wait to encourage her with the truth of God's word, to look into her eyes and tell her of His faithful love.

The beauty of beginning to sponsor her now is that Anne and I can write to her and send her pictures and encouragements from scripture. We can pray for her together. We can come along side her and actually disciple her to an extent from here. Anne is one of the women whom I disciple (how amazing to do this together!)...now we are supporting a widow in a culture that promises her nothing. But God's word promises us that He is our Husband, our provider, our strength and provision. How amazing that through technology, at the click of a button, we have already provided the money that Files will need to survive this month. Esther's house helps her with food, supplies and spiritual encouragement.

In our society there are many widows, new kinds of widows...there are single mothers, divorced parents, and spiritual widows whose spouses haven't taken on the role that God has commanded...they are left to fend for themselves. Our society promotes self objectification, but God set us into families for a reason. God's plan is for people to leave their parents for a different kind of love. Not everyone gets married, I understand, but everyone needs someone to love them, protect them, encourage them, support them, believe in them, provide for them...The Lord promises to be everything that we need:

"Father to the fatherless, defender of the widows - this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." - Psalm 68:5-6

In a culture that does not honor family, in a place where narcissism runs rampant and the "me" mentality pervades every thought, word and direction that screams at us from the media...sadly, we have lost our way. Scripture reminds us what we were meant to have an abundant life. We yearn for peace. The world will tell you that admitting this need makes you weak...God says that it makes you strong, the world will say that you are the last, God will remind you that you are the first. We are well loved people, if only we knew it, if only someone bothered to share the truth of the gospel with you...if only some one would go...

"For I am jealous for you, I promised you as a pure bride to one husband - Christ." - Corinthians 11:2

From the beginning God has had different plans for us than we have had for ourselves. Only His plans will satisfy.Only His plans are perfect and Holy. Only His plans will provide eternal life. No matter what you try on your own, there will always be a place that is empty in your heart...this place is meant for Jesus your Husband.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink- even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free!...I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised David." - Isaiah 55:1,3