Sometimes we get the chance to change the world. Often we don't realize the impact of our actions at the time, but on occasion or perhaps years later we come to appreciate the impact of our actions. Something we take for granted everyday is beyond others' wildest dreams. I think that holds true when we consider the bounty of blessings afforded us through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider the following:

• There are more than 7 billion people on the earth
• Of that enormous number, less than a quarter of one percent have the true gospel of Jesus Christ
• For those lucky few, when we do our part every single one of them gets a monthly personal visit from representatives of the Church to ensure their needs are met
• Each member has a built-in family anywhere they go all across the world
• All are welcome to join and contribute to this mission and by so doing, they inturn are edified
• The great plan of happiness takes into consideration every situation and all circumstance

I grew up in a wonderful home and environment where I learned how to work hard but still have fun! While being a kid and not taking anything too seriously, I always knew that one day I would have to decide a path that I’d want to go on, and this path would be my future. After a long time of uncertainty about what I want to go into, it feels so good to finally have a declared major that I love! I am eager to continue learning and growing through the program so that I can one day use my skills to help third-world children develop life skills and lessons that they will be able to use through out the rest of their lives. This humanitarian service experience will be such a blessing to me and will help me move forward with my desire improve the world and achieve my goals. Thailand blog
                                                                                                                                             By Melanie Stucki
                                                                                                                         Wednesday February 21, 2015

The creases in his face, and hunch in his back hint at the frailty of his worn body, but the distance that his lips stretch to form his wide smile, which he so often radiates, illustrates the vivid spirit that is still so alive in him. His ruff, gentle hands almost tell a story of the experiences he’s had, and his narrow legs remind you of the thousands of miles he’s walked, thoroughout his life, in the service of his fellow man. More stunning than anything though, are his eyes, my grandpa’s eyes. When I look into my grandpa’s eyes I feel pressed with all the love he’s gathered into his heart the past 78 years. His eyes tell me more about him than any other person, or thing, could.

I used to spend weeks on my grandpa’s farm. He would explain to me how I could help him best, and the easiest way to accomplish the chores I got to do. I can picture times when his eyes would warn me of the danger I put myself in when I misused tools or equipment, or let my excessive energy get me caught in sticky situations. My grandpa’s eyes always told me when he was pleased with my work, and when he was disappointed. Although, his disappointing glances never outshined his looks that showed his willingness to help me perfect where I fell short, and learn from my mistakes. Some of my favorite experiences on the farm were when I made silly mistakes, and would see my grandpa’s eyes almost laugh and say, “don’t worry, that happened to me once.”

When my grandpa’s eyes are clearly a window to his character are the times when they shine in anguish due to the misfortune of others. So often I see my grandpa’s eyes stand out when they harbor tears that are shed when others are struggling. Never do I see my Grandpa complain because of the trials he’s experiencing, and never does he expect others to share in his pain. I’ve experienced comfort when I see my grandpa’s teary eyes reach out to me, and his eyes tell me he’s spent his whole life reaching out to others.

Nothing can tell me more about my grandpa than the mark his eyes have painted on others. Incidentally, where I witness this the mark most often is in the eyes of those who were lucky enough to be his canvas. My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer recently. This news rang sharply through the ears of all those who loved my grandpa so dearly. On one occasion, I was driving home from my grandpa’s house with my dad. He was explaining to me, for the first time, that grandpa had cancer. As my dad explained the situation to me his eyes filled with tears, and finally, the tears gently spilt down his cheeks, and fell to his lap.

That was the first time, as I watched and listened to my dad, and felt the tears form in my own eyes, that I understood how special my grandpa really was. All those years spent on the farm, and all those times my grandpa’s eyes stood out to me; they were just stepping stones that made me love seeing his eyes. But as I drove home with my dad, after visiting him, was when I truly felt the power of my grandpa’s eyes.

By Steven Stucki
Wednesday March 11, 2006

Naturally, you may be wondering why the Help Me Give Back logo is an oil lamp. That's a fair question. What then is the significance of the oil lamp?

In the parable of the ten virgins, five are caught unprepared without oil at the coming of the Bridegroom. This is of such significance that those with oil could not share with them whose lamps had gone out. While the lacking virgins left to go replenish their lamps, the wedding was started and the door was shut without them. As sad and upsetting as this was, there was no accommodation made. These virgins were unable to enter the wedding feast later, which signifies the import of being ready with oil in our lamps now. The oil lamp icon reminds us of this principle. What is that component in our lives today and why is it so important? I propose it could be unselfish service in others' behalf. That is why the Help Me Give Back icon is an oil lamp.

Blessings of service don't just help others all about us. It saves our lives, as well.

It’s happening all over the world and the impact is enormous.

In countries from the eastern hemisphere to the west and from the north to the southern-most parts of the earth, young people are affecting every nation of the world. While the surge begins with the youth as the instigators, they are not the only ones reaching out to make a difference. The elderly are catching on.

The movement is a groundswell of donations, support, and love. They plant trees, build homes, teach lessons, and fulfill dreams. The public health campaigns, painting of schools, building of play grounds, nurturing women, replacing dirty walls with beautiful murals, cleaning up trash, teaching English, and improving the community. This is just a beginning—beginning of a list and beginning of a life...of service.

“In the end though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you forever and sincerely as long as we have voices.”

That’s the wave of service we are witnessing all around the world. If you’re lucky, it will catch you perhaps unaware. And we’re all the better for it. Dhan'yavāda (Thank you)

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we may be able to do just that I expect, but in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.

I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of our ancestors. Their lives were difficult and must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant. Their decisions, inconsequential as they may have appeared, now have impacted dozens for good. Now we can look back and see the magnitude of their good choices, which directly impact my life and the lives of my family and extended family today. Thousands upon thousands will be blessed. I have always loved the story of the starfish.

You can't do everything. That's ok. You need only do what you can. That's the beautiful truth of the widow's mite.

Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

What you have to offer is significant and of value the millions donated to charity. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and good choices.

Watch this brief video.

My favorite part, "her faith overcame her fear and her hope overcame her despair."

That applies to each one of us. We are not alone.

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we may be able to do just that I expect. But in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.
 
I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of ancestors and advocates all around us. Their lives now and then must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant at times and their decisions inconsequential. But we know now the magnitude of their influence and good, generous choices, which directly impact our lives and the lives of our family, friends, and extended family today. Thousands upon thousands will be impacted for good. I have always loved the story of the starfish.
 
You can't do everything. That's ok. You need only do what you can. That's the beauty of goodwill.
 
Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

This famous quote has been an inspiration to millions. One person can make a difference.
 
You have much to offer. Your assistance will benefit the people of the world--not to mention you. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and generosity.

We sincerely thank you.

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C.

Barton, then 60 years old, had been involved with the Red Cross humanitarian organization in Europe and became determined to start a branch in the U.S.

No jokes for today's history lesson. But the staff of Inside Tidewater encourages you, in the wake of the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, to honor the anniversary of the American Red Cross by donating blood this week. (If possible, try to make it a regular habit, since the Red Cross needs blood all the time, and not just in the aftermath of a disaster.)                                                               On this date in history: The Red Cross

More birthdays worth reading about here

Every day the Red Cross is saving lives is a special day.

Mother cherishes her children…she wants the best for them. She treads fearlessly across the depths of sorrow and draws nigh unto death to give them life. Her most important purpose is her children’s happiness—a quality emulating God Himself. In many ways, she is the miracle the world is seeking. We gratefully witness her majesty daily and respectfully honor her ... to mothers everywhere, thank you! One mother blogs below:

I often think about the great needs in this world and wonder how we will ever fill them; will our efforts ever make a difference? Sometimes those vague questions become very real. What would it be like to save a baby’s life – to hold a cold, abandoned boy to your chest and sing over him?

A little over a year ago I met Julie at the Refresh Conference. She and her family were preparing to move to Soddo, Ethiopia where her husband was going to work as a physician at Soddo Christian Hospital. That hospital is dear to us because Eby and Little Man were both cared for there, and when we traveled to visit Soddo, we were invited to stay in a guest house on the hospital grounds.

Last night, in one last moment of procrastination, I clicked on my blog reader and a few new posts popped up. This one, written by Julie, grabbed my heart. Yesterday morning Julie’s husband called her to the hospital to hold an abandoned newborn baby, skin-to-skin on her chest and try to warm him. She didn’t know if she would be holding life or death in her hands, and against her heart.

Don’t miss reading this very moving story today.

Here is my Soddo baby, eight years old yesterday. To think there was a time when he was a sick baby in Soddo brings tears to my eyes.  Eby – my own Soddo miracle.

By Lisa Qualls
Wednesday May 1, 2013

How could I look back over the last couple years and see the hardships we have faced with such fondness. I never could have imagined it -- not in my wildest dreams. But this last year has given me so much, I can hardly enumerate it.

Friends, loyal family, sweet, supportive wife, and a Gracious Father have all opened my eyes to a world I once ignored.

Can't imagine that I was so oblivious to this treasure trove of need. And it's everywhere...on the other side of the world and across the street.

We can make a difference--and the amazing thing is that we stand to get the most out of our efforts and are the ones blessed above all else.

Replacing a tear with a smile. Swapping a lecture for a laugh.
Giving some Oshkosh Bgosh for the very first time ever.
A hug and a kiss and a sincere commendation could be the most important gift you ever give...or receive.

Yes. I once was blind, but now I see.

Maybe it’s because the warmth resonating from the sun’s rays fills us with hope and gratitude and love. Certainly it has to do with the fact that sunrises are beautiful, awe inspiring and generous; consistent, inspiring, and peaceful. What comes to your mind when thinking of sunrises?

Charitable giving can help us feel the same way. The children of the war-torn country of Uganda are in many ways most destitute. But the opportunity to lend a hand inspires us to help a child feel hope in the face of many struggles with disease, loss, poverty, and fear. Another African proverb Those who accomplish great things pay attention to little ones. - Malawi

The Ssejinja Children’s Foundation is trying to make a difference. When asked about the organization’s purpose, the founder David Ssejinja said “Even beyond primary grades, the Ssejinja Children’s Foundation is helping educate Uganda, giving the children a bright future. Education is the key to success. ”

Whatever your reasons for giving, I expect that the you will likely experience these same kind of emotions at the Sunrise Over Africa fundraiser and silent auction. See below for a list of Silent Auction items.*

The event is in Park City Saturday April 20, 2013 from 5:30 to 9pm at 1155 Quarry Mountain Lane. This charitable event is designed to raise money for the children in Africa. The proceeds go to building a new orphanage school in Ggenda Village, Uganda, Africa. The event is sponsored by Hank Louis and the Gigaplex Foundation.

Sunrise Over Africa

Hampton Inn & Suites, 6609 N. Landmark Drive Park City 
(next to Tanger Factory Outlet Stores) (map)

Live Auction…7pm                           Dance…6 & 8pm

Entertainment provided by African Dance Group
No entrance fee – proceeds go to building a new 
orphanage school in Ggenda Village, Uganda, Africa

Reservations…Please contact Anjee

Phone 435-649-4661       Text: 435-640-0203
Email: office@gigaplexdesign.com

*Silent Auction Items:

• African Carved Wood Crafts
  
• African Elephant Wood Carvings
  
• Hand-carved Wooden Zebra Mask
  
• African Wood Tribal Mask
  
• African Prints of Lion, Tiger, Hippo, Giraffe
  
• African Wall Mask of Zebra & Leopard
  
• African Women Heads
  
• African Animal Chess
  
• African Big Drums
  
• Carved Elephants
  
• Masai Statues
  
• Masai Masks
  
• Handmade Bags
  

And More to Come!

For those unable to attend this event, donations can be made at www.ssejinja.org

Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it (African Proverb) 

Together, all things are possible.