My Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy
by Jill Foster, Children's Minister Southwest Christian Church, Temecula,CA

Do you know what your comfort zone is? What are the things you have in your life that make you comfortable? Is it a cozy chair you curl up in to read a book or a hot bath after a long day? Maybe its favorite sheets on your bed or that cup of coffee to start your day. Some may say it’s certain comfort foods that seem to pacify any worry to listening to your favorite music to soothe the soul. We all create comforts in our lives to reassure us about life.

Recently I was tested in all my comforts of home. A 12-day mission trip to the Philippines to serve with Restored Heritage took me out of my ease. I have never been so uncomfortable in my life. From the 20 hour travel in a confined space, sleeping with cockroaches, no hot water, no air-conditioning I 100+ degree weather a feeling unsafe at all times – my Americanized luxuries were gone. And yet, I praise God for all my discomfort for I have truly learned what living in Christ’s comfort really is. It is only when we are taken from our earthly comforts that God speaks to us. Going to the Philippines taught me so many things that will forever change the way I live and serve our Lord.

For years I have provided Restored Heritage financially and prayerfully. I have known my friends Marydel Glass for five years and support all she does. Yet, I was unable to grasp the true essence of this ministry until I saw first-hand all the many ways God transforms lives. The RH staff ministers in so many different ways. The RH center is in the midst of the poorest of Cebu City. The homeless, starving, naked, sick, addicted, and abandoned are walking the streets in front of the Restored Heritage building. And yet, there is comfort and joy overflowing from the open garage-like building for all to receive God’s goodness. As hopeless people walk by, you see and hear God’s glory and praise lifted to the skies behind the gates of RH. The homeless and abandoned children who have found refuge create the joyful noise amidst the thousands of honking cars passing by.

The children who come each morning to learn are receiving life lessons that will change their future. Prayers and Biblical teaching is the heart of the staff who dedicates their lives to his sacrificial service. The worship team plays and sings to God’s praise that brings a comfort to one’s spirit. The medical and food outreach brings hope to a lost people. One moment they have nothing and the next they hold eternal life. Restored Heritage is purposed to change lives, one soul at a time. I was able to grab a hold of each area of ministry and even traveled to the island of Bohol to see the future shelter, learning and worship center. I experienced the Spirit of the mission and left with a yearning to do more.