By Danna Fields
You never know where life will take you. It’s a crazy, beautiful journey and when we allow God to guide us, the crazier and more beautiful can be. Things that I have never imagined, come alive right before my eyes.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
Visions of Hope has changed my life forever. Seeing these men, women, and children who have been knocked down and who chose to stand back up and not give up are truly inspirational:
Children at Otino Waa who have risen from the depths of poverty and loss of parents, rise to be the next leaders of Uganda.
Women at Coffee Creek Correctional who demonstrate love by making crochet items to bless the house moms of Otino Waa.
Men at Deer Ridge Correctional who didn’t know they could be artists and discover hidden talent which translates to funding for our Otino Waa kids!
I’ve seen men and women all over Oregon not allowing a troubled past to define their future. For years they have sponsored Otino Waa kids and call themselves World Changers.
Being knocked down looks different in everyone’s lives. Sometimes we make bad choices and sometimes life just hits us out of nowhere, but to recover and demonstrate success has been an ongoing inspiration to me.
Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5
Being part of the art groups not only encourages those who live within prison walls but has encouraged me, even though the tough times. Having a group of people who are excited to see you and can’t wait to chat is so amazing. We celebrate together when someone is being released when family members visit, or when a letter from Otino-Waa is received.
God places the perfect people in your life at just the right time. I’ve discovered that inspiring and helpful people are often the ones you least expect.
Next time you’re knocked down, allow God to bring the people he chooses to help and inspire. You might end up with an amazing new look on life around you.
Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Would you like to encounter the same life changing experience as Danna? It might be easier than you think. Start with these simple steps:
start with these simple steps:
–Would you like to visit a prison art group?
–Would you like to come to the next prison presentation?
–How about a visit to Otino-Waa Children’s Village in Uganda?