The last few weeks have been exciting as my family and I adjust to life in West Michigan. We are getting used to some things that we did not have in New Mexico: humidity, mosquitoes, and traffic. We also are taking in the green grass and the beautiful lakes. Through it all, we marvel at this diverse and beautiful world that God has entrusted to us and allows us to enjoy!

The last few weeks have been exciting as my family and I adjust to life in West Michigan. We are getting used to some things that we did not have in New Mexico: humidity, mosquitoes, and traffic. We also are taking in the green grass and the beautiful lakes. Through it all, we marvel at this diverse and beautiful world that God has entrusted to us and allows us to enjoy!

Although I grew up in Grand Rapids, my home has been in Rehoboth, New Mexico since I graduated from Calvin College. Any of you who have spent time in the southwest know that the red mesas, sagebrush, and open skies quickly steal a piece of your heart.

After college, I headed to New Mexico in the hope of exploring my Navajo heritage. But after a few weeks, I didn’t feel like I fit in. Being adopted, I had often felt that I had multiple identities, and I searched to discover who I was supposed to become. In all honesty, I was trying to run away from God, not realizing that I was actually running straight into His arms. Through some wonderful conversations, a Christian, Navajo brother ceremonially adopted me as his sister, and I soon began to understand my true identity as a beloved, adopted, child of God.

I have allowed God to take full rein over my decisions and guide me through the formation of my life. My husband Theo and I have allowed His will to put together every intricate detail concerning our family. God has blessed us with six children — each one arriving at different ages and at just the right time. Our children are currently ages 7 to 28, and four of them are in college or living on their own. Your prayers that cover them as well as me are greatly appreciated.

As I take in the impact that World Renew has around the globe, I am humbled to be a part of this great Kingdom work. A friend once told me that his church was going through a visioning process, and they used three questions to get at the essence of their ministry. I think about these as I gain a deeper understanding of World Renew.

First, is the work a great thing for God’s Kingdom? This world is eagerly waiting and crying out for the redemptive work of a Savior (Romans 8:19-22). World Renew is fueled by God’s faithful servants who hear this cry and commit to be God’s loving and merciful hands.

Second, is the work helping the hurting? Like our Savior Jesus modeled for us, we are called to attend to the sick, the imprisoned, the naked, the hungry, the widowed, and the orphaned (Matthew 25:34-40). World Renew serves those people who are most in need and most likely forgotten. World Renew accomplishes this by seeing the image of God in each person and building on the potential that God created in them.

Third, is anyone else doing it? God calls us to true community and partnership with every nation, tribe, and people. Even in my first few weeks at World Renew, I have seen the power of partnership. World Renew knows that each country, each city, each village has individuals and groups who have the desire, the passion, and the potential to transform their community. World Renew seeks out these relationships and walks alongside partner organizations with great success!

I invite you to join me in celebrating the transformational work that World Renew has already accomplished and in praying over and supporting the opportunities that God yet has in front of us!

Living justice, loving mercy, and serving Christ,
 

Carol Bremer-Bennett

Director, World Renew US

P.S. As I continue to deepen my knowledge and understanding of World Renew, I’d love to hear from you. What is it that you most appreciate about World Renew? What opportunities do you see that God yet has in front of us? Please email [email protected], or share your thoughts on World Renew’s Facebook page. I look forward to hearing more about your relationship with World Renew and its work.