Emily Sortino
Ministers United By Christ
Emily shares how Ministers United by Christ came to be and how faithfulness and obedience in the seemingly small things has led to even greater opportunities.
We've all seen the images on our tv's and have our preconceived notions of what Africa must be like, but in this interview, Emily takes us behind the scenes as she shares her first hand experiences of ministering in the African countries of Ethiopia and Malawi. Hear how Christians are treated in these societies and how life for "the least of these" - especially the little girls - can be especially cruel. But still Emily finds joy, purpose and fellowship with these beautiful people who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, though a world away and in a culture unfamiliar to us.
In this segment, Emily shares from her own personal experience what you can do to best help the people in Africa. Direct money to an individual may not be the best route, for it can unintentionally lead to the dilemma of "giving a man a fish" versus "teaching a man how to fish." But just as Peter said to the beggar in Acts 3:6, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give to you," we ALL have something we can give, and just as Jesus told us, even something so small as a cup of water given in His name will be honored and rewarded.
Firstly, and definitely most importantly, we must PRAY. Though the world may mock and belittle "thoughts and prayers," God tells us in James 5:6 that "The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective." One of the most urgent needs for which we can pray is found in Matthew 9:38, "Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
I John 3:17 further instructs us that we are to freely give from our own material possessions and abilities in order to show the love of God to others. Emily shares how one of the most valuable things we can give is an opportunity.
I Corinthians 12:27-28 tells us, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues."
Do you know what your Gift is and are you using it for the Lord? In this segment, Emily shares how she discovered, and has been able to use, her spiritual Gift of Evangelism.
(Note: all photos and videos are provided thanks to the courtesy and great generosity of Emily and Joseph Sortino.)