Faith Spilling Over

Getting God's Word In, So Our Faith Can Spill Out

  • More of God Book
  • About Me
  • Free Quiet Time Guide
  • Blog
    • Spiritual Growth
    • Bible Study
    • Prayer
    • Encouragement
    • Marriage & Family
  • Speaking

Making a Difference in an Overwhelming World

November 11, 2014 by betsydecruz Leave a Comment

making a differenceDo you ever feel like a tiny grain of sand in an overwhelming world? We watch the news, and our hearts are broken by mind-boggling suffering. The conflict in Iraq and Syria hits my family hard because it’s relatively close. Kobani, for instance, is 800 miles away from Izmir, where we live. Over a million refugees have entered Turkey, many with only the clothes on their backs.

This is happening at my doorstop. The sheer magnitude of it overwhelms. What could I possibly do to make a difference?

I learned a lesson from my kids.

News reports impacted them deeply. Many mornings they prayed for refugees at breakfast. During a prayer time at church a few weeks ago, I heard Camille and her friend Isabelle praying heaven down over the camps.

But when Andres told me that he, Camille, and Isabelle wanted to hold a fund-raising dinner for refugees, I thought, “Right. That’s a great idea, but it doesn’t sound like a project for three teenagers.”

They said they wanted to have a dinner for 25 people at our church on October 23; I had mixed feelings. October happened to be the busiest month of our home schooling year. I asked Andres if he didn’t think it would be better to wait a month until after he finished his university applications and took the SAT exam.

I was hoping we could make a difference at a more convenient time. They were gripped by the plight of refugees. NOW.

So they printed and sold tickets. They planned a menu and recruited a chef to help them.

Mind you, they did not do things the way my 50 year old obsessive compulsive self would have. They went about their project like three teens would, not so worried about organization and planning.

But what they did was beautiful, and I was so proud of them.

Friday night they shopped for food. On Saturday, Isabelle and Yetkin the Chef showed up at our house at 9:00 a.m. to start work. They made cheesecake, chopped vegetables, and concocted sauces.

prep edit

Later on they transported everything to the church building. They set up tables and made place cards. The kids were still cooking when guests arrived.

edit group

PicMonkey Collage

edit food

Dressed in black and white, they served the dinner. Isabelle showed a video she’d made about the refugees; Andres and Camille made a few comments. Their day ended at 11:00 p.m. with dish washing.

They raised 750 lira.

But the results went beyond that. Adults were touched and encouraged to see 3 teens step out of their comfort zone, step up to the plate, and do something for refugees in Turkey.

Their example challenged me.

How often do I think it would be a great idea to help those in need, but then I never get around to doing anything?

Jesus called us the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Light is good news to the darkness, and salt is certainly good news to food. What can we do today to be good news to our world? Maybe we could make a phone call to someone who’s hurting. Maybe we could actually stop to give something to that person standing with a sign at the intersection on our way to work.

Join me again on Friday, when I’ll talk about practical things that we can do to be good news.

Comments?

I’m linking up with Holly Barrett today. Check out her Testimony Tuesday for more encouraging stories.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join my community, enter your e-mail in the box at the top right hand of this page. You’ll get fresh installments of Faith Spilling Over twice a week.

Share this:

  • Tweet

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Real Life Tagged With: Faith in Action, Making a Difference in our World, Putting Feet to our Faith, Real Faith, Syrian Refugee Crisis

Comments

  1. Jen Daugherty says

    November 11, 2014 at 11:44 am

    This is pretty amazing! What a beautiful example being rocked by God and moved towards a cause, then being obedient in making a difference. Your kids are such a wonderful example to me today!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      Believe me, Jen, they are to me too. Thanks for stopping by here today.

      Reply
  2. Sabra Penley says

    November 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Betsy, what joy must be in your heart! How precious a gift to watch your kids rise up and bless others through their prayers and service–all because of the love and care God placed in their hearts. This statement keeps rolling around in my head: “They went about their project like three teens would, not so worried about organization and planning.” That, right there, is what stops me cold from moving forward in serving others. I have the worldly perspective that it has to be done just right to make a difference. But that’s a lie. And your children proved it. Thanks so much, Betsy, for sharing inspiring story with all of us. May my heart be burdened enough to reach out of my comfort zone and touch the lives of others with God’s love. Hugs!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Yes, it is a joy, Sabra, and it was a challenge for me to just LET GO and let THEM DO, rather than insisting they do everything the way I would. I think you’re right. I get stopped cold from moving forward to serve for the same reason! I would have waited until November, and then it would have been Thanksgiving, and then it would have never happened.

      Reply
  3. Kathryn Shirey says

    November 11, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    What amazing kids you have! Love their servant hearts and willingness to step beyond and do something like this. Love the photos!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks Kathryn, they are pretty amazing…

      Reply
  4. Kelly Balarie says

    November 11, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Betsy, I so get this. I am often beyond overwhwelmed at life’s happenings. It can be too much. Thank you for a new perspective, fellow Compeller!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      Thanks for stopping by here today, Kelly.

      Reply
  5. Lux Ganzon says

    November 11, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    You’ve got a beautiful family. Learning should never really stop even after we quit school. Aren’t the lessons learned from kids or those younger than us refreshing?

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:25 pm

      You’re right, Lux. We should never stop learning, and we can learn from all kinds of folks.

      Reply
  6. Holly Barrett says

    November 11, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Oh how I love what your kids did! And I’m totally with you about how I might have done it differently or at a “better” time. Congrats to you for letting them follow what God had laid on their hearts and to them for the success they experienced from their hard work! Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:51 pm

      Yes, Holly. It was a learning experience for me just to let them “be” and let them “do!”

      Reply
  7. Tarissa Helms says

    November 11, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    I loved this, Betsy! For most of my life, I’ve looked up to people who were older and wiser than me to be my spiritual teachers. But I have to say, for the past several weeks, it’s been the YOUNG people in my life who’ve inspired and taught me most and now your children are added among them. I jokingly remarked on Facebook last week that there’s no age limit to awesomeness and it’s true! All it takes is a heart that’s willing to listen and the faith to step out and try. I think your kids are pretty awesome and so are you! 🙂

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 7:14 pm

      Thanks, Tarissa! I loved it too. It’s true that there’s no age limit to awesomeness!

      Reply
  8. Columba Lisa Smith says

    November 11, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    This is so inspiring! I’ve been praying to find ways for my kids and me to help. I’m going to show this to my kids. 🙂

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 11, 2014 at 7:15 pm

      Yes, Lisa! I’m actually thinking about going to visit some refugees myself. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Cathy Z. Peek says

    November 11, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Betsy, this is a heart moving story of real teens with with an incredible heart! I am sharing this today on my Facebook page “Life Bubbling Over”. Stop by for a visit. Many blessing to you and your family! I also subscribed to your blog.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing, Cathy, and for subscribing to my blog. I appreciate it!

      Reply
  10. Karin says

    November 11, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    So proud of them. Also you are a great mother being a beautiful example to them on caring and loving their neighbors.

    Reply
  11. melanieporter45 says

    November 11, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    This is a wonderful Betsy!! Your kids are beautiful – and I think you are a cool…inspiring mom! Love you friend! Great writing!

    Reply
  12. Anita Ojeda says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:51 am

    Wow. Just wow. How often do I hesitate to do something until it’s more convenient for ME (and how selfish is that?!). Their beautiful act of service will stand as a reminder that I need to do things NOW, when God asks, not later, when I feel like it.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Yes, I tend to do that too, Anita. Wait for a more convenient time. It was a lesson for me as well.

      Reply
  13. Deborah says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:03 am

    You are raising such loving and caring people to lead the next generation of hard-working Christians. They learned from the beautiful example you set and the values you taught them. You must feel so thankful and proud of your selfless and motivated kids, Betsy! Thanks for sharing this story.

    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:57 am

    Thank you for sharing this!!! You have some wonderful and thoughtful kids. I love the pictures you shared. Your message touched my heart on many levels tonight. I pray that my kids will have a heart to serve. And I pray that I will be a good example.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      I’m praying right now that God will give your kids an opportunity to do something special for someone at Thanksgiving or Christmas, Lisa!

      Reply
  15. hopeful50 says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    No other word but awesome kids!!! Blessed, you are!

    Reply
  16. Abby says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Betsy, what beautiful kids you have with beautiful hearts! That is so awesome. They have inspired me, too. It is true; so often I want to help but then think of a million reasons why I can’t. God recently prompted my husband and me to open our home for a weekly Bible study, and it has already been a huge blessing. He continues to challenge me, and I hope to grow and be molded in the process instead of resistant. Thanks for sharing! Loved this.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Wos, Abby, that is SO great that you’ve opened your home for the Bible study. I know what it is like, a blessing, and lots of work, too, so may God give you lots of grace and joy as you serve in this way. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    Betsy,
    What a great example of what God can do in and through us if we are willing to open our hearts to His will and His timing. Your kids are a great example that each of us CAN make a difference in this dark and hurting world in which we live. You deserve to be a proud Momma!!
    ((Hugs)),
    Bev

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:24 am

      Thanks for your kind words, Bev. Really, the kids did it all.

      Reply
  18. Carmen Horne says

    November 13, 2014 at 2:27 am

    Betsy how proud you must be of those kids! The pictures are wonderful. Your family is impacting the world where you live. Amazing!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:25 am

      Thanks for your encouragement, Carmen. I am proud of them. 🙂 It was a wonderful experience.

      Reply
  19. graceglimmers says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Betsy, Yes…Salt and Light! I was studying Mark 9 yesterday, and in it is the salt stuff! I recently traveled to the beach with friends…salt water is brimming with sea life…we saw a manatee and a ray. So amazing…God is truly a God of LIFE. Even though we are oceans apart from some of God’s people, we can pray for them. I am thankful your children reminded me of that. I often get caught up in my immediate world…my family…my city….my country. No, God made it ALL! I need to pray bigger prayers. I love that your kids have soft hearts and big love for God. What a testament to you as parents for raising them with that love for others and the willingness to pray! Glad to have met you via the blogging world. Jenn (aka graceglimmers)

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 14, 2014 at 7:56 am

      I’m glad to meet you too, Jenn. It’s so true that all of us get caught up in our immediate world. When we widen our horizons and look at how others are living, sometimes it helps us be more grateful for all we have! And yes, it starts with PRAYER! 🙂

      Reply
  20. sarahgirl3 says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    There are no words that can express how this makes me feel. Kids doing something to help is always so amazing! They don’t think like we do, like they can’t make a difference. They just do something. Bravo kids!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      November 14, 2014 at 7:55 am

      Thanks so much, Sarah. I was touched by their example too.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello! I’m Betsy.

I believe overwhelmed women can learn to take small steps to experience more of God's presence and power in their lives. When we hear God's voice through His Word, He calms our fears and frees us to receive His peace and joy. Read More…

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Readers’ Favorite Posts

  • 7 Helpful Ways to Listen to God
  • Hope When You Need to Know God Loves You
  • How to Praise God When You Don’t Feel Like It
  • One Truth That Will Help You When God Closes a Door
  • 9 Books When You Need to Encourage Your Faith
  • Help When You Need to Remember God’s Goodness

Books to Help You Grow Spiritually

Books to Help You Grow Spiritually

Follow me on Instagram

betsydecruz

Encouraging women to pursue Jesus and live out His purposes. ⬇️I'd love to give you Free Quiet Time Renewal Guide.

Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon's first Easter with Elijah, Camilla, and the rest of the family ❤️
I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands and delivered him safely into this world one week ago today!

Camilla and Elijah are doing such a great job as parents already, and we have a cute little cuddlebug to hold and marvel over! Abuelo José is in awe to be able to hold such a little guy! (PSA, last photo is the best!)

I keep marveling over God's faithful care and keep coming back to this verse: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you." Psalm 71:6

#grandbaby #baby #grandmother #thanks
1. When you and your daughter are students at the 1. When you and your daughter are students at the same seminary.  2. And your husband is on staff there!❤️
So excited to begin at @dallasseminary this fall! Diving into Systematic Theology as a first step to my Masters in Christian Education 😍🎉
Such a fun evening last night at Convocation.
Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄 We Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄

We've enjoyed such a fun and memorable Christmas season. So grateful for family,  loved ones, and for the way Advent cheers our spirits and reminds us of the wonder of Jesus' coming to earth.

#feliznavidad #merrychristmas #advent #joy  #family
I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at our Women's Christmas Lunch with @northwestbiblewomen . ❤️🎄 This was the biggest party I've ever hosted, totally beyond my capacity. I'm giving God thanks for the amazing people who made it possible:
👉
#2 Cindy Douglas, our Women's Christmas Lunch Coordinator. So gifted.

#3 Our Ninja team who did the work to pull everything off.

#4 Our speakers, @rebeccacarrell  and @beca.inke . So talented. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

(Amazing worship team is not pictured! 😭)

#5 Fabulous table hostesses, who decorated the tables and made women feel welcome.

#6 Men who volunteered to serve, including my own José!

#7 Northwest group life team women, who served as table hostesses and supported me in those moments when I thought I'd lose my mind! 😂

(Not pictured are our lovely greeters and my dear daughter Camilla, who was at my side, one of my best friends. ❤️)

#thanks to all of you! What amazing #teamwork ! ❤️🎄

#joy #christmas #northwestbiblewomen gratitude
Best Thanksgiving ever! So grateful for family and Best Thanksgiving ever! So grateful for family and the blessing of getting to celebrate together. 🍁🦃🍁 (Best surprise ever was when @mcruzpeti walked in the door all the way from Michigan! Apparently everyone in the family knew he was coming except for José and I. ❤️)

#thanksgiving #surprise #fun #family
Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Sugar and Dice this weekend! Where I would have plunked down autumn leaves and fake pumpkins, my friend Mary had a vision to make our women's social beautiful with these flower arrangments and white pumpkin candleholders.

For me, our event was a fun celebration of women's gifts, and the fact that we are better together!

@kristenains had a great idea, organization, and menu planning skills.
@emileemeeks gave it a cute name and promoted it.
@marystoelzing made it beautiful (and got her husband and his wheelbarrow to bring in all the pumpkins).
@raisinshan led us through the ins and outs of Bunco!
@heyjayes had a willing heart to help with setup.

So grateful to get to serve with such an amazing team of women and for our @northwestbiblewomen community. ♥️

#pumpkins #flowers #northwestbiblewomen #fall #fallfun #bettertogether #community
I'm smiling about the first day of fall even thoug I'm smiling about the first day of fall even though it's 97 degrees outside in Dallas. I love fresh starts and new seasons. 🍁🍂

It's almost 6 months now since I started a new role as women's minister at Northwest Bible Church. I'm so grateful for how God has helped me up to now and for the lovely community of women I get to serve. I've been stretched in new ways, and I'm learning more about desperate dependence on Jesus! He's showing me that the most important thing I can do to serve others well is to cultivate a quiet spirit that waits on God, listens for His voice, and trusts His power instead of running ahead on my own steam! 😅

I'm looking forward to the coming season and continuing to learn how to seek more of God's presence and and trust His power.

Also looking forward to cooler days! What are you looking forward to in this new season? 🍂🍁

#moreofGod #fall #newseason #learning #spiritualgrowth  #rest #autumn
He's the best! So grateful for 28 years with José He's the best! So grateful for 28 years with José. A sense of humor was #3 on the list of qualities I hoped for in a husband, and we're still laughing together. God has been so faithful and good. 

#anniversary #gratitude #joy #laughter
Follow on Instagram

Follow me on Pinterest

Disclosure Policy

Faithspillingover is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you buy anything on Amazon after clicking one of my links, I earn a small commission towards the costs of running this site.

Read my Privacy Policy here.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member badge

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

%d