What is a Hero?

A hero is the woman on the left, Frances.

When it came time to retire from her profession, Frances prayed, "Lord, show me my next assignment."

Today she is busier than ever. She and many other volunteers organize a huge yard sale every month to raise money for orphaned children in South Africa. Frances is a sweet, soft-spoken warrior who believes God's promises don't fade with age.

A hero is the woman on the right, Becky.

Becky tirelessly bakes the world's best pound cakes and strawberry pies. She bakes to earn a ticket to South Africa one small piece at a time. She's done it year after year for to wing her way across the ocean to serve.

When Becky speaks about the miracles that her faithful Father delivers on a consistent basis to care for orphans in Africa, her face lights with a light from a passion that burns intensely. She has seen God at work and delights to join Him. Becky is infectious, and we all sat on the edge of our seats following her every word.

A hero is the woman in the middle, Mama Mary.

This 72-year-old woman claims the heart of a 16-year-old as she cares for over 200 orphans in South Africa. Out of a love for her Jesus and a compassion for the fatherless in her country, she began to take in children before she had a facility or the means to feed them.

For years she provided meals from the scraps that she collected at the end of the day at the market, and put them to bed on wall-to-wall pieces of foam on the floor of her tiny home. With a third grade education and a heart that expands for each new person in need, Mama Mary continues to build a home for the homeless. In the wee hours of the morning, she immerses herself in the children's Bible that she has taught herself to read, and Jesus refills her for the next day of service.

I've found my heroes. I'd love to hear about some of yours.