A Modern Day Hero!

Photo credits: rossoscarknightphotography.net

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."

1Corinthians 12:4-11

As horrific as the daily reports are that come out of Haiti, there are many miracles occurring too. Reports of people working in unbelievable conditions, using their God-given talents to do what they can to salvage lives, is inspirational. There are also people who are working stateside, using their God-given talents to not only salvage the lives of the people of Haiti, but also to dramatically change their lives forever. These people are unsung heroes whom you may never hear about on CNN, never read about on Yahoo or in your newspaper. But, they are there, working behind the scenes with the grace of angels and the perseverance of an Army General.

One of these HEROES is Shaun King. Shaun is a young man, just 30 years old, but his wisdom is greater than many men twice his age. As a husband, father to 5 children and pastor of a year old church in downtown Atlanta (aptly named **Courageous Church) Shaun is no stranger to leadership and organization. He is no stranger to suffering either, having come close to death himself through a tragic accident. Perhaps it is these life experiences that help to fuel Shaun's passion to press on to help others.

Almost immediately following the earthquake, Shaun began organizing teams of doctors and volunteers to go to the aid of the Haitian people. Obstacles and political red tape are no match for Shaun's Pit Bull tenacity. When he hears of a new situation requiring help, Shaun digs his heels in and does whatever needs to be done to get the right people and supplies delivered. One such situation required contact with a Naval Hospital ship off the coast of Haiti. No easy task. As a Navy Mom, I'm well aware of the limited communications with deployed sailors. Yet, somehow, once again, Shaun rose to the challenge and jumped through whatever hoops he had to, trying to coordinate medical care for many of Haiti's wounded who required brain surgery.

Shaun's latest, and perhaps largest mission, is aimed at the evil people who are trafficking precious children in Haiti. Sadly, this is not a new problem in Haiti, but with Shaun pressing forward for change, perhaps it will soon be a thing of the past. If anyone can mobilize an army to eradicate this situation, I have no doubt that it is Shaun King.

I hope one day I can meet you in person and give you a "Mama hug" for all the good you are doing with your God-given talents. If not here, then I'll look for you in Heaven one day. Shaun, you truly are a modern day hero!

**If you would like to learn more about Shaun's work and how you can help with your God-given talents, you can follow him on Twitter, http://twitter.com/ShaunKing or read his blog at http://www.shauninthecity.com/the-courageous-church