Elisa holds such a dear place in my heart. A few years back, when I was having car trouble, she prayed and laid hands on my car in the middle of the street. Nothing magical happened that day, but less than a week later, the Lord sent someone to fix my car and get me back on the road free of charge. Elisa Riebeling is a mother of seven and the Founder of Elisa Riebeling Ministries, a San Antonio non-profit organization dedicated to fighting poverty by helping families, single parents, and abused women. Elisa takes God’s call to serve the poor to heart. She doesn’t just use her ministry to drop off food and clothing to those in need and then walk away. She sticks around to become a part of their lives. She’s willing to get her hands dirty. She goes into homes and disciples and encourages the hopeless on their journey. It’s so easy to hand over a few bucks or even make a meal, but Elisa knows firsthand how the power of God’s unconditional love can transform families and cities. She gives out of her own need. She gives till it hurts and then allows the Lord to fill her so she can give again. She is such an amazing example to me of what it means to love and serve God with all of your, heart, soul and might!

How are you serving those around you? Are you willing to open up your life and give, even despite your own needs? Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone to lead a life that truly blesses others? All it takes is a decision and a prayer. Lord, teach us to serve like Jesus. Teach us to lay down our lives so that He may work in and through us.

God recently expanded her service territory to be able to help 68 hurting communities in the city of San Antonio and she desperately needs your help. To find out how to get your church involved, contact her at (210) 979.OFKS (6357).

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/annaquesada/2012/01/she-serves/