This
year I thought it would be good to add a service project of some sort. I didn’t
know what, but I felt it might just be a great addition to this event,
especially since our church strives to be an externally focused church.
With Fiesta Night as a theme, we decided to prepare Mexican soup mixes to give to local families in our community at Christmas. I found the recipe, calculated how much soup ingredients to purchase for 1,000 bags of soup mix, and then left the project in capable hands while I went on a two week vacation, followed by a two week service trip.
While
I was away, ingredients were purchased (pounds and pounds and even more pounds of
beans), soup seasoning packets were prepared, and other items gathered to pull
this project together. I must say a big thank you to Kim and Jodie for all the
work they did in order to make it the success it was.
Yes
it was a success. The women who attended the event last night were thrilled to
be able to do something for others. That room was busy during the entire event.
People raved about how good it was to do something for others. And even when
the beans ran out, they asked to be called when more beans were purchased so
that the project could be finished.
It
brought joy to my heart! Yes, the women enjoyed all the fun the evening
offered, but they also thought of others. Others less fortunate. And they also
were willing to do something about it. Prepare soup mixes.
God
filled His Word with examples of those who shared with other less fortunate. We
should see these examples and know that we are to do the same.
Acts
9:36 (NIV) speaks of Tabitha. “In Joppa
there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was
always doing good and helping the poor.” Her life mission was to help
others. When she died, the poor felt helpless. But Peter entered the scene and
miraculously brought her back to life. Once again, the poor of her community
would be blessed by this woman.
When
Paul was accepted by the other Apostles, they asked him to “remember the poor, the very thing he was eager to do.” (Galatians
2:10 – NIV) Paul knew the importance of providing for the poor. He was
concerned for their souls, but he was also concerned for their physical
well-being.
The
early church showed this same compassion. In Acts 2:44-45 (NIV), we see their
response to the needy. “All the believers
were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and
goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
In
1 John 3:17 (NIV), John shares why we should give. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but
has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” God’s love cannot
be seen in those who do not give to those in need. I don’t know about you, but I
want God’s love to shine through me. That means we must share with those in
need.
There
are other passages of Scripture that command us to be kind, compassionate, and
generous.
“Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 – NIV)
“Command them to do good, to be rich
in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18 – NIV)
And
in Ephesians 4:28 (NIV), Paul encourages those who had been stealing to find
something useful to do with their hands so “that
he may have something useful to share with those in need.”
So
you see we are to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. It might be
difficult in our world today, but still, we must make an effort to find our own
plan of action for this group of people. And as in all things, we must do so in
love.
The
bean soup project was a success. But I ask you, how is your local church
reaching out to the poor of your community? If nothing, why not step up and start
something. If there is already a program, why not join the cause. Get involved.
You will find that you will be blessed far more than expected.
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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