Be a 'Hilarious Giver'
"The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart,not with regret or under compulsion,since God loves a cheerful giver."2 Co 9:6-7This is the advice given by the apostle Paul twenty centuries ago. We learn a portion of this advice as we live in this world; the more we care about others, the more we are likely to be cared about.
There's more to Paul's advice. What Paul is saying is that we benefit from the very act of giving. When we come to that truth, we understand that the act of giving is, in itself, a gift to ourselves. We derive joy from sharing our bounty.
The word 'cheerful' in the passage quoted above was really 'hilaro' in the original Greek. Paul meant that we should find and nurture that special place in our hearts that gives us joy when we give.
Find the 'hilaro' in your life. Share with us the joy of being a 'Hilarious Giver' - one who finds and accepts the gift from God that results from selfless giving.
Fishes and Loaves Ministry
Are you looking for a way to expand your mission outreach? Or considering launching an outreach to Baja California? Or are there members of your congregation who are ready for that 'next step' in their walk with Jesus, but lack direction? Our Fishes and Loaves ministry may be just what you're looking for.
Here's how it works: Participants gather a boxful of donated goods for needy children in Baja California. The box might contain food, new or 'gently used' children's clothing, boxed toys - anything that those who have nothing might benefit by receiving from us who have so much. Put the box in the bed of a pickup, or cargo area of a SUV, and visit us (or notify us when you'll be crossing at Tijuana or Otay Mesa). We'll fillthe bed of the pickup or the interior of the van with nutritious and sorely-needed food for delivery to an orphanage or guarderia in Baja.
All we ask is that the food we entrust to you actually is taken to Mexico and given to feed needy children. That's it!
We have orphanages and guarderia within a reasonable drive from the border who dearly need your help and support - we're happy to make introductions, or even lead caravans. What better way to excite the infilling of the Holy Spirit than by feeding hungry children? Be forewarned - those who become a part of this ministry are likely to have their lives changed. And outreach ministries will find the abundance they can share to glorify the Word of God multiplied beyond their expectations.