Throughout our four decades of ministry, God has abundantly supplied the resources for our needs. Many faith-partners have been encouraged by the Holy Spirit to support the vision and goals God has put before us of reaching men for Christ.
We marvel at the faithfulness and generosity of our large contributors, and we are humbled by the sacrificial giving of those who have so little.
The following story is a beautiful illustration of God’s creativity and sovereignty in using all our gifts, large or small, to further His Kingdom:
In the latter part of the 17th century, German preacher August H. Francke founded an orphanage to care for the homeless children of his town, Halle.
One day when Francke desperately needed funds to carry on his work, a destitute Christian widow came to his door begging for a ducat – a gold coin. Because of his financial situation, he politely but regretfully told her he couldn’t help her.
Disheartened, the woman began to weep. Moved by her tears, Francke asked her to wait while he went to his room to pray. After seeking God’s guidance, he felt that the Holy Spirit wanted him to give to this widow after all. So, trusting the Lord to meet his own needs, he gave her the money.
Two mornings later, he received a letter of thanks from the widow. She explained that because of his generosity she had asked the Lord to shower the orphanage with gifts. That same day Francke received twelve ducats from a wealthy lady and two more from a friend in Sweden. He thought he had been amply rewarded for helping the widow, but he was soon informed that the orphanage was to receive 500 gold pieces from the estate of Prince Lodewyk Van Wurtenburg. Upon hearing this, Francke wept in gratitude.
In sacrificially providing for that needy widow, he had been enriched, not impoverished. – Author Unknown
What an inspiring story! God is so good! I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
May this challenge us to ask God how much He wants us to give, and to whom…not from our abundance, but from compassionate and generous hearts.
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Personal Application: To what extent have you experienced the joy of giving? Be generous and always hold material things with an open hand.
Wendell Morton and Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5