Experiences in Outreach

Sunday, March 11, 2007

4 Dimes, 1 Nickel, and 9 Pennies

Do we really believe that Jesus knows the best way to live to the point that we live it? Or, do we think it sounds good on paper but doesn't really work in the real world? That was the message of the sermon this morning.

One of the ladies who attends our food distribution during the week came into the worship service just before the sermon began and sat down. I recognized her and was so glad to see her come to the Sunday morning assembly. At the end of the worship service, I stood at the back to shake hands with those who were filing out of the auditorium, when this lady came up to me with a smile and said that she came in late and missed the offering plate and wondered where she could take her offering. I told her that I would be glad to take it to where it needed to be. She told me that during the sermon she remembered the story about the woman who gave all she had. With her delightful smile, she held out her hand and dropped a few coins in my hand and asked if I would put it in the offering for her. I gave her a hug and we parted with a mutual "God Bless".

I took the coins back to my office for safekeeping until in the morning when I can give it to our bookkeeper for the final count of the contribution. I sat down and laid the coins on my desk. Our average weekly contribution is around $36,000.00 and this week, an additional 4 dimes, 1 nickel, and 9 pennies.

I think this lady, who struggles to have enough to eat each week, believes that Jesus knows the best way to live. She lived it this morning.

4 Comments:

  • Thank you for sharing these stories, Mark. God always does such great things with our "small" gifts.

    By Blogger debbie, at 1:43 PM  

  • Thanks Debbie, It's great to hear that people are encouraged by this.

    By Blogger Mark Love, at 6:27 AM  

  • Wow, I actually got a little choked up reading this. Thanks for sharing!

    By Blogger Taylor W, at 2:09 PM  

  • Yes, these folks are amazing. Thanks for your comment.

    By Blogger Mark Love, at 2:23 PM  

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