The most exciting part, to me, has been watching and hearing non-SV people's responses when it is explained why we are fasting. Invariably, it is shock and awe. It is as if they want to say "Wow! You mean your church actually cares that people are starving? You mean you would actually give up food to develop compassion? You mean you don't just talk about loving people, you actually care, and sacrifice, and meet their needs? No agenda?"
We're not trying to flaunt that we're fasting, and we're not doing it to be more spiritual. The fast isn't about making people come to our church or even look to Jesus again. It is just about realizing what we have and trying to pass that along.
It's about love. And it turns out, when we love people, the world wants to know Who we serve.
Hey. I wanted to let everyone out there know about one of my favorite cookbooks. "More With Less" was done in affiliation with the Mennonite church. Basically, they are very simple, affordable recipes from 3rd World Countries. Check it out.
Those who know me, know that I bring my grandchildren to church with me each week. Well, it was Holly's turn, she's 8, on Sunday. I asked if any mention was made about the well's that we are helping to fund. When she said no, I got an extra bottle of water and flyer for her. We stopped on the way out of first gathering and I asked if she'd like some water to drink and took her to the mucky punch bowl. She declined. Then I took her to the table with the dried beans and rice and explained what we were doing this week. Since she is 8, I gave her the flyer and asked her to read all of it in the car on our way home. When she finished, I gave her the bottle of water and asked if she understood what it meant. She had a good grasp of the priniciple and them home with her later that day to put in her room. There she would be able to see them every day, without her little brothers getting to them, and think about how the little children in the pictures have to live. I hope this is a mind changing experience for her.
I sent the following email to my daughter this week and wanted to share it and her response with all of you.
Was Holly allowed, or did she even remember, to put her bottle of sealed, clean water and the article about the children without clean water on top of her dresser this week? I thought it would be a good reminder of how good it is to live in a developed and rich country. You know, like be thankful for the little things. Luv, Mom
The most exciting part, to me, has been watching and hearing non-SV people's responses when it is explained why we are fasting. Invariably, it is shock and awe. It is as if they want to say "Wow! You mean your church actually cares that people are starving? You mean you would actually give up food to develop compassion? You mean you don't just talk about loving people, you actually care, and sacrifice, and meet their needs? No agenda?"
ReplyDeleteWe're not trying to flaunt that we're fasting, and we're not doing it to be more spiritual. The fast isn't about making people come to our church or even look to Jesus again. It is just about realizing what we have and trying to pass that along.
It's about love. And it turns out, when we love people, the world wants to know Who we serve.
Hey. I wanted to let everyone out there know about one of my favorite cookbooks. "More With Less" was done in affiliation with the Mennonite church. Basically, they are very simple, affordable recipes from 3rd World Countries. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteThose who know me, know that I bring my grandchildren to church with me each week. Well, it was Holly's turn, she's 8, on Sunday. I asked if any mention was made about the well's that we are helping to fund. When she said no, I got an extra bottle of water and flyer for her.
ReplyDeleteWe stopped on the way out of first gathering and I asked if she'd like some water to drink and took her to the mucky punch bowl. She declined. Then I took her to the table with the dried beans and rice and explained what we were doing this week.
Since she is 8, I gave her the flyer and asked her to read all of it in the car on our way home. When she finished, I gave her the bottle of water and asked if she understood what it meant. She had a good grasp of the priniciple and them home with her later that day to put in her room. There she would be able to see them every day, without her little brothers getting to them, and think about how the little children in the pictures have to live.
I hope this is a mind changing experience for her.
I sent the following email to my daughter this week and wanted to share it and her response with all of you.
ReplyDeleteWas Holly allowed, or did she even remember, to put her bottle of sealed, clean water and the article about the children without clean water on top of her dresser this week? I thought it would be a good reminder of how good it is to live in a developed and rich country. You know, like be thankful for the little things.
Luv,
Mom
She was & she did & it is.