"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and He will reward him for what he has done"
The heart of our family is very near and dear to Haiti. Last year the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to fund a bank for a small community bank via
Hope International.
I am humbled by the realization that my small readership which labels themselves as frugalistas, SAHM, miserly budget queens, recently unemployed etc. are in fact part of the top 10% richest in our planet.
A couple of days ago I stopped by Kroger and purchased $28 of groceries with coupons with an overage of $1.54 I smiled as the cashier handed me money. My receipt read 102% savings. My heart read it as 102% blessings. Jesus sweetly reminded me of Isaiah 55:1-3. How blessed we are! How merciful is He!
Giving ministers to the poor & afflicted but it also ministers to me. It reminds me that I am not in control, it softens my heart of rock into flesh, it places my trust in the one who lovingly promises my daily bread.
Our church family like many others is somewhat paralyzed by fear of the current economy. In an effort to minister to our sisters and brothers in Christ and encourage giving yesterday we offered an anonymous match up to the monthly missions offering which will now be pointed to Haiti (We are praying for at least $1,600). Normally our church members bring their change jar to contribute towards this offering. Our desire is that this match inspires them to give sacrificially and bring the best to the altar that they may bless others and be blessed.
I was hesitant to post about giving in fear that it may be construed as vanity. However; inspired by the love and selflessness of many bloggers who have graciously offered to match based on post blogs I am happy to share with all of you. For more inspiring links visit www.moneysavingmom.com
In tandem with giving it is crucial that we pray. God is listening and He wants us to speak. To help you as you pray here is the list I compiled for our use at home:
Pray for the weather to be mild and rain-free as many no longer have a roof
Pray for God to comfort those that are perishing under the rubble
Pray for supernatural strength for doctors, nurses and rescue workers
Pray for clean water
Pray for relief distribution to take place with transparency, expediency and honesty
Pray for God to soften our hearts as we give for immediate needs
Pray for vision and long term commitment from all of us to not forget Haiti after the cameras are gone
Pray for sound air traffic control
Pray for quick rebuilding of port facilities and piers
Pray for the softening of hearts in Dominican Republic as they will have an even larger influx of refugees
Pray for a color-blind heart of adoption around the world
Pray for a time of harvest and restoration
Pray for hope
As you prepare your hearts for giving seek to give with the heart of Christ. Give freely, give generously, give lovingly, give sacrificially.
UPDATE
To encourage you to share your story and to promote Christian fellowship I will randomly select one link or comment to receive a Godiva Chocolate Ballotin with 36 pieces.
Posting a Mcklinky that we may encourage others
