“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service.” 2 Corinthians 9:13
We sang one of my favorite songs last Sunday, Glory to God! And I believe God was glorified by singing it. He was also glorified that Sunday by the generosity of his people.
The week before, we asked people to take a bag and fill it with food so that we could restock the church food pantry. We usually do this in October or November but because of conflicts with other events we postponed it. Then a few weeks ago the Caraways reminded me that it was time, so we put it in the bulletin and announced the Food for Friends in February. Some money was donated immediately and bags of food started coming in even the next day. We had about 25 bags on the stage at the start of the day on Sunday. However, things can change mighty fast around here. By the end of first service we had about 150 bags and by the end of second service there were 230 bags, each representing $25-$30 in food. There was also $3,685 donated. That comes to over $10,000 worth of food. WOW! Praise God! This went way beyond what we were expecting. I saw tears of Joy on some!
This is not a rare thing around here. Just a few days earlier the Hispanic ministry raised over $2,600 on the Wednesday night meal for a short- term mission trip to Colombia. And I cannot forget the thousands that were raised for water wells in Haiti and Tanzania just a few months ago.
When people see and hear about giving like this, God is glorified. He is also glorified in the working out of the gifts. Whether it is working with churches in Colombia on a mission trip, the preaching of the gospel at the dedication of new water well in Africa, or the distribution of food at the Singing Oaks food pantry, God will be glorified. This is my pledge to you for the ministries where I have some oversight. When this food is given out freely to the thousands that will receive it, (last year we gave over 1,000 bags representing over 3,000 household members) we will do our best to remember to give glory, praise and honor to the one who truly deserves it.
We are thankful to all who gave food and money. Also a big thanks to the college group, the LTC kids and parents, and the Caraways who together represented at least 40 hours of labor to put it all in the pantry.
By the way, the first bag went out to someone in need right after the second service.
Glory to God
