It’s no secret that the Economy seems to be dominating the news and the attention of the general public. There is no area it has not touched on, it seems. Just this past month I read a comment on how it was affecting the mission field. How “the recession is permanently changing the way people think about giving - and how they want to interact with charities and each other.”
I was intrigued. I wanted to learn more! The more secular articles fairly screamed about how there was a tremendous short fall in giving as people lost confidence in a quick recovery. Even some large Church organizations were talking about tightening their belts and re-organizing. Yet, the grass roots ministries and missionaries seemed to have a remarkably different perspective.
There has been a marked rise in “in-Kind” giving, whether clothing, food, sundries, or office supplies. More and more, individuals would like to offer some of their skills, their expertise, or even their time, rather than just money. A marked rise! How can that not be good for God’s kingdom and His people!
The other half of that “changing the way people think about giving - and how they want to interact with charities and each other,” I discovered, was that those that wish to support, want to know more about what and who they are supporting.
People are no longer sending their money out to several missionaries and organizations, satisfied they have done what they can. I have had more than one donor say that now, as a couple, they are selecting only a few and expecting to know more, be involved more, and see the impact that their donations are creating for the kingdom of God!
Often they are learning more about the missionaries and missions, themselves, praying more, being intentional and specific in what events or groups they are supporting. They are using their own contacts with other friends, small groups, and church leaders to network and interact together for everyone’s benefit!
This is the best news ever! The body of Christ is moving in a big way! I’m so excited that you are a part of this with me, too! You have surrounded me with prayer, time, support, encouragement and more. You are already faithful to God’s kingdom building, and I feel blessed that Prodigal Gatherings has always been so well suited to all of these forms of donating!
Whether you’ve known me personally, through ministry, or heard me speak at your church, you have prayerfully made offerings for God’s kingdom and call on me to be a missionary. I am eternally grateful and give God the glory for you!
I am passionate about our youth and volunteers, and now I can add, passionate for this good news of how God is moving. I would love to invite you to join with me in getting the word out! I think everyone needs to hear some good news about the body of Christ, and the triumph of God despite these days!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:11-18
