chasmckibben

Giving- It's a state of mind.

Often, I hear sermons or read articles about giving strategies. There always seems to be a process. The steps include assessing the worthiness of different charities, using a formula to determine an amount and committing to a strict schedule. That's good, but then I meet people who just give because they see a need and decide to help.

Two examples come to mind. I know there are others.

Friends in Michigan are constantly surprising me with a phone call. They say something like, "We were in K-mart and all the children's coats were on close-out sale. The prices were so good we just had to figure out someone that could use them." Then they will pack them up and ship them. Or, I find a sack in the Mulberry booth at a convention and it's filled with all the children's underwear from the close-out table at Walmart. I know who left it.

Another family in Iowa read a recent report from Project Sasha. In it, Galya is expressing her gratitude for several boxes of clothing that had been received. Her comment was that she could provide everyting but shoes for all the children. I got an e-mail asking, "Why weren't there any shoes?" That wasn't the point. Her point was how thankful she was to provide clothing. As I sit at my desk now, I can see four boxes of shoes (over 70 pounds), all from Iowa. And, I was just informed that another box is on the way.

What a great family of supporters we have! Like I said, there are many other examples.

Structured giving has its place. But, when we adopt a giving mindset that is constantly on the lookout for opportunities, the Spirit can really work through us.

Don't grow weary,
Charles