Soon Christmas will be here. During the month of December T.V. will show “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart the story of a man who got to see his many contributions to the lives of many by seeing what it would be like if he was not there. It will happen one day in heaven that we will see just how we contributed in God’s plan.
Another classic that will be shown is “Scrooge” by Charles Dickens. A wealthy, bitter, man who was visited by the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. The result changed his life and he became generous and happy and a friend to family and his employee.
You and I are faced with the same opportunities in the real world. A kind word to a discouraged person, a good deed done that changes an attitude of someone, an opportunity to invest in the outcome of many by supporting the work of the church and the support of missions, the bus to bring kids to church, the class where they are taught of God and the Bible and Salvation. The missionaries sent to establish churches and ministries to those in need. Shoes for Africa we participated in and shoes to the Ukraine over $2200 sent for the deaf church and orphans and kids at Simferopol. A church in the Philippines with a Christian school of over 200 and anniversary Sunday they celebrated with 240 adults and 150 children, 3 saved and they have started 10 mission churches and helped 6 more pastors in establishing others. I imagine one day in heaven like “It’s a Wonderful Life” you will see the “Fruit that has abounded to your account.” Philippines 4:17
Or even like Ebenezer Scrooge some need to awake to an opportunity of change and transformation only possible through Christ Our Lord and Salvation which makes us a new creature in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Please join me in systematic giving of a tithe to the church and a gift to missions. We are currently sending $105 a month to most of our missionaries. Has God so blessed you that you could support a missionary through your church? $25 per week will do this or $105 per month. That might be a large sacrifice for some but maybe they could do 1/2 that so 2 people would support one missionary.
The church gives 10% of all the tithes to missions and all that you give above that allows us to give over $80,000 last year toward the support of over 40 mission projects and church planting missionaries. Only eternity will reveal all that is accomplished.
This Sunday November 13th Our Missionary to Cambodia Tim Stephens will be with us. He will speak in the 10 & 11 a.m. services.
God Bless,
Pastor
