Lessons on Giving from Jesus
Luke 21:1-4, While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” NLT
In this story, Jesus took the time to teach his followers the importantance of giving. When I read this story, I see a few lessons on giving. First, God always knows what I give and what I keep. Next, I am to measure the size of my gift by the amount of sacrifice I make. Finally, I can always give something.
Speed The Light and Boys & Girls Missionary Challenge are “Missions Education” programs for youth and kids within the Assemblies of God. They are more than just programs that provide equipment for our missionaries. They are tools to help teach this next generation about missions, while supporting our AG Missionaries around the world. Both are extremely valuable tools in discipling our students in the area of giving. They teach them their future responsibilities to building Gods Kingdom around the world.
This month I received our Missions Giving Reports for 2009. The reports were not very encouraging, but here is the current reality. This past year the Children’s Ministries of the Oregon Ministry Network gave $106,207.18 to BGMC. This represents about 62% of our churches participating in BGMC.
For STL we had only about 38% of our churches participate to give $63,236.49. This is down about 30% from the prior year and only takes care of about 10% of the current need. Presently we have $606,680.90 of approved STL project requests. This means we have Oregon Ministry Network Missionaries that have been waiting for over 5 years for their equipment or vehicle. As you can see we desperately need every youth ministry and church in our Network to do better with Speed the Light in 2010.
My vision for both these critical ministries is to see 100% church participation. With your help we can say, “No to Zero” participation. All our Network Churches can do something for BGMC & STL. Together we can teach the value of missions to this next generation.
If you need help communicating this great need to your ministry or church I am willing to help. I am available to come do a missions service or window. Just contact me to put one on your calendar. The beginning of the year is a good time to focus on missions.
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