Jeff's Journal

Once, I roomed with a man

   at a church event

      who was apparently wealthy.

 

He made the statement,

   "It takes a lot of time and energy

      to write checks to all the organizations

      who send me requests for money."

You and I know who they are.

   We receive requests from some interesting

      places and people.

Some of the requests are from nationally known

   and well respected charities.

 

   Or others from organizations who purport noble purposes,

      but no one knows who they really are and you never

      can prove they did what they said they would do.

 

I said to this man who I roomed with,

   "What about the church?'

Had I been bolder, I would have said,

   "Unlike these other organizations,

   the church is fully accountable.

   From the local church to the general

      church, I know people personally,

      who can account for the money

         we spend. Why not give to the

         church what you would have given

            to these random, mass mail

               organizations who are just

            fishing for your money."

 

This Sunday, we bring back the money

   we have been accumulating for

      Week of Compassion.

Week of Compassion has

   my full confidence, that they do

      what they say they do and that

      my money is spent wisely and

         that lives are changed

         around the world.

I hope that you not only bring

   your offering boxes, which are

   over-and-above gifts,

      but that you will write a generous

      check to bless refugees, victims

         of natural disasters and those

         in the United States who need

         our help.

You may continue to watch

   your flowers grow at home,

   and even respond next week

      if you are not prepared this week.

 

Together, let's make this offering

   an outstanding one from First Christian

   to the world through Week of Compassion.

 

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff