A challenge - give it up and give it away

This morning I had a challenging thought and I wanted to share it here. At this time of year it is traditional in many churches to think about giving up something as a way of sharing in Christ’s suffering on our behalf. And while I think there is merit in pondering His atoning work and perhaps even sharing in it in some small way by denying ourselves something, I thought it might be even better to take it a step further. Christ gave up His life SO HE COULD GIVE IT AWAY. So in our giving up of something, why not take it a step further? Why not give it away? Give up that latte or that lunch. Give up that dinner or that dress. Give up that movie or that magazine. But then take the money you would have spent on those things AND GIVE IT AWAY. In that line of thinking, I’d like to offer a suggestion.

In October of 2008, Pastor Noel asked us for help to purchase a piece of land on which he wanted to build a home for orphaned and abandoned children. As a result of some wonderful donations, we were able to give him the money he needed and the land was purchased. Just recently, Pastor Noel asked us for help again. In light of the recent disaster, he would now like to begin building this home for children on the piece of land purchased 1-1/2 years ago. We know the need for this type of housing has obviously increased in recent days and we promised him we would do all we could to find the financial help necessary to begin this construction.

So what’s my suggestion? Give it up, and give it away. Give up that latte or lunch, dinner or dress, movie or magazine, or whatever you would give up, and then give away the money you would have spent on those things so orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti can have a home. And if you’re willing to do something like this, why not take it even one step further? Why not challenge your friends and family, church friends and neighbors to do the same? If you think this is a good idea, share the idea with someone else! Maybe all you could give up is a lunch at McDonalds. You might think your $4.00 lunch at McDonalds won’t go very far. But just think what would happen if a thousand people gave up their $4.00 lunch at McDonalds or their $5.00 foot long at Subway? Little is much if God’s in it. God can multiply 5 loaves and 2 fishes. So even the little you could give up can be multiplied beyond what you can imagine and God can and will do amazing things if we’re willing to give Him the little we have.

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

So how about it? Are you up to the challenge? I know I am! If you are too, send us an e-mail and then let other people know. It would be great to share our ideas and suggestions with one another. And it would be fantastic to see the start of that home for orphaned and abandoned children in Terrier Rouge, Haiti when we go back there on March 10th! So let us hear from you - info@hishandsforhaiti.org.

For Him and for the children,
Jamie Charles
His Hands for Haiti