Change Is Good!

A few Sundays ago we studied Matthew 6:19-24 where Jesus tells the disciples and those gathered around to not "lay up for themselves treasure on earth but to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven."  This has been a confusing passage for many as one has to wonder what does he mean on laying up treasures in heaven?  As we studied we realized the Jesus is actually using a Hebrew idiom of that day to describe giving to the poor and the needy.  We say that this phrase "laying up treasures in heaven" was actually used in other writings of the day and its meaning was clearly understood.  Jesus wants us to give to the poor and according to Proverbs 19:17 when this done generously one is actually making a loan to God.  Pretty weighty stuff!

In response to this we began to wonder what would happen if we gave and what kind of eternal impact could 20-30 of us have if we prayed and gave.  We partnered with GO Nigeria, a charitable organization that looks after the educational, religious and humanitarian needs of Nigerian orphans.  We soon realized that by giving just $.10 we could supply 1-meal to an orphan and that got us thinking.  

We decided that we would all look to gather as much spare change that we could find. We looked in our cars, our junk drawers at home, our couches, rooms, etc. and decided to bring it to see how much we could pull together on one given Sunday.  When all was said and done, including all of the change and the $100 in bills that came in we pulled together enough money to supply 9,000 meals for needy children in Africa.

That was not a typo!  9,000 Meals!!! all because 20 or so kids were obedient to what Jesus called us to, saw a need and took action!  This is what being part of the kingdom is all about.