Brothers and sisters, as our devotion this week, I wanted to share with you an example of how God is working through His people at CTR to accomplish His purposes in our community. When we talk about Reaching Out, this is one very important aspect of it: showing love and mercy in order to create opportunities for the Gospel.
“THANK YOU for letting us know that help was needed to adopt families for Christmas. Our eyes were opened to the needs of people in our area. When I went to adopt a family I was given two FULL three-ring binders of families who needed help for Christmas. It felt like an overwhelming task to pick one. After I chose a family I asked, “What happens to all the others?” I was told that, “Hopefully they too will get adopted.” I got help contacting the family since they didn’t know much English. When I was told what they wanted I felt my eyes well up with tears. Clothes, shoes (since two of the children needed shoes and they couldn’t afford them), diapers, and help paying bills~that’s what they wanted for Christmas. I would call those
things needs. We took our list and went shopping. It was awesome to shop for people with such simple needs.
“The delivery of the gifts was humbling to us. We were welcomed by the family, offered a Coke, and asked to sit down in a spotless mobile home. The dad has not been able to work, so Andy (through a daughter’s translation) was able to talk about his time of no work.
“We were thanked over and over by the parents and children. Our hearts were filled with joy being able to put some gifts under their tree. As we left I could see the appreciation in the eyes of the parents.
“Andy and I were struck once again with how God has blessed us, AND that we were in a position to be the helper to others in need of help.
“Ephesians 5:2 ‘Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’
“Peace in Jesus!
“Anne”
May God continue to bless us all with this attitude in 2012!
