More than once recently I have come across Christian organisations that have held or are about to hold special fund-raising events to which supporters are invited and from which they expect to raise significant amounts of money. These might involve professional entertainment or an elaborate banquet. This form of fund-raising has been common for secular charities but it is becoming increasingly common in a Christian context. Sometimes they have been arranged, or influenced, by professional fund-raising organisations.
I find myself having mixed feelings about this practise. What does it have to say about the spirit of generosity that is expected to be a hallmark of Christian life? In order to get us to part with our money do we have to be coaxed by some kind of treat? Such events are expensive in themselves but raise more money than they cost, of course. But they still involve significant outlay. I am aware of Christian charities that spend a significant percentage of their income in order to raise more support. Frankly, I find it disappointing and distasteful.
In Mark 12 41-44 we read about the widow that Jesus observed putting money into one of the thirteen trumpet shape depositories in the Women's Court of the Temple. It reminds me of the story of a man who used to put a miserable amount (compared to his wealth) into his church offerings. Each time he would whisper to the steward taking up the collection, "The widow's mite". One Sunday the steward returned to the man a second time. The man was surprised and probably shocked when the steward whispered to him, "The widow gave two mites!" Not many moments later the steward returned again. "What now?" asked the man, to which the steward replied, "The widow gave her all!"
In what we call the Second Letter to the Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 Paul addresses the issue of responsible giving. In it he makes reference to the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian Christian who, despite their own financial difficulties ("severe trial and extreme poverty") had given super-generously to God and thus to Paul. See Philippians 4: 14-19 for another commentary on this sacrifice to God Paul is using the example of the Macedonian Christians to stir the Corinthian Christians to greater generosity. It has been said that when God has our hearts he has our wallets and purses.
Both the widow in the temple and the Christians at Philippi are describes as being in severe poverty, but giving beyond their ability.
Miss Lloyd was a little frail and blind Christian lady I came to know when I started out as a teenager in Christian work. After our weekly mission prayer meeting I would walk her to the main road where she could catch a bus back home. If there wasn't a bus in sight she would insist on my walking her to the next bus stop, thus saving "another penny for the Lord's work". Miss Gage, a great prayer partner from the past, had sold her family home in West Sussex to release money for overseas mission work. She moved into two sheds at the bottom of the garden where there was only a stand pipe for water, no proper drainage and no electricity or gas. For many years she lived like that, selling off what remained of her furniture for the Lord's work, largely living off vegetables she grew in her garden, and growing flowers to beautify the local cottage hospital. Visiting her was embarrassing as I never failed to come away without her opening the tin that contained money she had set aside for the Lord's work. On one occasion when I visited her she said, "Isn't that Mr Wilson a nice man." She was referring to Harold Wilson who at the time was the UK Prime Minister. It was unusual to hear her pass a comment about politics so I asked why she thought so. She replied, "He has given me £100 to put into the Lord's work!" She was referring to a government grant for helping older people pay heating bills through the winter. This woman gave sacrificially. When she died I wrote the story of her life in a newspaper and entitled it "From a hut to a mansion". It has found its way into other articles and at least one book (but no acknowledgement of the source!).
Of course there are biblical incentives: "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" and "My God shall supply all your needs..." But in these tough times for us all when Christian charity trustees wonder how they will get through another year (or even another month), do we need to be enticed to give through being given expensive treats? If we do need such enticement then I am ashamed. The cost of just one such fund-raiser would probably feed and house many of the poorest people in the world. Surely, the generosity of our God in sending his Son into the world to suffer on the cross to free us from our guilt and grant us eternal and abundant life - surely this should be enough to loosen our purse strings!
A young boy was seen by his mother to be setting aside some of the nicest bits of his Sunday lunch, planning to give these to his pet dog. His mother quickly told him that he was to eat this up and that she would put something down for the dog later. When the meal was over the boy saw his mother scrape what was left on all the plates - the burnt bits, the un-chewable bits, the unwanted bits, all onto a dish which she then gave to the dog. The boy slipped off his seat and put his arms around the dog's neck. "Sorry, "he said, "I wanted to give you an offering, but mummy has taken up a collection instead"!
While I bemoan the need of Christian charities to finance fund-raisers, I much more bemoan the fact that for far too many this is the only way of getting people to part with their money. I hope that I'm preaching to the converted!
Now for the News!
I find myself having mixed feelings about this practise. What does it have to say about the spirit of generosity that is expected to be a hallmark of Christian life? In order to get us to part with our money do we have to be coaxed by some kind of treat? Such events are expensive in themselves but raise more money than they cost, of course. But they still involve significant outlay. I am aware of Christian charities that spend a significant percentage of their income in order to raise more support. Frankly, I find it disappointing and distasteful.
In Mark 12 41-44 we read about the widow that Jesus observed putting money into one of the thirteen trumpet shape depositories in the Women's Court of the Temple. It reminds me of the story of a man who used to put a miserable amount (compared to his wealth) into his church offerings. Each time he would whisper to the steward taking up the collection, "The widow's mite". One Sunday the steward returned to the man a second time. The man was surprised and probably shocked when the steward whispered to him, "The widow gave two mites!" Not many moments later the steward returned again. "What now?" asked the man, to which the steward replied, "The widow gave her all!"
In what we call the Second Letter to the Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 Paul addresses the issue of responsible giving. In it he makes reference to the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian Christian who, despite their own financial difficulties ("severe trial and extreme poverty") had given super-generously to God and thus to Paul. See Philippians 4: 14-19 for another commentary on this sacrifice to God Paul is using the example of the Macedonian Christians to stir the Corinthian Christians to greater generosity. It has been said that when God has our hearts he has our wallets and purses.
Both the widow in the temple and the Christians at Philippi are describes as being in severe poverty, but giving beyond their ability.
Miss Lloyd was a little frail and blind Christian lady I came to know when I started out as a teenager in Christian work. After our weekly mission prayer meeting I would walk her to the main road where she could catch a bus back home. If there wasn't a bus in sight she would insist on my walking her to the next bus stop, thus saving "another penny for the Lord's work". Miss Gage, a great prayer partner from the past, had sold her family home in West Sussex to release money for overseas mission work. She moved into two sheds at the bottom of the garden where there was only a stand pipe for water, no proper drainage and no electricity or gas. For many years she lived like that, selling off what remained of her furniture for the Lord's work, largely living off vegetables she grew in her garden, and growing flowers to beautify the local cottage hospital. Visiting her was embarrassing as I never failed to come away without her opening the tin that contained money she had set aside for the Lord's work. On one occasion when I visited her she said, "Isn't that Mr Wilson a nice man." She was referring to Harold Wilson who at the time was the UK Prime Minister. It was unusual to hear her pass a comment about politics so I asked why she thought so. She replied, "He has given me £100 to put into the Lord's work!" She was referring to a government grant for helping older people pay heating bills through the winter. This woman gave sacrificially. When she died I wrote the story of her life in a newspaper and entitled it "From a hut to a mansion". It has found its way into other articles and at least one book (but no acknowledgement of the source!).
Of course there are biblical incentives: "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" and "My God shall supply all your needs..." But in these tough times for us all when Christian charity trustees wonder how they will get through another year (or even another month), do we need to be enticed to give through being given expensive treats? If we do need such enticement then I am ashamed. The cost of just one such fund-raiser would probably feed and house many of the poorest people in the world. Surely, the generosity of our God in sending his Son into the world to suffer on the cross to free us from our guilt and grant us eternal and abundant life - surely this should be enough to loosen our purse strings!
A young boy was seen by his mother to be setting aside some of the nicest bits of his Sunday lunch, planning to give these to his pet dog. His mother quickly told him that he was to eat this up and that she would put something down for the dog later. When the meal was over the boy saw his mother scrape what was left on all the plates - the burnt bits, the un-chewable bits, the unwanted bits, all onto a dish which she then gave to the dog. The boy slipped off his seat and put his arms around the dog's neck. "Sorry, "he said, "I wanted to give you an offering, but mummy has taken up a collection instead"!
While I bemoan the need of Christian charities to finance fund-raisers, I much more bemoan the fact that for far too many this is the only way of getting people to part with their money. I hope that I'm preaching to the converted!
Now for the News!
- We praise God for a wonderful conference throughout last week for members of the International Congregational Fellowship. Great Bible Studies. Wonderful speakers at the main sessions. Helpful workshops. Unspeakably precious fellowship, and so much more. God is good. Well worth the hard work that it cost.
- We praise God that Heather (Administrator for Action for Christ) is in the process of moving into her new home. This is a real answer to prayer.
- Please pray as Action for Christ offers the bookkeeping and typing service that could keep this work going at a time when many of its supporters have gone to glory, and income is low.
- Last Sunday was a precious time at Yelvertoft with the congregation about 50% larger than usual. Please pray for the ministry there for the next two Sundays and on this Thursday as we continue the Bible discussion based on Isaiah.
- An Ophthalmic Consultant at the Leicester Royal Infirmary told me today that some 15 years or more ago I was wrongly diagnosed as having macular degeneration. What I actually have is a rare condition called Adult-onset Vitelliform Faveomacular Dystrphy. This is a more benign condition that is slowly taking my sight. There is no treatment or cure. Of course, God could cure me miraculously. Meanwhile I am motivated to press on with my university research into rural evangelism, and the promotion of Tailored Mission Strategies as fast as possible.
- During the ICF Conference church leaders from the USA, Greece and Lebanon took copies of Time for Action", the book I helped to write on the pastoral care of people sexually abused. More would have gone if I had the copies with me. I also have requests for copies on my books on rural evangelism. All of which is very encouraging.
- Apart from returning from the Conference encouraged by the interest shown and expressions of appreciate for the small ministry I provided by God's grace, I returned home deprived of sleep but (wait for it....) having past two responsibilities on to others! In both cases they are very able people who will no doubt do a better job!
- My week includes Yelvertoft on Sunday, HMP Gartree on Tuesday, Rural Evangelism Network Committee on Wednesday at Birmingham, Yelvertoft Bible Discussion on Thursday, and preparation for Holiday at Home in the following week.
- Please pray for Monica, my colleague in Sunrise Ministries, as she will be involved in ministry at a place called Pant y Dwr, Powys. Pray also for Rebecca and Maureen, mission workers in the East Midlands for whom I am line manager.
My thanks for the warmth of your fellowship.
Barry
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