You don’t need much to be a giver (2 Cor. 6:10). One day a friend took me to a remote village in Uganda to meet her family. Since I was the only white person to have visited the village in many months, the buzz quickly spread that a “Muzungu” was there. Soon, about 30 children gathered on the other side of a thatched fence to watch as I talked with my friend’s family.
After pretending not to notice the little ones’ stares and giggles for a while, I excused myself from the conversation and walked over to the fence. I rounded the corner and, in fun, started chasing the laughing and screaming boys and girls who quickly fled into their huts—soon reemerging so I could chase them again. It was a blast displaying this love in action to the children (Luke 18:16).
Our impromptu game of tag lasted nearly an hour. When we finished playing, the children took my hands and walked me back to my friend’s hut. Her father-in-law, a wise and gentle pastor, looked at the children and said, “You have made a new friend.” A new loving friendship had been formed (Col. 1:8).
This was one of many times the Lord has used Ugandan children or a wise Ugandan pastor or friend to remind me that even if my financial resources are limited (2 Cor. 6:10), God will give me opportunities to show His love to the poor (1 John 3:17).
God’s people are instructed to “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly” (Deut. 15:10). In other words, we can and should give a percentage of our income to assist the needy. We can also supply the impoverished with physical help, words of encouragement, or any number of helpful resources (Luke 6:36). As we give, God promises we “will lack nothing” (Proverbs 28:27).
More:
• Deuteronomy 15:9-11
• Psalm 24:8-10
Next:
What will you do this week to express God’s love to someone who is experiencing financial hardships? How does giving to the poor reflect God’s love?
tony_maina on April 6, 2009 at 6:14 am
This article reminds me of a testimony a visiting Pastor from the UK shared with us during a morning service at our church in Kenya, where I live. Our friend’s church had recently become involved in building a hospital for sick children as well as donating wheelchairs for handicapped people in my local area. As they were embarking on this noble initiative colleages back at home had reservations and questioned: “With all the multitude of problems in Africa what difference will it really make?” Three years on the smiles and joy of once sick and hurting children tell the success story of a group of Christians who answered their Master’s call.
Sometimes the call to show God’s love will come with its own challenges. The encouragement I draw is that what may seem to be our simple contribution, like a word of encrougement, could go a long way in making big difference. Thanks Roxanne for sharing that.
Gary Shultz on April 6, 2009 at 7:17 am
Hello Roxanne: I love your heart and I have been examining this devotional branch. When I read another one of your articles it pulls on my heart. It was most intriguing since my income like others has really been pounded this year. Possibly the climate will change and we could help your ministry. Even if it does not I will pray for you. I will pray you have many opportunities to give the wealth of Jesus to lives who understand the simple values we have lost. May God richly bless you.
roxanne robbins on April 6, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Tony –
Thanks for your note. I appreciated reading about the church from the UK and the significant contributions they’ve made on behalf of the sick and disabled in Kenya where you live. I so admire people such as the men and women you wrote about who are making medical contributions in Africa where the poor are too often hindered from receiving quality health care. If you have further contact with the pastor or his church members you mentioned, please tell them I said, “well done and thank you!”
With regards from Uganda,
Roxanne
roxanne robbins on April 6, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Gary –
I’m honored to learn that you’re praying for my work in Africa. Thank you! For the past year I’ve been caring for two AIDS orphans. The boys and I pray together every night, and we’ll be sure to lift you up in response to the affect the economy’s had on you.
Blessings,
Roxanne