Generosity

Here it is Wednesday, and I'm JUST NOW writing about the special Katrina relief contribution we did Sunday... what's up with that!?! I was so proud of our church family Sunday. We're not a really big group (I think about 220 this Sunday in worship), but there are many who really have generous hearts. We decided to send the money we collected to 3 Houston area churches who are doing "front line" work with Katrina survivors. Virginia and I were at Sugar Grove almost 14 years; Lauren's folks are at Spring Woodlands; and some former Eastside folks are at Clear Lake. Sunday we collected over $16K, and more is coming in. I realize that doesn't sound like much compared to all the HUGE numbers we're hearing about on the news, but those dollars represent some sacrificial giving by many, and God will multiply the good that is done in the hands of our brothers and sisters in Houston. And, with Rita bearing down on the TX coast... they need our continued prayers as well.

Here's another one. Last week we heard about some Katrina survivors who had located in this area and needed clothing, so our church brought a whole boatload of clothes for them... much more than a few folks could use. So, another group picked them up yesterday to distribute to others in need.

In addition to that, we're participating in a Christmas dinner again this year that is put on by several Antioch churches to feed about 1200 homeless and poor folks at the fair grounds the first Saturday in December. For that effort, we're now collecting toys to give to the kids, and our barrel is almost full, after one Sunday.

I just pray that we can more and more see all the ways we are blessed and more and more see the responsibility we have to use those blessings in the life of others.