Today's guest blogger is Mike Ilse - one of our Elder Team members and a leader on the Praise Team. Here's what's on Mike's heart and mind:
What’s the most money you have ever spent on a Christmas gift? Or, how about this, what is the greatest gift you have ever given or received?
This year Nancy and I seem focused more on getting to Germany to visit our daughter Jessica and son-in-law Phillip than we are Christmas shopping. The thought of crowded malls, traffic, and salesman peddling their wares is especially unappealing to us this year. Most of the time you don’t even see God and compassion beyond the glitz.
As you’re faced with giving gifts and following Pastor John’s message of More Compassion, Less Consumption, consider this:
Our good friend’s Greg and Erin Richmond introduced us to a ministry called “Gospel For Asia”. Through this organization you can purchase, for an underprivileged family or missionary in another country, an animal ie.. pair of goats, pig or milking cow, in the name of a friend or family member. Gospel For Asia will send a card to that family thanking them for the gift you gave in their name. (How about a Pig for a Pastor). How awesome to bring a Christmas to a family that might not otherwise have one and replace the Glitz with a Savior.
2 comments:
Although I agree that Asia is in need of a Savior (been there and saw it) -- so is a family much closer than that. Our group has adopted some foster kids living with a friend of mind. If you want to help, let me know!
Thanks Mike!
As part of a family that lived and traveled through Asia for 3 years, I can tell you that I have never seen a place that could use the Grace, Power, and Love of Christ more. Of course (as Pam said) there are opportunities right here under our nose, and everyplace can use more Christ. How awesome for those who have the opportunity and ability to provide foster care or adopt. We are also very passionate about Steven Curtis Chapman's adoption ministry - www.shaohannahshope.org. Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) also gives you the opportunity to be at ground zero (for the Great Commission) for those who may not currently have the time or ability to adopt or travel on missions. The ministry at Gospel for Asia reaches people who have never had access to potable drinking water let alone the Message of our Savior – and they hear it from locally saved and trained missionaries. Through Gospel for Asia you can change the fortunes of an ENTIRE VILLAGE - all through His Name and His power. If so led your donations or sponsorships (your children can even do a junior sponsorship) that pay for gospel materials, missionary expenses, and sustainable food deliver the Power of Christ and His Holy Spirit spiritually and physically. Check out the website and watch the Christmas Video. The Christmas catalog makes it easy - even for kids to give gifts in other people's name and send them a card telling them what they have done. In our family we have received tremendous feedback from gift donations saying things like - "I already have so much stuff I don't use, thank you for giving such a meaningful gift that furthers the Kingdom - not my closet!
God Bless - and spread the Word!
-Greg Richmond
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