Giving and Encouraging

3rd and 10th of October

David and I went to Maple Leaf care home a few month ago and introduced ourselves to two ladies who were selling craft they had made for the funds of Maple Leaf. I invited them to our Home League to talk about how and why they do it. So, they came along with their crafts, and explained how their father had become ill with Alzheimer's, to the point where they had to make the choice to put him into a care home. 

They did their craft originally for therapeutic reasons, and then quickly realised they could sell them and give the proceeds to the care home. They wanted to give something back for the wonderful care that their father was receiving. This would also be a blessing and encouragement to the staff, they could see how much they were appreciated. 

Our group were enthusiastic and bought some of the bags and hair clips the ladies had brought with them, the ladies were thrilled, and they themselves felt greatly encouraged by our ladies' generosity and interest. 

The following week our Home League all got together to fill shoeboxes for the Christmas Shoebox appeal run by Samaritans Purse. 

Whilst we may never see the results in person, it is wonderful to go online and see the laughter and joy on the faces of the children who receive the boxes. And hear the wonderful stories from those now grown who received a box as a child and how it impacted their life knowing that someone cared and loved enough to do this for someone they didn't even know. 

We are told in scripture to be cheerful givers, not to do it grudgingly, 

but in all the things we do to do it as unto the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, 

and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, 

not grudgingly or of necessity; 

for God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving comes from the heart, it is not a duty, and neither is encouraging one another, and building one another up. We have no idea what impact our giving and encouragement might have on another person. 

Lejla's Story

We don't have to be big and lavish in our giving, and our encouragement, the smallest gift, the kindest word when done in love can make such a difference to someone's day, and even their life.  God bless you, and may your giving and encouragement be always to the honour and glory of the One who gave the greatest gift