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Some of the members of the Beaverton church visited the NW Medical Teams exhibit “Real Life” yesterday. It was an interesting exhibit, it showed many of the different medical missions that the NW Medical teams takes part in. It was very sad to see the Moldova burn center, the Mexican dump children, and AIDs children in Africa. I was reminded how blessed we are. It also reminded me of the many opportunities we have to share some of our blessings, and how we are accountable if we don’t. I would be hesitant to give money to NW medical teams without knowing a lot more about them, specifically, how they deal with their “Bible clubs.” Nothing worse than to help someone into a false doctrine that will destroy their souls. I thought the Invisible Children DVD we watched afterwards was also an eye opener to the suffering in Africa. The Ugandian society is such a sad mess. I would also be hesitant in sending money to the maker of this DVD, so what can we do?
There are some opportunities that are helping Christians and helping the lost find Christ and even helping feed people. Actually, there many opportunities:
We (Mark, Derek, myself) had lunch today with Guillermo at Reedville Café. Guillermo is planning on going to Mexico for 3 weeks. Anyone interested in helping could either help provide funds for him to travel, to buy bible materials and tracts, or to help poor Christians.
Another opportunity is to help send Oman Madrid to Guatemala. Omar and Victor are going this to South America this coming summer. And people could help with funds for him to travel, to buy bible materials and tracts, or to help poor Christians. I am sure that any funds sent would be put to good use.
We also have opportunities to support Christian widows and preachers in the Philippines. I came across this article recently: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,420101,00.html
1/3 of the population in the Philippines lives on less than $1/day. I think a preacher can be supported for $200/mth. I know Christians who support widows in the Philippines. Honestly, I think a lot of us could be doing a lot more if we simply choose to live different. I think a lot of us could even spare $100/mth or more. Maybe instead of a new car, a used car, and less expensive car, and use that extra $200-300/mth savings to save potentially 100’s of souls and help many others? Instead of a $200 gizmo or $300 IPhone, maybe a $30 mp3 player or $20 cellphone and use some of the savings for a good work. My money won’t help me on the judgment day, nor my gadgets, car or my toys (1 Tim 6:6-21), they might actually condemn me. And realistically, I am not gunna make it to heaven unless I live a live completely different from the worldliness and luxury of our society. Something to think about. I think we often think that it is only the church's job to do this type work, not true, we as individual Christians are supposed to be busy about these type of things also.
We also can help in Africa via David Phillips and Alan Hicthen. I sure there are widows who would love even $20/mth. I think if we looked a little we would also find more opportunities in India and China and just about everywhere (including here in the USA). We can support local preachers also. So, perhaps consider budgeting some good works into your life.
Galatians 6:10 “10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Hebrew 16:13 “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” |
