Give a man a fish
Subject: Give a man a fish
Send date: 2009-02-20 08:15:39
Issue #: 9
Content:
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1 February 19, 2009
Dear [FIRSTNAME],

I was thinking today about Mission India and Loaves & Fishes (our local food pantry).

I give $25 per month to Loaves & Fishes (above my 10% to my church). I also serve on the board and help as an interviewer or in the pantry a few times a month. On the board, I have been pushing for defining our mission and purpose. Are we here only to feed the hungry? Or are we here to make a larger difference in the lives of the hungry than simply filling their family’s stomach for a few days?

That’s where the comparison with Mission India came into my mind. For that same $25 per month, I could pay for 10 women each year in India to learn how to read. This would make a difference in these women and their families not only for a lifetime, but often for eternity. Women who go through the Adult Literacy Class have their standard of living go up (increasing their income often 50%). They learn important life skills like health care, child rearing, and spending money wisely. And many become followers of Jesus.

And so I thought, given my limited money, where should I invest my money? Obviously, I support both Mission India and Loaves & Fishes. But I’m constantly looking at where my time and  money can make the most impact in people’s lives (not just their earthly lives, but eternal lives as well).

Of course, Loaves & Fishes already does more than just put food in hungry people’s mouths. The interviewers communicate God’s love by their presence and loving questions. I take the opportunity to pray with clients when I see a particular need or hurt. And there’s also no doubt that simply putting food in hungry people’s mouths is a good in and of itself. But I long to make a lasting and intentional impact in their lives. And I always hope we can do more to lead people not just through the hard time their going through (many of our clients are working people who are just hit by life, many others are unable to work). I also long to share God’s love with them and lead them to an eternal friendship with their Savior Jesus, who loved them enough to die and rise for them.

This is happening in India, and so I support Mission India. I long for these kinds of fruit in my city too.

In Christ,
Pastor Steve
swillweber@trinitylutheranpaso.org


 

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