How to Give

About a month ago I sent out some support letters for the Haiti trip that will be taking place in February. The lessons accompanying the gifts (that have started to come in) are already beginning.

One of the things that I have noticed about asking for financial support for missions is that, often, those that don’t have a lot give a lot. It can be very difficult, and extremely humbling, to accept such gifts. A lot of faith is attached to them and I want to do my best to honor every one. There is always a back-story for those who make the choice to give in this way and I would like to share one of them. (only because I can read the back-story in the note they sent me) I will edit out certain parts so that privacy can be maintained for the giver.

The first thing I noticed in this hand written note was that the giver said that they had been praying for two weeks about how they were to give for my going to Haiti. The thought that someone would do that on my behalf is precious, gracious and humbling. This person has an independent small business and counts on sales for income. They had shared that they had not had any orders for a month, but that they told God that if He would provide sales, they would donate their “trip money” for that week toward my trip. Finally, they shared the results of their prayer. They got three orders shortly thereafter and included the results from those orders in my envelope. I was blown away and I learned some things:

1. Pray before you give.

2. Expectantly wait for God to answer and provide.

3. Step out in faith.

4. Give.

5. Be extraordinarily grateful.