A Ring in a Plate...

Lottie Moon was a woman who gave up everything to follow God's call on her life to serve in far off China. Every year in honor of her and in support of missions, local SBC churches all over America, take up an offering called "Christmas in August". The money raised goes directly to support missions.

This year however, due to a lack of giving last year, the IMB has a significant shortfall, around $30 million. Which means that there are people waiting to go overseas that are on hold indefinitely, and many programs that send people every year have been cut or drastically reduced.

I have been challenged over and over again to give sacrificially and without reserve by other students here on campus. It amazes me what people are willing to do to support missions. I have seen bake sales, garage sales, women giving jewelry parties and instead of taking all the money in free gifts, they are donating it to missions.

But today, I was even more overwhelmed. In chapel, someone put an engagement ring and wedding ring in the offering plate.

And still, there are churches more concerned about their local budget, toy drive or building projects to support "Christmas in August".

There are more people worried about their own security and financial well-standing than giving to missions.

There are more people more concerned about eating out 5 days a week, activities for their children and exotic vacations than giving to missions.

It makes me sad....It makes me want to give and convicts me of my apathy....

Do I Care?

There are not many times in my life that I feel at a loss for words, but over the last week, I have struggled with an overwhelming sense of frustration and sadness. Several current events have broken my heart and yet others have filled me with hope for the future.

What saddens me the most, is how easy it is for those of us who call ourselves "Christians" to become so inward focused and apathetic in our faith that the gospel is nothing more than a word written in the Bible. It doesn't mean anything to our everyday walk, it is not transforming our lives and hearts on a daily basis and we are not sharing it with anyone.

For example, did you know that part of the tithe and offering you give back to God each week or month goes to support the workers overseas? These are people like my husband and I, who have committed to go anywhere and do anything to share Christ's love with the world. The money we give is their means of living and working in those countries.

But did you also know that we are not giving like we used to? Seriously, there is a shortfall of millions to support these workers.

Did you know that the words "Christmas in August" is not another ploy or program so that we have something to throw money at year-round? It is actually a push to motivate us to give like we really care about the gospel.

Right now, there are 69 workers waiting in limbo who can not go to their assigned country. They are stuck, trying to figure out what God wants them to do while they wait for funding to become available.

God is Sovereign and like all things, He is not surprised or shocked by our apathy towards His kingdom growth. But I am tired of being lazy and focusing more on myself than others.

I am going to give sacrificially (and yes it will hurt).

I am going live out the gospel and be changed by the gospel everyday (that means His plans and activity is more important than how many books I read, how often I am at church or how much I work everyday to become a "prettier" Christian on the outside).

I am going to focus on others rather than my school schedule, children's activities, or hobbies (that means His plans for my day and week and year are His and my agenda needs to be destroyed).

I am going to count the cost of being a true follower of Christ and quit this petty pretend game that doesn't honor God but spits in the face of Christ and what He has done (that means I acknowledge that the fake facade I wear everyday dishonors His name).

"It's time for a gut check. Are we serious about reaching the world or not?"

Am I? Are you? Are we??? When was the last time you even thought about the gospel?