Drought Relief

In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Cladius. So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 1:27-30

The disciples in Antioch were in the Roman world but chose to give to the church in Judae. Perhaps they were giving back to those who gave them the gospel. Who knows? Or perhaps they were led by the Spirit to do this, as He alone knows how a drought will affect people in different area, or perhaps they sent it to head office to be distributed.

On Sunday I was discussing the various needs around that we all give to, one of mine is Drought Angels, a group of women who organise drought relief to inland Australia as we are now in drought. This giving is above and beyond the tithe. As we see up above this was an offering, not a tithe.

As we all have access to the Internet and receive requests regularly for relief we need to be mindful of what God is doing. In some larger churches there is giving at this level. I know My C3 church in Sydney and Hillsong church has this facility. My local church gives to missions as well as Compassion. You can investigate what your church gives to before becoming involved in a project. I use World Vision for disaster relief and plan on becoming involved in their micro-finance project as this greatly interests me. I would rather enable those in need, to provide for themselves, if at all possible.

Giving is a part of the heart of God and as we walk with Him we cannot help but be smitten by His love for people. Giving blesses others and blesses us, it keeps us free from the love of money. Amen!