The Joy of Giving

It's that time of year again, the malls are crowded, the music is different, airy, fairy and seasonal. Everyone seems happy...I guess. Across the street as I stand waiting for the bus, is a young boy who appears to be pestering the passers by. He approaches close to where I'm standing in the queue, and starts begging from the very first person, "sisi (sister/lady) can you please give me money to buy food?" The eyes that meet his, express that sudden suspicion you have when you meet one of 'them.' Dirty, tattered, worn-out clothes and barely any shoes left on his soiled feet. As he moves down the queue, I try to look away, the lump in my throat grows bigger, he moves to the next person, and the next, and the next, till he gets to me.  Without saying a word, he stares at me, and his beady eyes speak to my heart echoing the words: "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

So I pull out my purse and pass him a R5 coin. 'I hope that helps' I think to myself, the lump gets loosened and my eyes fill with uncontrollable tears. The bus arrives and I hop on, I look away so as to hide my teary eyes. 'Lord' I pray, 'make me a servant to the needs of humanity. I do not have full capacity, but with what I have, help me to serve.' I then start singing the song "make me a servant, humble and meek, Lord let me lift up those who are weak, and may the prayer of my heart always be...make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today!" Have you ever seen these fellows, across your very own door step? have you seen the widow and orphan across the road? have you seen them on your way to church and to the park? Who is my neighbour? 

It's all about God, it's all about love, it's summed up in service. "God desires us to give -- cheerfully, willingly, gladly...happiness is the gift of God to him who in the spirit of Christ toils for the good of others."

With just 26 days away from the Mission on 1-8 Dec, 2013, we would like to give a bit more to those who do not always get the benefit of the doubt. 

How can I assist?

We need shoes, boxes, clothes, toys, children's Bibles and wrapping paper, all these for children of all ages including teenagers. We need your hands and whatever else you think we will need in order to give.

Who do I contact?

 073-365-5282 or missiontwety4@gmail.com

~ Here Am I; Send Me ~