Provision

We can quickly feel overwhelmed when we look around at all the people struggling to make ends meet: the homeless, children in poverty and isolated individuals without support around them when they need it most. It would be easy to look away.

Mother Theresa invited us to think differently. She said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Being generous with what we have is at the heart of the Christian message, exemplified by the early church so simply yet so powerfully in Acts 4:35. This verse is a great reminder to give what we’re able, however small, to those who need it most. As a charity, we are passionate about offering a tangible opportunity to give directly to individuals that have need.

Like Janet, who needed a sofa to make her home more comfortable as she faced a diagnosis of terminal illness. Acts 435 donors gave online to her specific need, and Janet said, "The impact of your kindness has really touched me. It's a big shock to be told you only have a limited time left to live, and an even greater shock when you discover how it impacts your ability to provide the basics in making your surroundings comfortable to live the very best possible way you can, but I also found that there are people who really care for your wellbeing."

What would happen if we stopped being overwhelmed by the big issues and concentrated on what’s in front of us? Look at what’s happening on our own doorstep and how might we respond to those needs? What if there was one person for whom we could make all the difference? After all, isn’t that how Jesus treated the people He met?

Since 2010, we have seen over 55,000 individuals helped, which has given thousands of people the opportunity to support those in need by being intentionally generous with their finances. I hope they also know that their gift, however small, not only makes a real difference practically but shows beneficiaries that someone genuinely cares as they experience the love of their neighbour, and beyond that, the love of Jesus.

Prayer:

Pray for individuals and families who are struggling every day with issues surrounding poverty, such as lack of food, heating, and clothing. Please pray for national issues surrounding the benefits systems, but also that those who are in need can have the courage to seek the help they need.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for His generosity, and asking Him to show you where you could be generous to someone else in your time, finances, or deeds.
2. Let’s see if we can get all of the projects on www.acts435.org fully funded by the end of the day – we’ve done it together before!
3. Which issue surrounding poverty most stands out to you: food poverty, fuel poverty, children in poverty? Find a local charity that cares for those issues and pursue the idea of supporting them regularly. It will give them such a boost in their work too.