30 Days of HeartworkSample

Bring Your Loaves

HEART//

In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, we see how he can take “not enough” and make it more than enough. At first, all the disciples could see was a huge problem, but Jesus saw an opportunity. He used the little offering of a young boy to make a huge difference.

So many times, we feel inadequate, thinking we do not have anything to offer Jesus. In reality, all he asks for is willing followers who are ready to give the simple thing they have in their hands. All throughout Scripture, we see God’s unfolding plan to change the world through ordinary people. He used a shepherd boy to become the King of Israel, a poor teenage refugee to give birth to his own son, and fishermen to start the early Church.

In 2010, God used a small youth group from Wichita, Kansas to make a huge difference in the lives of people across the globe. This group of 13-18-year-old students had heard about the orphan crisis and were determined to partner with Heartwork and do something about it. The youth group only had about 10 students, but they believed God was calling them to build a water well in Swaziland at a cost of $6,000. In man’s eyes, this seemed like an impossible task, but again, Jesus saw an opportunity to use ordinary people to change someone’s world.

The students began to use their gifts and talents to raise money. They held benefit concerts, mowed lawns, and worked extra hours at their jobs. The students would also fast a meal each week and give the money to the project. One of the students said, “God didn’t tell us to take care of those hurting and in need only if we have the money. He commands us to love, and I believe one of the ways we can show love is to give—even if it is just 1 or 2 dollars. What I might consider to be little can do great things in someone's world.” God took these students’ offerings and multiplied them in miraculous ways. The group accomplished their goal and raised $6,250!

WORK //

As you reflect on the story of this small, humble, and powerful group, ask yourself what is in your hands. Like that boy in John 6 with the most mundane and simple thing in his hands (fish and bread), we all have something... some privilege, some gift or skill. And the most important thing we can do is stick close to Jesus. He will take that simple thing and turn it into a miracle!

Worldwide, about 780 million people lack access to clean water. That’s 2 and a half times the population of the United States.* Water sources are often shared with animals and contaminated with waste and trash. Today, fill a water bottle and then add dirt from your yard or pieces of trash. Carry it around with you today (in place of your sandbag, perhaps) as a reminder that many people in this world have only contaminated water to drink. This extra weight in your bag or hands today can serve as a powerful reminder of the many women and children who have to spend their entire days just carrying water for miles to and from their homes.

*Statistics from water.org.