30 Days of HeartworkSample

Generosity For All

HEART //

In the heart of a severely impoverished community of slums in Kampala, Uganda, lies a group of people who are desperate to find hope. People living in this area of the city are constantly faced with the challenges of finding clean water, food, clothing, and adequate shelter. The lack of these basic necessities creates an extremely difficult and seemingly hopeless situation for the thousands of men, women, and children living there.

Yet there is hope even in the darkest of places. Within this community of slums, there is a body of believers called Saints Gate Church, who minister daily to their neighbors. Many of the members of the church live in the slums and are very poor, but if you were to meet these people, you would be meeting some of the most joyful and hopeful people around. Anet is a singer and a translator at the church and says that her prayer in life is to make an impact for Christ. These Christians have found that their greatest treasure is to know God, and they have given their lives to serve him, even if they aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from.

The reality of compassion and generosity isn’t just that the rich need to give to help the poor. It’s that Christians need to be like their Father and live with relentless compassion. We are to do what our Father does. Even the most financially poor Christians are called to give and love generously. Mark 12:42-43 describes a poor widow who gave “more than all the others,” in Jesus’ opinion, with the few cents that she was able to sacrifice. May that be a challenge to all of us, those who have much and those who have little.

WORK //

Today, make a list of the gifts, blessings, or skills God has given you. What is one area of your life where you feel like you have very little to give (maybe finances, "brilliant" words of encouragement, affection, or a particular talent) but like the woman in Mark 12, could you offer even a small amount to God as a gift of love?

Check out today's video that tells a story mirroring the sacrifices of so many teenagers who have participated in 30 Days of Heartwork over the past two decades. So many have given... most didn't have a lot to give. Some have traveled to visit children they have sacrificed for, some have provided for needs in their own communities, but most have just given with faith that their gift would be meaningful. Whatever need God has placed on your heart, be encouraged today that you are a part of something special whenever you give to those in need. God sees them. God sees you seeing them. Keep going, and he will surprise you with more than you knew was possible!