A Hope More Powerful Than Poverty
Silas Irungu was born and raised in Mathare, Kenya’s second largest slum. As a young child, Silas wondered why life was so unfair. He experienced tragedies no child should ever have to experience. He saw things no child should ever have to see. His life was changed, however, when he was sponsored and became a part of the Compassion program. It brought him hope and changed the direction his life and his entire family. This Sunday evening at our 6pm service, Silas will share with us about the amazing story of his life and the amazing work of Compassion.
I love being a part of a church where there are so many ways we’re encouraged to give generously to those in need. Through the various local and overseas missions we support, God is at work to restore this broken world. I wonder if we realise the impact we can make by supporting and giving to these ministries? I believe as we hear Silas’ story this Sunday we will gain a glimpse of all that God is doing.
And of course, God is not finished! While there is breath in our lungs our work is not done! I believe that most of us still have much to learn about generosity and following God’s call to give to those in need. Just the other day my youngest son asked me, “Why do we give our money to other people? Don’t they have any?” In that two-pronged question I realised that he, like most of us, need to be reminded of some important truths.
Firstly, it isn’t our money at all. God’s word is clear that everything we have comes from Him (Ps 24:1, 89:11, 1 Cor 10:26). Secondly, as God’s people we are called to be generous with everything we have and to give to those in need (Prov 11:9, 19:17, Gal 6:2, 1 Tim 6:17-19). Thirdly, and this one is difficult to truly understand as an adult, let alone a six-year-old boy; yes, poverty is rampant in this world; yes, there are many people who ‘don’t have any (money)’.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” — Matthew 25:40
Hope to see you at Church this Sunday!
Emma
