But this year, during our annual Red Shield Appeal, many of our volunteer collectors heard givers say “I haven’t got much, but I guess every little cent counts” as they put their coins in the collection tins.
Those coins collected over a two week period added up to nearly $12,000 and this will contribute to helping those in our community who are needy, it will help to put a much needed meal on the table.
Many people save up their coins and don’t realise how much is in their jars and just donate it.
This reminds me of a story in the Bible in Luke 21:1-4 where a poor widow gave all she had to the offering.
Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them”.
As much as the generosity of people caught my attention, the widow’s offering at the temple may have caught the attention of Jesus even more.
He watched everyone putting their offerings into the money box, but He stopped to comment on the widow.
Perhaps what Jesus appreciated most was her attitude and her willingness to give.
Something else here should also catch our attention.
Jesus made sure that everyone knew the widow’s story because He wanted to remind us that everyone has something to give and that every gift mattered.
Sometimes people feel that the amount they can give doesn’t matter much and won’t make a difference because it isn’t very big.
The gifts given during the appeal, whether large or small, will make a difference in our community and to those who gave it will make a difference to you knowing that you have contributed to giving hope to those who need it most.
What is important, though, is that Jesus notices—and that makes all the difference.
Again I am reminded of another verse in the Bible
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
As we are giving to others, God gives us all that we need.
God loves it when we are giving to others, whether it is our finances, our time or our talents.
We can be a blessing to others by giving to them with a thankful and generous heart.
Whatever measure we use in giving to others, it will be used in measuring back to us.
God has been generous towards us – in all that He has given us.
He has blessed us all in so many ways, so we, too, can bless others.
Thank you for those who have given to our appeal. May God richly Bless you
Sonia Edwards
Echuca Moama
Salvation Army