“Remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
The apostle Paul was referring to his hard work among the Ephesians and the importance of not being a burden upon the church. Also, in this statement, he mentioned that through his “hard work we must help the weak”. It’s interesting that this idea of “helping the weak” can be found in more than 10 Bible verses. If you tie in Bible passages about “helping the poor”, there are nearly 30 more. In both cases, these words mean to help the physically as well as the spiritually weak. It is not a command, but it is our duty as believers to help those who are weak and poor.
In our Pickens Baptist Association churches and other churches and organizations throughout Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States shoeboxes are being shipped to local, regional, and national Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations from November 15 – 22. Nearly 575,000 volunteers worldwide—with more than 270,000 of those in the U.S.—are involved in this process which reaches more than 170 countries and territories. What a Blessing!
We’ve put 2 pictures in this newsletter to represent our giving in the Pickens Baptist Association. Mr. Gaines House donated much of his card collection that he has accumulated over the years to OCC, so these children can have the same joy that he has received from them. Also, Mrs. Peggy Strawn and Camryn Faison of Aliceville FBC are seen packing a shoebox together. Mrs. Peggy said, “Camryn and I had a very good conversation about the boxes she packed. ‘I love that each child gets to learn about the love of Jesus…’”.
I believe this is what Paul meant when he quoted Jesus, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Mr. Gaines, Mrs. Peggy, and Camryn are just a small number of those in Pickens Baptist Association participating in this ministry which will touch nearly 10 million children this year.
Pray, seek, and watch where God may lead you to give this year in Pickens County. This can be done through Mission Pickens of Mineral Springs Baptist Church, the Food Pantry at Highland Baptist Church, the Angel Tree ministry promoted by the PBA WMU, the Baptist Center Holiday boxes, and the Pickens County DHR for Foster children just to name a few. However, you choose to help the weak and the poor will be a blessing because giving is better than receiving.
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle