The scene was repeated in 3 other places where we had
churches. Eager children lined up for a
simple but precious toy while their parents were blessed with food items they
likely could not afford. After the gift
giving, we shared a gospel message of love and hope. All together, about 130 families received
food baskets and 200 children received toys and fruits.
However, perhaps more amazing was the source of food and
gifts. Not from me or my ministry. But they were all given by one lady who
wanted to bless many needy Christian families.
A lady whose husband, a pastor, had died earlier this year from cancer. A lady who was struggling to take over the
family business. A lady who had to
figure out how to continue raising her own 4 children alone. A lady who, a few months ago, had also been
diagnosed with cancer and was now undergoing treatments.
But also a lady who has learned that greater joy comes from
giving rather than receiving, that blessings are better shared than kept, and
that the best way to avoid dwelling on our own hardships is by helping those
whose hardships are deeper than mine.
She also instructed me to give the gifts anonymously. “Don’t mention my name to anyone. Tell them that these are blessings from the
Lord.” And so I did.
Christmas 2016 is over.
Today, as I write, is the first day of a new year. We hope it will be a happy one. But if experience is consistent, it will also
be a year of unexpected disappointments, seasons of sadness, and momentary times
of turmoil. There will be days when happiness
seems elusive, but genuine joy will greet those who step away from their own
trials and choose to ease the trials of others more needy than themselves.
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