This morning prior to church we continued working on the updates and financials, so that we can more or less get all the administrative areas up to date and prepared for the draft final reports. Much of this coming week is going to be spent getting these prepared, so that when I head home, in less than two weeks, Richard just needs to monitor the progress of the project & update any financials and finalise the reports.
Some of the projects due to the fuel shortage and festival period are going to continue into the new year.
At church the Corps held their Self Denial Altar Service and Richard’s welcome, so the meeting was a bit longer than normal.
For such a small Corps I was amazed at the funds received and in many ways it would put many Corps to shame across the western world, that they can give so much when they have so little to start with.
They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty…
This is truly what self-denial is all about and it reminded me of the Biblical story (found in Mark 12:41-44) about the poor widow giving just a few coins after all the fanfare created by those that had wealth.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.””
With all the hospitality that has been shown to us since we have been here; with so much destruction of homes and livelihoods, with so much need, and with so much generosity of spirit shown by those that receive – I am reminded that “the poor people are often the most generous” because they continue to give even when they have nothing. They know appreciation for what it truly is…
The thing is generosity of spirit is such a blessed thing, when we give with no thought at all about what we will receive in return, that is true giving – in that we will be blessed and display our true heart. As Jesus teaches; “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
In the afternoon, after a late lunch we were back into the office…
Then in the evening Heather & I rearranged the seating in preparation for the 1st semi-final between the All Blacks & the Springboks – it could get a little tense – may the best team win! Go the All Blacks…
The life and times of Perry... 