Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Good morning!
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)
Some quick stats: there are about 138,000,000 Christians actively pursuing their life of faith with God in the United States. The 138 million of us bring home $2.5 trillion in income every year. If every Christian in America left to form our own nation, we would be the 7th richest nation in the world. Even with “looming economic crisis”, we remain incredibly blessed.
In 1981, 52% of the world lived in extreme poverty. Today, that number is 26%. Progress? Yes – but there are still 1.7 billion people living in extreme poverty. The organization we heard about on Sunday (Food for the Poor) is a way that we can help. Will you join me in prayerfully considering a monthly gift to Food for the Poor? Even $1 a month can provide as many as 21 meals for the poor. Visit www.foodforthepoor.org to find out more.
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” 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 25:37-40 (NIV)
My family in Christ – we have been called, and we must go.
Joe
