This month, consider blessing a friend with transportation or other tangible support. We meet families every day that are struggling because of this difficult economy. Parents without jobs, old cars, overdue bills, families who need food, children who are wearing clothing too small for them, rotten flooring, leaking roofs, on and on the needs go.
Today I would like to share with you two examples from friends of Grace Klein Community.
First, a single lady who has cared for her mother for nine years. Her mother died several months ago after her battle with cancer. This sweet lady recently secured a job in the cafeteria of a local hospital. That very night, her only source of transportation caught on fire and was a total loss. Friends are helping her get to and from work so she does not lose this job, but it can not be sustained.
Her friend is coordinating a fundraiser where you can purchase a boston butt for $40 by January 31, 2012, and they will be delivered on the weekend of February 4th. The boston butts can be ordered through www.swampmonsterbbq.com or via emailing the fundraiser coordinator, Shelby Marlow Danley at [email protected]. Contributions can also be made through Grace Klein Community, Inc. via paypal on this website or via mail to 1678 Montgomery Hwy, #104, Birmingham, AL 35216. All contributions to Grace Klein Community are tax-deductible.
God often reminds me of Proverbs 3:27 in these heartbreaking situations, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” If we have the ability to act, how can we not?
The second story is of another family in a similar situation. The father recently accepted Christ and is leading his family to walk with God. Their only source of transportation had major problems and they needed help. Fifteen different families, most who did not know this family made contributions. Grace Klein Community was able to pay the vendor directly for the balance of the bill, after the family paid what they could pay. God provided just enough to get the car fixed.
Both of these situations represent so many families, all over the world, that need encouragement, love and support in the face of difficulty. God teaches us to wait for Him and He will act. He may use Grace Klein Community to accomplish His purposes or He may use someone or something else, but we can trust Him as the Provider of all things.
Psalm 27:13-14 “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
**All families Grace Klein Community assists are expected to participate in a Giveback Agreement where they “payback” the gift by sharing Christ’s love with someone else. Each hour they serve provides $10 of “payback.” We are seeking to live out 2 Corinthians 8:14-15 “your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” The single lady I mentioned plans to use her transportation to help people get to doctor’s appointments, grocery store and errands as so many people have loved her in this way. The second family has committed to help with food delivery (served in December) and investing in families in their community. They are sharing the Gospel and giving Bibles to friends and neighbors to share the hope that they have in Jesus.