Missionary support
Stewardship Corner: Hanging On
As we follow Jesus throughout His ministry on earth, we find many who lose out on salvation because they were hanging on to their “treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19). As we look at these poor souls, we see they had the same struggles we have. There were the Pharisees and the rulers of the synagogues, condemning Jesus for eating with sinners and for healing on the Sabbath and seeking at all times to trap Him with their questions. They were hanging on to status and power, their “treasures on earth.”
There were the Rich Fool, the Rich Young Man, and the Rich Man who ignored Lazarus, none of whom could get a grip on Jesus because they were hanging on to their wealth. There were the farmers with their fields and oxen and the new groom, too busy for Jesus because they were hanging on to the lives they’d created for themselves. Can’t we see ourselves, at least at times, in these Biblical characters?
There were those, however, who found new life by hanging onto Jesus. There was Zacchaeus, the little man who gave up a few dollars and found untold wealth by hanging on to his Savior. There was the soldier who, giving up his pride to ask for help for his daughter, found his highest prayer answered by hanging on to Jesus’ promise. There was the thief on the cross who, in giving up his anger, found eternal life in hanging on to the Man next to him.
But, really, who was hanging on to whom? Thank God for His Son Who has reached out His hand to us, Who has us in His grip, Who hangs on to us when we are tempted, when we are discouraged and weak, even when we’re on the brink of despair. He is hanging on to us. He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
How You Can Help
The need is incredibly great -- the Haitian and Chilean earthquakes being the main focus at this time. Please consider helping in any way you can. As followers of the Lord Jesus we are encouraged to "bear one another's burdens." Thus the world will "know we are Christians by our love."1
LWR.org gets you to Lutheran World Relief which is noted for spending less than 10% of its income on overhead -- meaning that over 90% gets to the the crisis or disaster where the givers want to help. You can contribute on-line or by mailing your gift to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA
Care.org is the other agency assuring that over 90% of their income goes to the places of need designated by the givers. You can contribute on-line or by mailing your gift to CARE USA, 151 Ellis Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
LCMSWorld Relief & Human Care, an agency of our Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod, also directs almost 90% of its income to the designated relief services. Reach them through LCMS.org, and click on World Relief & Human Care or send your gift to LCMS World Relief & Human Care, 1333 South Kirkwood, St. Louis MO 63122.
