February 12, 2020

Last year, some of the women in the church were meeting in the large classroom in Dennis Hall. Even though I had asked on previous occasions that they keep the door locked for security purposes, they listened to me with the same enthusiasm they do every Sunday morning. In other words, they didn’t hear a word I said.

One stormy, raining day, someone ran into my office saying there was a strange man in the back hall. He had come in through the door that was supposed to be locked.

I quickly went to the hallway and found a man in a sweatshirt with a hood. I stuck out my hand and said, “Hi, I’m Tom Robbins. Can I help you?” At the same time, I placed my other hand on his upper arm because I wasn’t sure if this encounter was going to become physical.

When I touched his shirt, extremely cold water streamed through my fingers. At that moment, I felt his arm shiver because he was soaking wet and he started to cry. He was not a threat. He was a man who was desperate to get out of the freezing rain. I told him our church would help.

I grabbed my raincoat, put him in my truck and we drove to the Goodwill Store, where he picked out dry socks, underwear, shirts, pants, waterproof boots, an umbrella, and a cold weather parka. To say this suffering man was overjoyed would be an understatement. He was finally dry and warm.

I told him that the members of our church were very happy that they could help him. After profusely thanking me, he opened the umbrella and walked out into the rain. I never saw him again but this experience got me thinking.

The members of our church give money every Sunday to help people that, more than likely, they will never see or know. I suspect when they meet Jesus face-to-face, they will be surprised when he references how their generosity made a difference.

This is what Jesus meant by saying, “I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Know that the money you give to the church alleviates suffering and addresses the ills of a broken world. It matters.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please use my money, talents, time, and effort to make a difference in the lives of those in need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

While you may not see the difference your giving makes, I do. More importantly, God sees. I am sure your generosity makes God smile.

Also, just for the record, the women finally keep the door shut like I had asked. They don’t do anything else I ask them to do but they do keep the door locked. It’s a small victory but I’ll take it.

Ok I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins