“…he who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little.” Exodus 16:18

In God’s economy there is to be equity especially within the community of faith. Of the many pictures we have of God throughout the Scriptures the one that is paramount, the one that holds our gaze the most is that of a God who gives. And not only gives but gives joyfully. It is a model he has patterned for us to follow. The Macedonian churches embraced this model and “urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints”.(11Cor. 8:4) And they gave out of there “overflowing joy and extreme poverty” (vrs. 2). It is as if giving is the seed and that seed grows up to produce joy, this fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit does not grow unless the seed is planted.

Throughout the community of faith there are, for a variety of reasons, inequities. Some have too much and others have too little. But keep in mind we are not blessed with too much unless we, with joy, look for opportunities to bless others with the gift. Then our much is a blessing to us to others and to God.

Home missions is one way we can allow our much or our little to become a blessing that reaches far beyond our expectations. This year Home Missions will go to assist the ministry in our First Nations Communities. In some of these beautiful places The Salvation Army has been privileged to minister for over a century. But just like the Churches in Paul’s day some of these Corps have fallen on economic hard times and the saints are in need. All the saints are in need. Those with little are in need of the blessing of the monetary gift. Those with much are in need of the blessing that comes through the joyful sharing of the gift God has so graciously given.

This gift, joyfully given has been the source of blessing to some of our smaller Corps. Because of that gift these Corps have been able the have mission teams such as the Youth Service Corps come to their communities and minister to the children through Vacation Bible schools and youth events as well as a ministry to the saints in visitation and Sunday services. These Corps also use the blessing given to them to bless their Communities. Young people are afforded the blessing of attending big youth events that the Community could not afford to host on their own. For instance some of the communities sent a delegation of youth to Smithers to attend a Christian Rap concert in March 08. The Salvation Army in Smithers put off this event and because of the generous support of our Home Missions donors we had the joy of seeing young people from nearby small Corps attend this event and come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. The gift keeps giving as many children from our First Nations Corps have the joy of attending Camp Mountainview each Summer. This would not be possible for some of these children if it were not for the Home Missions gift.

Because those who have much joyfully give to those who have little God’s kingdom comes in many wonderful ways to both the giver and the recipient of the gift and joy grows through generosity.

May God’s blessing rest upon you as you eagerly look for opportunities to join with others in this service to the saints.