Growing up, I have had many opportunities to go on mission trips and see churches built. Looking at our churches around the world, how do you think they started? Simple answer, through missions. To us it may not seem like a lot, but to them, it changes their entire life. The amount of smiles I’ve seen on children’s faces when receiving toys, a new pair of shoes, or even getting their face painted. But it all comes with a cost… when you support missions through your giving, to some, they may think their contribution goes towards consumption - accommodation, food, expenses for a missionary, but what a lot of people don’t know is that it goes towards planting a seed in an individual’s life, towards building a church, or even medicine and supplies for a hospital.
I had the privilege of joining Pastor John McGovern on his trip to Poland and Ukraine in May for over a month and it will be an ongoing mission. There were many things that I was able to experience during this trip, but one thing that stood out to me was how blessed we were to not only go into Ukraine, but also bring in a van load of food and other supplies with us. Ready to get your mind blown?! ...
It was sponsored by Praise Chapel Global. And that’s not all! Not only 1 van load, but multiple loads and many more to come. Your giving has blessed many, as far as the East of Ukraine and throughout the nation. I encourage you - don’t hold back in your giving!
I learned to give from a very young age. From the few dollars I would receive during birthdays or Chinese New Year until now while I am working. My parents always taught me to be faithful with my giving and to give with the right intention, so that in due time I would reap what was sown. Ironically, “giving away,” the money I worked hard for is something I enjoy doing and find true joy in, because of how evident God has been through it all. Giving is important to me because I love people. It warms my heart to see how my contribution has blessed different ones, seeing their smiles warms my heart, but that didn’t come naturally; faith had to be built up. In all honesty, during mission trips I get a little worried about finances, but I have to ask God to teach me how to look beyond it. In spite of my insecurities, I always think about how I can bless the people around me, whether it is blessing them with a cup of coffee or a meal; seeing them happy is enough for me.
On all my mission trips to the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Poland, I’ve been fortunate to be around many children. “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” It’s important that we follow after Jesus, spend extra time and put in all our effort to teach and disciple our children the way scripture has taught us. Your giving contributes to raising up a new generation of young believers that will one day make a difference in our world and spread the Good News to EVERYONE!
In closing, this is a piece of scripture, my dad would constantly remind me - “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap." Luke 6:38
I encourage you, give in joy! In fact, dance! :)
With love,
Calvary Church Hong Kong, daughter of Pastors John and Valerie Malcolm
#calltogive, #giveanditwillcomebacktoyou, #missions, #pcglobal, #pcg, #praisechapelmissions, #ukraine, #wesupportukraine,
