So many charities, so little resources! This time of the year I am often bombarded by many excellent charities who want to kindly remind me that they are doing good work. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to use the resources that God has given me to be a blessing beyond my immediate context.
As a pastor of a church that has been saving for our first building project, there have been times when I have been tempted to add my voice to the others asking for people’s money. But ReCAST has been financially healthy from the beginning. We have been blessed by many generous donations over the past 7 years. I know that the risk of saying we are healthy is that people will read that and think that we really do not need any money. We obviously need money to continue the ministry and to pay off the building we will be building over the next several months.
At the risk of sounding self-serving, I would humbly, but honestly recommend that you use your resources to first and foremost bless the church you attend. So many charities and good causes will ask for money, and my family donates to some, but that is only after we give to the body of Christ. I am convinced that the primary thing that God is doing in the world is through local churches.
So there it is. I would encourage you to support a kid through Compassion International, fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, support a friend going through a rough time on Go-Fund Me, or support a missionary or local food bank directly. But do not let that get in the way of your support of your local church.
My wish, is that other churches would be well supported in their endeavors to bring the love of Christ through the gospel to their communities. I know that having a healthy financial position in my church as a pastor has helped me to maintain my focus on the ministry of the Word and ministry to people.
How do you decide where you send your charitable giving?