Christians learn from early childhood, what a joy it is to give. Many of us get a warm feeling inside when we do something nice for someone, and giving to others is truly always rewarding. During a recent mission trip, I received a true blessing by observing an example of Mark 12: 41-44 played out before my eyes, as I watched the children of Mina, who have so little, freely and generously share almost all they had with others. I watched hungry children eat only a small portion of their bowl of rice, and then place the remaining rice in worn containers to take home to share with others in their family. Watching these children who possess little by United States standards, share almost ½ of their most precious resource; food, with others, revealed something profound to me. The children may have little in terms of worldly possessions, but they possess a Christ like heart that most from more fortunate circumstances could only hope to possess.
On another occasion, during snack time at the Orphanage at Croix du Bouquets, Haiti, a mission worker had two bags of goldfish crackers to share with two boys. After she gave the bags crackers to the kids, there was a quick discussion between the two boys, and one boy quickly took off out of the church. As the mission worker looked through the door to see where the boy had gone, she observed the boy giving his bag of crackers to a less fortunate boy from the village, who although had parents, had little to eat. As sad as it was to observe, it was such a blessing to see children who have so little to spare, to share freely and generously, almost all they possess, with others.
These actions remind me of The Widow’s Offering, Mark 12: 41-44, 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” During my mission trip, I was humbled to realize that no matter how generously I gave of my time, talent or resources that my sacrifice could never compare to the children’s giving. I found it profound that I had gone to Haiti to teach the children about Christ, and set an example of generosity and sharing, but I was the one who was taught a lesson in generosity and was truly blessed.
By Todd Ewing