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Hello Friends,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. We are sure you would agree that it has been a busy, fast summer. We at Be the Gift have enjoyed serving the community with our Single Mom Projects as well as meeting many new volunteers and wonderful people who have a desire to be part of what we are doing and help those in need.
We were blessed to work with two new churches. We joined together and assisted them in their local project to mobilize people and put the Church into Action. |
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In carrying on the tradition of Cliff and Kathy Johnson and their wonderful travel experiences, we at Be the Gift are planning several trips for 2010. Please
e-mail or call us if you are interested in more information.
FALL OF 2010
Womens Alaskan Cruise hosted by Kathy Johnson
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12 day Cruise "Lands of the Bible" - We will visit Israel, Egypt, Greece and Ephesus
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Kenya, Africa Orphanage
11 Day Mission Trip
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| Ways you can be part of Be the Gift
1. Call or E-mail if you would like to volunteer or help with a project
2. Invite us to partner with your church or business to organize a project or trip.
3. Help us network with a church, business or other ministry to spread the word about BTG. Go to www.bethegift.net
4. Contact us if you know anyone who might need assistance
5. Financially support BTG with a one-time or monthly gift.
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Do You
RATION your PASSION?
In working with many churches, I am hearing a common theme from Christians who are disappointed, stagnant and even confused. It seems to be linked to those with no passion or very little passion for the very essence of what God is trying to accomplish in the world. What happens too often is that
WE CONFUSE DEDICATION WITH PASSION
I think of the rich young man in the Gospel of Mark 10:17-22. He ran up to Jesus and fell on his knees to ask a question. What must I do to inherit eternal life? This young man went to church all the time, knew the church doctrine and was faithful to keep all of laws of the church. Jesus said, "Sell what you have and give it to the poor then come, follow me." The Bible says this young man's face fell, he was sad and then walked away. His dedication to the church is evident, but you also see his passion as well. His passion was outside of what God was doing, consequently he walked away disappointed, stagnant and confused.
You see there is no greater source of joy and power within us, than to infuse the Holy Spirit and our passion together. It is a power that will change the world. In fact, this is God's plan for the world. For people like you and me filled with the power of God united with the passion and love we have for Almighty God to share the love and account of Jesus Christ. But inside this formula there is a problem. Too many of us ration our passion and miss out on the best part of being a Christian. I believe the number one reason is fear. If I give all that I am to this passion and life of a Christian, what will happen?
In our minds we start to add up, calculate and try to analyze what a truly passionate life with Christ will be like. If you are like me then you have had a few of these conversations with yourself.
As a Passionate Christian I want to say - Here I am Lord send me!
But a person who rations their passion may say - If I help will I have enough time to do everything on my list... I really don't want to miss that ball game...surely there is enough help without me having to go, besides it's not my spiritual gifting...I only have a few days a week for myself, I need some me time...
Passion says - Whatever I have Lord is yours!
Rationed passion says - I barely have enough for myself, next week or next month will be better, I'll give something then...I want to be a good steward with what God has given me, so I will hide my things and keep them safe where no one can break them.....Well I'll pray about it and if God wants me to give, He will give me a sign...
Passion says - Yes Lord use me
Ration says - God can't use me, I'm not talented enough or smart enough ...when I have more time and money then I'll jump in...I'm not really good enough, surely there are better Christians than myself that God wants to use...I don't know what I would say or do...
We have these conversations within ourselves throughout our Christian life. EVERYBODY has them with opportunity after opportunity coming and going until we are frustrated, disillusioned and almost paralyzed. Or we take that leap of faith to the passionate life of a Christian. |
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Let me tell you how I became so passionate for orphans in the world. A speaker came to our church, challenged us to go into the world and make a difference in an orphan's life. The conversation I had with myself that ensued was something like this...I can't afford to go, no one would ever go with me to Kenya, I'm not a good enough leader, what do I have to offer, I'm scared to go. But through prayer and a desire to put God's Word into action I went. Then when I got outside my comfort zone and held, fed, prayed and cried with these children.. what developed-- PASSION!
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 When I wanted to help
single parents in our region, another conversation followed. What can I do, the problem is too big, there isn't any money for a ministry like this, my family will not like the idea and the list goes on. But we took that leap of faith on the words of James 1:27, and all I can say is WOW! This wow is not unique to me, it is available to every Christian who goes
BEYOND JUST DEDICATION, BUT SAYS
YES TO JESUS
when He says give all and follow Me.
Love you all and have a Blessed August.
Lets keep in touch--- drop us a note or
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