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How's it going?

Several of you expressed your desire to give away to those in need. I would love to hear more stories, or even just how it is going.

I will post from my own week in the next day or two...

Clothes for Shawn

We have a friend named Michael. We met him about 2 years ago - he was part of a crew that was painting the house we live in. A few months after the work was done, Michael came back. He was looking for work, unable to get a stable job because he does not have an ID (a major problem in SA, and not all that uncommon). He didn't want money, he was willing to work for it. So, he washed our car. He came back about 2 weeks later, our car was still clean, but we gave him some food and clothes. After a few more visits, we worked out that he would come once a month and wash our car. He did that for a while, and I got to know him in the process - where he was from, where he lives now, about his family. Then, he stopped coming.

I actually thought he must have died. But, about 8 months later, he showed up again. He had been in jail that whole time for violating his parole - he was supposed to have a job. Of course, he can't get a job without an ID... So, Michael is back. He came a few days ago and asked to wash our car. While he was working, we made him tea and toast. As we were talking, he asked if we had any extra clothes that he could give to his son Shawn. Shawn is 6 - the same age as Iain. Melissa went inside and asked Iain if he could go through his clothes and find some that he could give to Shawn. Iain ended up giving Michael 2 bags of clothes for his son.

A day or two later as we were driving to school, I was asking Iain about it - "Iain, why did you give all those clothes to Shawn?" I wanted to see how he would explain his motivations and actions. Iain replied, "I gave some of my clothes to Shawn because I have lots and he doesn't have that much." Simple. Kids get it more than us sometimes.

I wonder how many weeks in a row we could just give clothes away before we would really notice a difference in our wardrobe?

firewood

On Monday evening, my friend Jonas stopped by. He told me that a house down the street had firewood they were getting rid of. He has spoken with the owner and asked if he could have it. This would be incredibly helpful because at Jonas & Valrey's home in Hamanskraal, they don't have electricity. So, they have to use a paraffin stove to cook, heat water, etc. Not very efficient and it costs to buy paraffin (and Jonas and Valrey don't have much money).

The guy with the wood told Jonas that he would need to get it by Wednesday. I had commitments all of Tuesday, but figured I could help on Wednesday. So, that day I rented a trailer, grabbed a friend, and we loaded it with wood. We picked up Jonas and took him out to his house. It was a pretty good amount, but I wanted to get him more. So, we kept the trailer and planned to get more the next day.

Thursday, I had a meeting in the morning. When I was done, 2 friends and I went back to the place with the wood. There was a huge truck loaded with all the wood. I think the owner was just having it hauled off, and since the guys had already loaded, they didn't want to give us any. Before heading back home, I mentioned that I had seen another house down the street with chopped up trees in the front. I think maybe they were clearing the lot. So we drove over there. Funny picture, a couple of people driving around pulling a trailer and looking for free wood.

We got to the other house and there were a few guys working there. We asked them if we could have the wood (actually better stuff than we had got the day before at the first place) and they said yes! In fact, they helped us load it :) So, we drove out to Hamanskraal and unloaded it. Neither Jonas and Valrey were home, but I'm sure they were happy to find the new wood pile over twice as big as the day before.

I guess I only gave a little physical effort, money to rent the trailer, my time, and the cost of petrol (gasoline). But God did something. Obviously, got some wood for my friends. But in the process I also had some time with friends and God reminded me of how much I love and how important it is to spend time with people. That's really irreplaceable.

Next week I hope to have pictures to share as well. How was your week?

Welcome

I am trying something - intentionally giving something away, every week, to someone in need. I'd love for you to join me...

Why?

• Because there are lots of people in need, people with less than me, people that I encounter every day.
  
• Because I believe Jesus is right when he tells us we should, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
  
• Because I have committed, along with some other friends, to fast (go without) so that others may feast (have). I think this is one way I can do that, and can invite others to do the same.

What am I actually doing?

• Giving something that I have (especially food and clothes) to someone else. It's that simple.
• Doing this at least once a week
• Practicing with this kindness between now and the end of 2007

How do I picture this happening?

1. I will pray and ask God to show me those in need
2. As I am out, I will intentionally look, not past or around people, but will ask God if this might be one I can give to
3. I will not give anonymously or to people in the crowd. I believe God wants me to know His children. Even if this means getting to know someone as I give, I want to learn names, hear stories, and rub against the realities of others
4. Though this giving will happen without fanfare, I want to use this space to share stories of what I am learning and experiencing as I give.

And then what?

• I don't know! But, it seems like this can only go well...
• I hope the process will grow my own generosity
• I hope the process will help me see people better
• I hope the process will reorient my life to be more giving in general
• I know people will have who did not have before

I would love for you to consider joining me in this journey! How many people can we give to, bless, learn from, share life with in the process? Leave a comment or email me if you're interested - I'd like to pray for you as we begin.