Sharing the Shelter #8 and Giveaway

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.  

~Eric Sevareid

My Daughters -- who love to shelter!

Years ago when we ministered in Bedford, a mother called our church office. She explained that her husband was out of work and their three young children wouldn't have gifts for Christmas. I don't remember everything she said, but I do remember her sharing that they didn't even have money for laundry soap.

I barely finished repeating the call when I heard our senior pastor, say, "Do it. Whatever you need to get, buy it." Our church families gave and the rest came out of the church treasury as we prepared a wondrous Christmas for this family -- clothes for the kids and parents, toys, cleaning supplies and food.  

It was such fun delivering the gifts. What wasn't fun was the next phone call. The lady's sister was on the line to tell us her sister called every church in Bedford; consequently the children would have a bigger Christmas than any child in town -- and we found out it was true.

I can remember the devastation I felt. Our church families were sacrificial in their giving and I felt like I had wasted their money. I remember what Rev. Sankey told me, "We are required to answer the call, what happens with that is not our responsibility."  

I think we sometimes get calloused by the poverty we see around us. There's always someone to blame -- the parents don't handle their money like they should, the kids don't take care of what they have.  But when we see the need, it's up to us to answer the call. 

That's what some of those who worship with me are doing.  One man donated hats -- nice hats -- for 40 Good News Club children, led by a member from our church works with these precious children on Sunday afternoons and throughout the week. Others have given money so we can stuff the hats with the Wordless Book items, fun socks, pens, candy, etc.  (This after the members sent 70 shoeboxes full of gifts to the children on Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.)

Some of these children need clothes.  I wish all of you had a Carisa in your congregation. She has a heart to help and the organizational skills to make it happen.  She's a busy mother of three involved in a million and one projects. But she is answering the call -- not only is she donating her own money to make it happen, she's finding others willing to help.  

Our congregation is not large, yet we are endeavoring to answer the call -- realizing we are here for something larger than ourselves.  Let's find someone to shelter this Christmas -- there are  needy people all around us. It's a good way to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

Speaking of hats -- Have you read Max Lucado's A Hat for Ivan? It would make a lovely Christmas gift.

Sharing the Shelter 

Do you have a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage us, or other sheltering idea you’d like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. I like keeping the rules simple:

• Grab my button or leave a text link-back 
• Visit the two blogs before yours 
• Shelter someone!

Sharing the Shelter Giveaway

The giveaway is open to all my readers -- just leave a comment.

Patty from My Mountain Blessings won last week's giveaway.  Patty is a pastor's wife, director of a homeless shelter, mother of three and Nana to five. Yet she still makes time to remind us to take time for Joy this season.  

This weeks giveaway is two hats for you to give to a needy child. Involve your children or grandchildren in the giving--a great teaching experience.

Leave a comment or link-up here.  Linking and commenting will give you two entries.  Edited to add: I'll try to find hats as close as possible to these--unfortunately these are already sold out.

Soli Deo Gloria

Rachel Wojnarowski

Playdates with God