Month 8: Giving

The primary goal of the Water for Water campaign was, and still is, to raise money to build a clean water well in Africa and raise awareness about the world's number one killer - the lack of clean water.  As we near the end of the year, the money continues to come in.  We are within hundreds of dollars of reaching the $10,000 goal set at the beginning of the year.  As I reflect on that amount, I wonder - where did it all come from?

The secondary answer to that question is from generous people.  Many, many different donors have pledged or given money to this goal.  Co-workers, family members, church friends, coffee shops, random internet strangers.  All making a decision to give something that they didn't have to.  All making the decision to use money that could be spent on other material items, yet set apart for a greater purpose.  Knowing that so many people made a sacrifice for clean water in the name of Christ, whether they are a Christian or not, is an extremely humbling experience.

The primary answer is that the money came from God.  That isn't just a Sunday school or feel good statement, I believe that with every bit of my heart.  God had a purpose to glorify His kingdom through this campaign by not only building a well for those who need clean water, but also by showing the beauty of a group of people giving of themselves and living out the idea that we should think of the interests of others over our own interests.

Should this surprise us-that God would give so generously?  Not when we are reminded in James that God "gives generously and without reproach".  So as we reflect on what God has given in the water campaign, I pray that we will all wonder what else He wants to give us in our lives.  I pray that we will continue to be in constant conversation with God, not only asking "what next?" or "what do I do?", but also listening.  In this constant conversation with God we realize that when we are giving of ourselves, we are simultaneously receiving the gift of the presence of God.