Giving Sundays

In the congregation in Maastricht we have learned how good it is to pass on the blessings that God has given us. Every 5th Sunday we hold a special contribution for any specified needs. This is an additional contribution to our normal Sunday giving. Working up to the 5th Sunday one of the brothers asks in the congregation if there are any needs that members have noticed or have themselves. On the Sunday, members can choose to which need they will give, if there is more than one. 

In the past we have regularly given for a rehabilitation center in Ukraine which our brother Alexander knows about. We have helped with winter heating costs, running costs and, recently, relocation costs as they had to move because of the war. We have also helped with other costs in Ukraine. Knowing the people there always helps us to understand the need. 

We have helped with various projects in Africa including Bibles in Uganda, water in Uganda and Kenya, and a deaf children’s home (Sam’s Place) in Kenya. W have helped send rice into Myanmar and helped with the rebuilding of Sint Maarten. These are always done working together with our brothers and sisters in the countries themselves. And most of them are combined with sharing the word of God at the same time as assisting where needed in daily life. It is exciting to know - at least on paper and email - that we are family with brothers and sisters around the world. 

At the end of 2024 we had one more 5th Sunday. We also had news from the Philippines of a horrible accident among our brothers and sisters there. who had been sharing good news. We were thankful that we could help in some small way. It is always a challenge to see how we can send funds to these places around the world (especially with heightened security measures in more recent years), but we are thankful that it is possible. 

What this does above all is remind us all of how we are connected as the family of Christ. The more we get to know our brothers and sisters around the globe, the more we become aware of needs and are able to help, pray and know that we are one in God. This brings us even closer to one another as a family. 

And always amazes me how much is given by the family here. I do not need to mention amounts since each members has given simply as they were moved and with a joyful heart. But I am almost always moved to tears to see how graciously this small family gives of themselves. They even made us the recipients of their graciousness when we have unexpectedly had to travel to the US (or even when it was planned). We are so thankful to be working with a family that understands and shows this grace that they have been given in this wonderful family of God.