Our Best Gifts

This is what we call in our house “Birthday season,” last weekend we celebrated 5 birthdays:  me, my two older kids(Tyler and Whitney) and 2 uncles.  We had a big party of about 30 people who shared lunch and 3 cakes (Carrot, Popcorn, and Mint Dessert Cakes:  YUM!)  and were given gifts.   This is gathering of family together, we will miss in Honduras.

It was not my youngest son Adam's birthday, so he wanted to give gifts.  He asked if he could make cards for everyone.  In the cards, he put in his gifts.  I found it interesting to see what is of value in my children's eyes and how they need to express that with others.  Adam gave $1 in change to each person in their cards.  My kids do not have lot of money, we do not give a regular allowance.  So in the end he had little change left in his savings box.  Adam felt it was good to give generously.

Second, he took a few moments to write a short note in each card.  We were very surprised when we read the cards he had given out.  Beside his generous gift of a $1, he put something else he valued.  He wrote a short Gospel message in each card, a different message for each person.  These are my paraphrases:  He told my Uncle that Jesus died and rose again so that we could go to heaven with Him.  To his uncle he told that true strength comes only from Jesus. 

So our 6 year old son gave what he valued as his 2 most important things:  to show his love and the love of Jesus to his family!  Sometimes our children humble us, their values and attitudes reflect more then what we can teach them.  This is probably why Jesus in Matthew 18:2-4 challenged us to come to him as little children.  They have less boundaries or self imposed limits to keep them from listening and responding to God.

Mark 8:34-36 (NLT)

 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

If you want to find out more about us and our ministry follow the links for "About us" or "World Gospel Outreach" at the top of the page. Remember to keep us in your prayers. If God lays in on your heart to help us financially you can click on the "Donate" Tab at the top or the page, You be redirected to the World Gospel outreach donation site then just select our name from the drop down list and give online.

If you have any questions email me at matt.nevala@wgomission.org