MCC of Albuquerque » Fearless Giving

A Light to the World

Rev. Judith Maynard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:03 +0000

The nation watched in disbelief as Diane Sawyer reported on American’s children living in poverty in Appalachia in her primetime special, ‘A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains.’

Make no mistake, her story depicted real, unimaginable obstacles children face in isolated pockets of Appalachia. But also in the hills of Appalachia sandwiched between two mountains with the babbling creek winding through the property, you’ll find the Hindman Settlement School. On a school day the mountains echo the sounds of laughter of school children and the occasional rumble of a car crossing the wooden bridge entrance. It’s a school of heritage. A school of promise. A school of hope.

Upon arrival visitors will be introduced to the school via a video entitled: Hindman Settlement School: A Light In The Mountains. It tells the vision of a barefoot mountain man, affectionately known as Uncle Sol, who dreamed of more for his people. He wanted to be taught a better way of life, not filled with fighting and feuding. His vision led him to Hazard, Kentucky where he heard of women who came from the big city to set up tents during the summer and taught sewing, cooking, kindergarten, Bible classes, home nursing, temperance and all sorts of social activities. He invited them to Hindman, where eventually, in 1902 the first permanent rural social settlement school in the US was begun. A century later, the purpose of the school remains the same as they strive to provide educational opportunities for boys and girls of the region, always keeping them mindful of their Appalachian heritage.

This little school in the mountains has touched the world through sharing and preserving Appalachian history and heritage; mainly due to the vision of an old, barefoot mountain man who wanted more for his people. We’re a whole lot more sophisticated than what a small piece of Kentucky was in 1902, but some things haven’t changed. The world is still fighting and feuding, and Jesus is still the only answer to a better way of life. Our church is a shining beacon in this community – she offers hope for a new life for individuals facing their own unimaginable obstacles and our church always keeps us mindful of our spiritual heritage in Christ Jesus. Our vision to reach the unchurched population of our area can be a reality as we step forward in faith.
Our prayer is that we will continue to be a light, not only in our community, but to the outermost parts of the world.

Stepping Stones

Rev. Judith Maynard — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:02:57 +0000

An evangelist known through the country would use a phrase countless times when he spoke and in his writings-he would refer to, Stepping Stones.

In staff gatherings, board meetings, and even at family conferences he would talk about solving problems or realizing goals by using stepping stones. You see, as a youth, he grew up combing the mountains of West Virginia. When he encountered a new stream or creek with deep water and wanted to continue his adventure without getting soaked, he searched diligently for stepping stones. They were the often overlooked rocks and stones that peak above the current, offering a relatively safe passage to the other side. After he would find those stones, he would carefully evaluate their stability before committing himself to this next leg of his journey and then cross over to his intended destination.

Throughout the life of our church we have encountered many new streams filled with deep water. Our leaders have searched diligently and found stepping stones along the way that enabled us to continue to be a vibrant congregation, reaching out and changing lives.

Our Fearless Giving, general stewardship campaign is yet another stepping stone. As we secure footing, reach new milestones, and more importantly, arrive at our intended destination, our prayer is our church will continue to be a spirit-led church, made up of growing believers, committed to making a difference in their world – connecting people with God through the love of Jesus Christ.

Every household in our church has been asked to prayerfully consider making a financial commitment to be given over a year long period. God is stretching us for a monumental future work as we fearlessly step out in faith and stand firmly on the stepping stones.

Fellowship of Suffering

Rev. Judith Maynard — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:02:48 +0000

Instead of wallowing in his trails and sorrows, Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth to comfort one another in their sufferings, even as God has comforted them in their time of need. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

We don’t have to walk in the same shoes of suffering in order to comfort, but those who’ve been there can offer great consolation to others. Paul alludes to ‘the fellowship of sharing in (Christ’s) suffering’ Philippians 3:10.

The fellowship of suffering is a club with a steep entrance fee. Yet it is no exclusive clique. Many of us are inducted despite our best efforts to stay out. Once you’re in, though, no one can comfort you like a fellow member. This ability to help fellow sufferers adds great dignity and meaning to our anguish. In Christ, we never suffer for no reason.

Yes, your life has meaning. Your steps have led you down a road of hardships, yet through the power of God, you’ve survived. Your faith has been stretched. You have a new understanding of life. You know what’s really important.

You’ve weathered the storm. Now it’s your turn to help others through their tempests; to share the comfort that Jesus ministered to you.

God has plans for your life, far greater than you can imagine. Embrace God, embrace life, be a testimony of God’s unfailing love. Choose to trust God on the rainy days as well as when the sun is shining. The love and joy God gives you will shine through the clouds and draw others to the source of your hope.

Our church offers a shelter during a time of storm as we minister to those who are suffering. Pray that God will continue to bless our efforts as we continue to comfort others with Jesus’ love.

Pick a Peck of Produce

Rev. Judith Maynard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:00:44 +0000

You don’t have to be a farmer to understand what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church when he said, ‘Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what she/he has decided in her /his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’

A picture is worth a thousand words and Paul is painting a masterpiece. He reminds us of what any smart farmer knows; in order to produce a bountiful harvest, he has to plan for it, plow it, plant it, and then pick a peck of produce. He also knows what to expect from what he sows. A few seeds will not produce a bumper crop.

Author Randy Alcorn writes in his book, Money, Possessions and Eternity; ‘Are you eager to plant God’s money in the field of a world that needs Christ? Does the thought of giving to what will count for eternity make your spine tingle? Does storing up treasures in heaven make your heart leap? If we understood the out-of-this-world returns on our investments in others, we’d join the Macedonians and beg for the privilege of giving.’

Just imagine what God can do when we, as a church, sow generously.

What Is Sacrifice?

Rev. Judith Maynard — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:05:54 +0000

How much should I give? What is a sacrificial gift?

In the 12th chapter of Mark the story is told of Jesus watching a widow give her offering. He not only noticed her gift but he commented to the disciples that her gift was the most pleasing to God because she gave out of her poverty.

God measures the value of a gift by sacrifice – not the dollar amount.

Did you every wonder why Jesus drew attention to this woman and her gift? Could it be that he realized how much more powerful a demonstration is than a lecture?

In our day and age, if called upon to donate by your favorite celebrity, most individuals tend to give more to a celebrity endorsed endeavor if you know for a fact that they not only support it with their voice, but with their pocket book.

When Oprah Winfrey opened and funded a school for girls in Africa and Warren Buffett gives the majority of his wealth away to the Gates Foundation, that makes you pay attention. Not necessarily because their cause strikes a cord, but because of their demonstration of personal generosity.

The amount you commit to our stewardship campaign should be a sacrifice for you, bathed in prayer and guided by God’s hand on your heart.