The inevitable and integral part of the ministry, God has entrusted us with is charity, which in Christian theology and ethics, is the highest form of love, manifesting the reciprocal love between God and man. Apostle Paul gives a classical description of charity, unselfish and abundant love of one’s fellow men, in the book of first Corinthians chapter thirteen. The perfect example of such selfless and unconditional love is most eloquently found in the life, teachings and death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Charity is the translation of the Greek word, agapē which also means love.
In the northern parts of India, in the scorching heat of the summer, I have seen young kids having boils all over their bodies, as they don’t have any water cooler at their homes; there are parents who cannot buy school bags for their children; there are children who don’t have good umbrellas, proper uniforms, proper shoes or sandals, ….etc., etc…., lists go without an end; I have seen aged people who have never worn any sort of footwear in their lives they lived thus far. There are numerous houses even as of now, without a toilet facility– once you reach such areas, you have to find a place in the open fields, sorry, hotels you may find at least 3 to 5 score miles away.
To be very open, it is after my first mission trip in Jun 2009 to the northern parts of India — Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra — that I could sincerely thank God from the bottom of my heart for all the basic provisions like good toilet, bathroom, couch, blankets, pure drinking water etc., which I took for granted till then! I have seen children wearing different sized/colored sandals (not a pair, but two different pieces) that also grabbed from roadside or scrap; can you imagine children using crushed, flat mineral water bottles as footwear? I have seen that and I have prayed, Lord I cannot stand it, standing on my branded sports shoes. These children have the same tiny legs like those of our children. Many children happily wear their school uniforms all through the year because their parents cannot afford to buy both uniform and the casuals, forget about the formal ones! I could see parents with three children but only one is sent to school, for they cannot afford the expenses, what all, incurred.
Believe me, while writing this, my eyes get wet and am reminded of many needy faces. I know that you don’t want me to say them, ‘Jehovah Jireh’ on your behalf, and you will be of help, at least, to a few of them. James 02:14-26 teaches us that that faith, without works is dead. I believe, Christian faith has two parts– first part of it is the confessional, intellectual part and the second, the action part of it; both are two parts of the same coin. i.e. proper actions accompanying must be added to that limited part of that faith (the literal faith, Jam 02:14; faith by itself, V17; faith without actions, V26 with V20; or, faith alone, V24), in order for our faith to be made compete or perfect.
After a tiresome day and night, I feel my eyelids massive but with a God given burden, I am writing this in a stretch. And, as I have come to conclude this, let me tell you, I am much relieved; I would like to thank God for many of you are convicted and are willing to share this burden of responsibility. So far, it was my burden but by this time (of you reading it), it has become our burden, don’t you feel so? Few of the pics and testimonials of the charity works that we could do in the past, is availed here. I choose to keep proper acknowledgements of the recipients/concerned in the coming days. I would like to encourage you to be a part of our charity works, as we come across and can directly reach out the genuinely needy, every mission trip. Remember, Jesus said, in Matt 10:42 (BBE), And whoever gives to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he will not go without his reward. Thank you and may God keep you blessed, to bless many.
Yours faithfully, in & for Christ,
Senior Pastor Thomas Mathews.