Giving

"Giving" The bible says in (2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 9,15 NIV) 6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever". 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Christian giving is an expression of Gods grace and I believe inspired by the cross. God's grace was giving Himself through Jesus on the cross to us all. Not because we deserved it , but because His grace warranted it. This has been brought to my mind because some of you have given generously, not because you felt pressured to give, and not giving reluctantly. Giving because maybe because you felt God was asking you to give, however that may be true I think it goes a little bit further than that. Giving because you know that there is a harvest, that people need to hear the gospel (The Good News of Christ). As we all see and know what is going on in America and around the world, this should remind us all that the Bible is as current as the daily news. This should encourage us in the fact that Jesus is surely coming soon, burden us to the fact that time is short and people are still without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As most of you know Diane and I made a request for funding for the ministry to be able to buy a bakkie (small pick up truck). God had opened doors of ministry opportunities that for us to be able to minister fully we (Second Mile) needed a truck. To God be the glory, and you know who you are within three days of you knowing of this need, the ministry had received the funds needed to purchase the truck and also a little extra to repair a few minor issues with the truck. Because of you, this truck has been transporting more people that was desiring to attend bible study and we were also able to pick up donated boxes of food and deliver to a rural area where a ministry was providing food had left them unexpectedly resulting in almost 500 vulnerable children without food. To God be the glory Great things He is doing! God is opening many doors of ministry opportunities, more than we can financially handle at this time however we know if He wants Diane and I (Second Mile) to be involved He will provide. The kids bible clubs are going great, Diane has 35 + that attend regularly , and 50 - 125 depending on the class age for that day. The adult bible studies are going well and the numbers increasing now that the maize (corn) has been harvested. We will be starting another bible club and bible study soon. It was our plan to work / minister together however God had another plan as Diane is conducting the kids bible clubs and I am teaching adult bible studies. Please pray for three Baptist mission church plants as they are without a pastor, Peace Baptist, Hawane Baptist and the third I'm not sure of the name all I have ever heard it referred to is " the church that meets at the school". Diane and I have been trying to help in areas that we have time; Diane is training teachers to teach Sunday school and I in spiritual leadership. We will be conducting services at Hawane Baptist this Sunday (July 26 th.) Pray that God will call and raise up leaders in these churches. Pray for us as Diane and I, along with the Baptist mission (Wayne &Barbara) will be conducting a “ survey" of all four regions of Swaziland to truly determine the spiritual relationship the people have. Swaziland says it is a Christian nation however most, 80% of the people still consult the "witch doctor" traditional healers or believe in ancestral worship. Thanks to our home church Piney Grove Chapel that God has used over the years to be truly a personal and most of all a spiritual blessing. To Trinity Baptist Church for your faithful partnership and to each of you that give above and beyond the tithe to help us do what we do. Please know we are thankful to ALL our donors/supports without you Diane and I would not be able to minister to the children and people of Swaziland. It is truly a blessing to be able to do what we do for the glory of God!