a periodical from the desk of  Pastor White...

Working together...

The Stewardship of Compassion

Volume 4, Issue 10

October 31st, 2005

              

     We watched and listened in horror as the city of New Orleans was pounded and ripped apart by Hurricane Katrina, one of the most violent storms to ever invade our shores. It hit suddenly and with such force that, for many, there was neither time nor means for escape. The high winds pushed a wall of water through the city, crushing everything in its path. There were people trying to hang on to anything that would float and mothers holding small babies up high in hopes that someone would come to rescue them from the muddy deluge. In a very short time homes, businesses, and churches were flattened or inundated with muddy silt. The old, the sick, and the children were left all alone in this nightmare scenario.

In the midst of this chaos and destruction, there were many acts of selfless compassion given in support of those who were suffering. There were those on the scene, the first responders and volunteers, and there were the nameless millions from all around this country who showed compassion by giving their time, money, and service to help those who now had a desperate need for food, shelter and clothing.

Daily Acts of Compassion

     Each of us has many opportunities to reach out to our friends and neighbors in Christian love and compassion. By performing random acts of kindness, we can often encourage others to do the same. Try to think of how you can show compassion and kindness to someone during this Thanksgiving month. Here are a few suggestions:

à  Invite a single person over for Sabbath lunch.

à  Take food to someone who just moved into your neighborhood.

à  Send flowers to your child's Sabbath School teacher.

à  Send an encouraging card or letter to someone you appreciate.

à  Take an older person to lunch; ask about their children and grandchildren.

à  Baby sit for a single parent or a couple so they can have free time for themselves.

à  Take some homemade bread to a friend.

à  Write a note to tell someone how much you enjoyed the special music last Sabbath.

à  Do some repair work or upkeep on the house, yard, or car of a widow or single mom.

à  Treat a mother of small children to lunch and pay for the  babysitter.

à  Give a new believer a gift certificate to a Christian bookstore.

à  Invite someone who has recently lost a spouse to join you for an evening out.

In this Thanksgiving season, may we be stewards of compassion, both in our time, talents, and treasure, reminding ourselves of the words of the Apostle Paul, "Don't lose heart and stop doing good. In time, we'll reap a harvest, so don't give up! As we have opportunity, let's help everyone we can, but especially fellow believers" (Galatians 6:9-10 ).