Myanmar and My Checkbook

Myanmar happened. But my heart was not moved. One of the disadvantages of information world is that we get information-overload. We hear the bad news from all over the world ALL THE TIME. The effects are: despair (it's too much) and debilitation (does what we do make any difference?). Besides, Myanmar was far away.

My perception changed only when I received Eliza's email: that we can make a contribution through World Vision by making a few click on the computer. Here was a practical, easy way to make a difference. Now, I felt I had do something about it. Otherwise, I would feel guilty. If compassion would not do the job, let guilt have its way.

We are taking an offering for Myanmar this Sunday. Constant news of disaster can make us numb to the needs of the world. The only logical life response, I think, is to give up all things for the poor, as Jesus gave all things and became poor for us (2 Cor. 8:9). In not being able to do so, we close our hearts to the cry of the poor. We ignore the needs. We ought not. God will hold us guilty if we do.

I urge you to make a sacrificial giving. Giving must hurt. We must give until it hurts us. Do not transfer your regular offering to Myanmar; you will be cheating. Give until it hurts. Most of us can give $100, or even $1000 without hurting at all.

Jesus told us to invest into eternity. "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matt. 5:20). Will you have treasure in heaven when you get there?

I want our church to be a 51% church someday. 51% church is a church that gives 51% of its offering for missions (to the poor and for the gospel). We give currently about 39%. I hope we can make transition to give 51%. If our people would give proper tithe and offerings, we easily can. I hope you get rich, eternally.