Editor’s Note: Recently the LoneWa Worship Center donated over 200 cash cards to residents to help them purchase gasoline. Pastor James Garland Smith now gives reflections on that effort.
By Dr. James Garland SmithI was asked to share how the gas card giveaway outreach to the community went and whether the church community needs to do more. One of the things that stood out to me was the joy we experienced as we shared communion, prayer, and a gas card with the people who came out. It was a joy to meet and minister to the people on a personal and intimate level with simply a desire to share the love of Christ.
From the event, I made a few observations that I want to share:
First, people are experiencing real needs spiritually, physically, and financially, and this is something we can all identify with.Secondly, they are looking for and will receive help if it is offered In love and with the right spirit.When I approached some cars the people had a look on their faces as to say, “what is this really about”. Unfortunately, some people don’t trust church people. Sharing communion with them was to help them to think about and remember Jesus, and to not let the cares and the troubles of this world take their minds off the hope in God that comes through Christ.
There was a young man, who had such a lost look on his face.
I shared Christ with him and he prayed the prayer of salvation. He came for the gas card, but received much more, Hallelujah!
The prayer opportunities were many. Two ladies with several children wanted me to pray that she would find a job and to pray for her children,
Another lady’s mother was in the hospital with stage four cancer and wanted us to pray for her mother,
I prayed with an elderly gentleman, who had pain in his back and legs,
Thirdly, I want you to know how quickly this effort came together, Monday morning during meditation I had the thought to offer free gas cards with communion and prayer.
I called several people and asked them to give to the effort, and they were moved to give. I spoke with some of the church leaders about how to approach and organize the giveaway. The word says that “there is safety in a multitude of counsel”.But there is an important point I want to make. I had the thought Monday morning and had the event that Sunday. It did not take five leadership meetings or a full church meeting to act. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, he saw the need and took action to meet the need. I also saw the joy on the face of the members, standing out in the sun, to make it all happen, what a great blessing!
Jesus said, “let men see your good works that they may glorify God”. There has been a shift in the Spirit realm! God is calling His people not to sit but to go into the highways and by-ways to bring the harvest in, for the hour is late!
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