STEWARDSHIP NEWS

FROM THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM...

The book of Deuteronomy (26:1-15) talks about giving to God our “first fruits”.We are to first give back to God, as all we have comes from God.

I recently saw, first hand, what it means to offer your first fruits.The Wings of Faith Coalition has reactivated and is working on a home in Northeast Philadelphia.The home is owned by a kind-hearted, faith-filled man named Ebenezer.He is a single father who is raising three of his daughters, his adopted son and his nephew.He fled Liberia in 1999, bringing with him his son and one daughter.In 2004 he was able to bring the other two girls to the United States.In 2001, he purchased his home, knowing that many things needed to be repaired and upgraded.He has attempted to make repairs, however lack of funds, skills and time have been obstacles.The Wings of Faith Coalition has recently begun working at the home, helping make repairs and rectify health and safety issues for the family.

During our first visit to assess the situation, we met Ebenezer and his loving family.Our visit was the day following a confirmation dinner which had many “left-overs”.We took some of these left-overs with us, along with items from LCR’s pantry.Included was a very large pan of baked ziti, which had not been touched.

The family was very appreciative of what we brought and the teenage children were especially anxious to dig into the baked ziti.Ebenezer took us on a tour of his home and during that visit, I asked him what we could help him with and together we made a list.Ebenezer works for BARC (Building Advocacy and Resources in the Community for people with developmental disabilities) and his supervisor (Barbara) was onsite to provide him with moral support during our first visit.

Barbara and I spoke following that first visit and she wanted to tell me how very appreciative he was that people who did not even know him had taken an interest in his family and wanted to provide help.She said he was very humbled by our kindness and grateful for any assistance which could be provided.

But, here’s where the first fruits part comes in…

She also wanted me to know that they appreciated the food we brought, but that before they ate, Ebenezer pulled out a container and spooned out some of the Baked Ziti and put it aside. She asked him why and he said it was for a neighbor of his that he knew was ill.He wanted to share his good fortune with him.

That’s God…at work.Ebenezer took first for his friend and neighbor before allowing his family to eat.

Ebenezer works hard and provides the best he can for his family.They are, however, lacking in many material things which you and I are fortunate to enjoy.However, that day, Ebenezer taught me a lesson in Stewardship. He showed me literally what it really means to offer from your first fruits, rather than from your left-overs.

You see, I went to Ebenezer’s home thinking that the Wings of Faith group could be the hands and feet of Christ in that home.And we are.However, God was working through Ebenezer’s hands and feet in my life.I wanted to share this story with you, so Ebenezer will continue to be God’s hands and feet in your life as well.

Left-overs …First Fruits……

Diane Casey

Stewardship Chair