Jesus Christ calls us to true abundant life by giving up our lives to Him. He calls us to sacrifice for the joy of sharing in His sufferings and being a part of the kingdom of God.

But what do we often see in the life of local churches? Preservation is valued over sacrifice–preservation of funds, facilities and people. Rainy day funds are cherished, and missions opportunities are overlooked. This is especially true for small churches in inner-city settings like ours at Grace Baptist Church. It’s hard to see past all the need around us. It’s hard to see past the struggling finances of our own ministries. Yet, God has called us not to preserve, but to sacrifce for His kingdom, knowing by faith that He supplies all our needs.

This is why I’m so excited about the step of faith that Grace Church has recently made in its decision to take $10,000 out of its savings and give it to Chilean and Haitian relief efforts. Against every self-serving impulse, our church is seeing the big picture!

It all started when the Lord spoke to one member on our Budget Committee. After another tough meeting of discussing our lack of offerings and the possibility of cutting our budget again, this one church member reminded the group that our church is very blessed with a nice savings. He went on to remind us that many Christians were faithful to come to our aid in the aftermath of Katrina and that it was now our turn to come to the aid of those in Chili and Haiti. After some discussion, the Budget Committee decided to recommend to the church that we give $10,000 to relief efforts, and in the following church-wide business meeting, the church unanimously agreed.

Yesterday, the Deacons and Trustees gathered to make the decision on how to distribute that money. It was decided that a check for $2,500 would be given to the Chilean Disaster Relief Fund of the International Mission Board. The rest of the money would go to support a local group of Southern Baptists from the New Orleans Baptist Association and the Louisiana Baptist Convention who are taking a mission trip to Haiti to build churches and houses and to offer medical care and children’s ministries along with efforts to share the gospel of Jesus. That money will go to construction, medical, and ministry supplies, and it will go to pay $750 toward the expenses of any approved church member willing to go on the mission trip and raise the remaining expenses.

Grace Church, we’re about to send missionaries!

One of our church members has already agreed to pay the cost and go to work in the construction side of this upcoming trip–John Breakfield. We all know what a blessing John is to our church. He currently serves as Chairman of our Building and Grounds Committee, and he’s always been a positive force in our fellowship. I’m excited to send John and hear about the great things that were accomplished when he returns.

We’re also opening this opportunity for any church member who is able to raise the money to go on the trip. The total cost per person will be about $1,500 (including air travel, lodging, and meals). Grace Baptist will provide $750 of that cost. The individual going will need to raise the remaining $750.

Is God calling you to go and help? Does the rest of that $750 seem out of reach? Take it to the Lord! We know from 2 Corinthians 9:8 that God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (ESV). If God is calling you to go, He will provide the way, but you need to make your need known to Him. See if He doesn’t work out a way for you to go and be a part of a life changing experience in a place of dire need.

The dates of the trip are December 1-8, and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, September 12. Pray and see if the Lord might send you.

When it comes to impacting the world, God is not concerned with the size and status of a church. He’s concerned with hearts broken for the world and minds yielded to His will. He’s impressed with the sacrifice of the widow’s mite, not the overflow of the rich man’s wealth. I can’t help but think that God is pleased with what our church is doing right now, and I am very proud to be your pastor.