As of this writing we are still waiting on the final count for the LIVE OUT LOUD offering yesterday. Thanks to those who contributed! What a great example of LOVE! We will announce the total at the Christmas Eve services.
If you've been to the Olathe campus you've seen the Canned Goods Christmas Trees growing in the atrium. Kids have gotten into the spirit of giving this season and their choices are inspiring adults! Here's one story that was sent to me:
One coworker, a single Mom of four, heard about our choice to help out needy families at Countryside Elementary over the holidays. With resources already stretched by four kids at Christmas and having just donated to the Salvation Army drive at their office, she had little left to give.
However, and here is where it gets good, she went to her children and asked if she could take $5 out of each of their Christmas to reach out to kids that are complete strangers. Her children told her, "Go for it!". Wednesday night Shelley and George were at Aldi's pricing items for the list where they ran into this caring woman and her daughters. They came as a family and were having a blast spending their $20 on food for others. Those kids were blessed by being given the opportunity to be involved with the giving.
How many single parents would have just said, I don't have enough to give to make a difference, or I barely have enough for my own children, let alone cared enough to make a special trip to a store for the sole reason of following through on their pledge to bring that food into the office the next day?
It was the most sincere and loving giving I've experienced this holiday season. What I would give to see the smile on the faces of these 200 children as they unzip those backpacks filled with blessings and love from people they have never met. How privileged are we to be a part of this obedience of paying it forward. God is good.
Thanks Indian Creek for Living Out!
Gary Kendall
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