Covid-19 has led to more than 36 million people filing for unemployment in the past two months. We have to go back to the Great Depression to see this type of unemployment escalation. This pandemic has adversely affected most people in many ways, including their pocket books. It’s a tragic situation that as a Christian community, we must meet face to face with prayer, encouragement and GENEROSITY.
I have had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of “Modern Day Missions” for the past nine years. During this time, I have been deeply moved by the generosity and sacrifice of those supporting missionaries and the Great Commission. It is true that to fulfill the Great Commission, we must have those who go and those who send. Those who send and support are just as valuable and just as strategic.
It has been a common narrative in my world that whenever our economy would come into crisis, our giving would be the first thing to stop. I don’t know where that narrative started or came from, but I have heard it from many fellow believers in various circles. Basically saying, ” When money gets tight, our giving will be the first thing to stop.” Sadly, I had bought into that narrative until COVID-19. I was mistaken and joyfully found out that the opposite is the true narrative.
I have found that generosity and giving is not connected to peoples pocket books, but rather their hearts. Generosity is not founded on a salary or a dividend, it’s founded in the truth of God’s word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. In other words, true generosity is selfless. It’s not tied to our current circumstances, but rather to the ethos of who we are as believers.
Giving and generosity is at the core of the Gospel, “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” John 3:16. Generosity is at the core of who God is. God loves a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:6-7), someone who even in the midst of tough times remains committed to their convictions. Now, I certainly understand that sometimes the money dries up and we are left with no options. That is a very real thing and something people all over the world are experiencing right now. My heart and prayer goes out to them, because I know there are extremely generous people who have had to stop giving due to job loss etc. However, their current income does not determine their generosity, it merely postpones it till generous giving can once again resume.
At “Modern Day Missions”, we have actually seen an INCREASE in giving during COVID-19. In the midst of these uncertain times, people are still extravagantly giving to missionaries and staying committed to their financial pledges. Praise God! Generosity is winning! There is nothing that can keep down the heart of a giver!
Thank you to all of you who tithe to your local churches and give to missionaries and Christian organizations all over the world! Your role and significance is every bit as important as the missionaries in the nations. We celebrate your Generosity!!
By: Marvin Slaton, “Modern Day Missions” – Executive Director
