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Faith Focus: The widow's mite

When we talk about the needs of the vulnerable children and families served by Buckner International, we’re often met with sympathetic ears. Compassion wells up inside of groups and individuals. They want to help. They just don’t think they can.

“I don’t have enough money to help,” we hear.

“I don’t have enough time to help,” individuals say.

“I don’t have any skills to help someone you minister to,” others share.

Maybe you’ve even said one of these lines to yourself when you hear about the need to help children and families. I know I have from time to time. 

But I sincerely doubt all three are true for any of us. Sure, few of us are millionaires. Not all of us are social workers. And time always seems to be in short supply.

Still, we each have something to give. That’s what Christ asks.

I was reminded of this this morning when the third and fourth graders I help minister to at church heard the story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12. Many of us know the story: Jesus is in the temple watching people put money into the offering. Many rich people walk by and give large amounts. Then a poor widow comes, giving two coins worth only a few cents.

Jesus calls his disciples over and tells them: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

A few weeks ago, I met Nathan on a Buckner mission trip to the Rio Grande Valley. He’s an engineer and knows that he can’t spend long amounts of time serving Christ. But he can take a week for a mission trip.

When he discovered Buckner families were looking for business classes, he volunteered to help. In his career he’s learned a few tips and built a knowledge base that may help families improve their businesses. His week-long commitment to teach business classes is having a long-term impact on families. 

What are we overlooking in our lives that can be used for the cause of Christ? What can we share with others that may make a difference – even this week?

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