Page 12 - Moravian Messenger July 2018

From the Sanctuary
I have been recently reflecting on if I give sacrificially to God - not just with my time and gifts (which I, like others, do willingly), but with my 'gold and silver'? When was the last time that I gave sacrificially to the Church? Those reflections then took me into thinking: do we, as Christians, know how to give sacrificially to God anymore - or have we become too comfortable and self-centred, where our money is concerned - and we just give God the left-overs?
Church shouldn't be about money, and about fund-raising - although the fellowship gained in fund-raising events is often good, and the events bring some people into contact with the Church who otherwise don't cross the threshold. However, when was the last time that any of us went without a holiday in order to substantively pay for a Church project? When was the last time any of us forwent the installation of a new kitchen, or conservatory, at home, in order to pay for a new kitchen facility within the Church? When was the last time that we didn't buy the new car, or the new flooring, that we were saving for, because we wanted the Church to have something lovely and useful in the service of God - without the need for fund-raising?
Many of the lovely buildings in which God is worshipped, were built because people gave sacrificially - and they weren't just rich people who could afford a bit of philanthropy (although some
were). Fairfield settlement was built because John Lees sold three of his coalmines in order to finance the building of the settlement, and others also gave sacrificially as they were able to. Zinzendorf spent most of his fortune on establishing the Moravian Church, building settlements like Fetter Lane and Fulneck from his own money. Mrs Bates, likewise, gave sacrificially with Ockbrook and Gracehill. Others also contributed generously. They did so, because they could, and out of a response of gratitude to God, for what God has done (and does) for them. They weren't bothered about 'laying up wealth on earth' (1 Timothy 6: 17-19) and making life 'comfortable', but gave all they could in gratitude for what Christ had done for them (Matthew 19: 16-24). We seem to have lost sight of that sacrifice - and our response to it, through faith.
So, how much do I really believe that to be 'poor' in the things of earth, is to be 'rich' in the things of heaven (Luke 6: 20)? I have grown up in the West Indies and seen proper poverty, and I have also met among those who are very poor, a strong sense of faith - and of giving generously from the little they have (the widow's mite). So, why do we, who are relatively well-off and comfortable, always look to others to pay for our Church - when God gives us so much?
Br Peter Gubi, Dukinfield
British Mission Board (BMB) News
In October, there will be a Church Development Conference in New Delhi to consider the future of the South Asia Mission Area. A committee will work on creating the framework and future structures, bringing proposals to the conference. The committee will be made up of Brs Thespal Kundan, Samson Thangpa, Ebenezer Gangmei and Sr Vani Pradhan.
With support from YPMA, the British Mission Board will be funding two new buses in Ladakh. They will be used in Chiktan and Khalatse to transport children from villages in remote areas.
Remember Br Ezekiel Yona in your prayers as he is consecrated Bishop of the Unity in early July.
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