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Kindness Ministry"...do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)God loves people! Here's a true story: One hot July day, Thom, a new Christian, decided to redeem a couple of hours of free time and give away soft drinks at a local park. He picked up a couple of ice chests, cans of soft drinks, and cards that explained the drink giveaway. By himself, this shy young man took off to bring the love of God to the thirsty in Cincinnati. The local CBS affiliate's reporters were doing a story on people's responses to the sweltering summer heat when they came across Thom dragging his plastic cooler around the lake. "Why are you doing this?" they asked. "I have a feeling that if Jesus were here today, He'd be passing out cool drinks. I like to give God's love away in practical ways. Besides, it's a lot of fun!" The video clip ended with Thom's words. The newscasters were so taken by the image, words, and sentiment that when the live studio feed came on, the newscasters were silent for a couple of moments. Looking stunned, one said, "Well, that's a creative way to deal with the summer heat, now isn't it?" There is a great power in being ‘kind'. People whose hearts are closed often become open and vulnerable when they are shown simple kindness. What is it? A Kindness Ministry is a refreshing new approach to sharing the love of Jesus with others.
The approach of Kindness Ministries is to simply do the deed of God's love before sharing the word of God's love. Our desire is that people experience His love first-hand; when they don't expect it or deserve it; when they can't pay for it or contribute to it. All they can do is either receive it or reject it. But they'll never forget the offer. Through a simple, sincere, and kind act of service, we hope to demonstrate the love of Christ to people. Instead of having a forced presentation of the gospel to people who really aren't interested in what we have to say, we find people are curious and ask us to explain what we're about after we've served them! How does it work? Through serving. There are many ways we can serve people in our communities: * We wash their cars. But I'm not an evangelist I never mentioned the "E" word, did I? God isn't exclusively looking for the gifted together-type person with only an 'A-type' personality that has the guts to enter enemy territory. Rambo, you're not! Very few Christians are. Instead, God is looking for available people! Our desire is to show people the love of God, not force them into anything. God doesn't force us to follow Him but by His grace and mercy He demonstrated His love towards us..... If you are simply willing and available, then He will share His love and grace with other people through YOU, as you demonstrate His love in a practical way, by serving them! Tell me more Kindness Ministries is only one of many ways to share Jesus with people. AND ..... * It’s FUN! OK, so when and what? Kindness Ministries outreach events happen on a regular basis at Calvary Chapel Northwest. Just show up at the designated times. We'll have all the supplies you'll need. Just bring your love for the Lord, love for His people, and a willingness to SERVE! It seems people don't necessarily remember what they are told of God's love, but they never forget what they have experienced of God's love. |