When I was in Cameroon years ago on a Women of the ELCA exchange trip, I heard of a group of women who gave a banquet for the poorest people in their community. These women were very poor themselves by my standards, but they were eager to heed Jesus’ suggestion (Luke 14:12–14) to give a banquet for the poor. After much soul searching and counting the cost, each of the women contributed 55 cents for the food for the banquet. It was a huge financial stretch for many of them. Their trust in God’s care, their concern for their neighbors in need, and their eagerness to do God’s work inspire me yet.
This message is an excerpt from “God for the Soul: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving Alms” by Karen Melang in the June 2015 Gather magazine.
Be comforted, challenged, inspired, consoled and confronted. Sign up for Daily Grace. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.