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Written by cycleguy on December 9th, 2013

unfinished

I my last post, I highlighted a church which took the initiative to do something for its local food bank.  One of my readers made a very astute comment.  He not only commended the church but also the hundred, even thousands of churches and individuals who do something to help others.  He also mentioned that not doing something for 20 seconds of fame is well worth it.  I agree.  So with that in mind, please let me share a story included in this book.

In 1985 Steve Reynolds was working for World Vision in Ethiopia during what was the worst famine of a generation.  His job was to get stories from the front lines back to the US media.  That meant he would spend a lot of dreary days in the relief camps (I can’t imagine the horror of that). 

One day he got a call from a young European couple, Ali and Paul Hewson, who wanted to visit the famine zone to learn firsthand what was happening.  They wanted to help but felt they first needed to see with their own eyes.  Steve seriously doubted the couple would last a few days, but he agreed to be their host.  They stayed almost a month, rolling up their sleeves to help, offering encouragement, making the children laugh again, and showing tireless compassion.  Paul was a musician so he entertained the kids by writing little songs about eating healthy vegetables and washing hands before you eat.  They finally went home but not before they had committed to do what they could to help. 

Since that trip Paul has helped by traveling the globe as an advocate for the poorest of the poor and as a crusader for justice.  He has met the Who’s Who of the world.  He has lobbied for relief in every way possible.  His life and influence has impacted millions.  (Edited by me for space)

Oh…Paul goes by another name.  You know him as Bono of U2.

It all began when he and Ali went to Ethiopia as virtually children.  He was an unknown.  It is hard for him to go anywhere these days without being known.  (I wonder if he regrets that from time to time).

We are told in the Bible not to “let our right hand know what our left hand is doing.”  Proverbs tells us  not to toot our own horn, but let somebody else do it.  Jeff (my friend who commented) was right.  It is far better to do something without all the fanfare-as a relative unknown.  Well…at least I find that very rewarding.

What do you think?

Since I had just posted this past weekend on Calling, I skipped a chapter in the book since the one I was to write about was on calling.

 

20 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    It is so rare that someone can do something for another and not run around announcing to everyone and anyone what they have just done. Over the years I have learned to keep my “hands apart” when giving. The only person that I talk to about my giving is my daughter to teach her how to give and why we give.

    • cycleguy says:

      I like that “hands apart” idea Daniel. We ought to hold them apart and hold things loosely. Really glad you are open with your daughter and teaching her about the joy of giving.

  2. I love Bono. He’s a messy human who tries to live how Christ wants him to live.

  3. tcavey says:

    This flies in the face of what modern society values/teaches.

    My dad liked to give. He gave never expecting anything in return. Often mom would never know he’d given until it came time to pay the bills…but God always came through and paid our bills.

  4. Kari Scare says:

    There is a constant battle within to do what I know God wants, and usually this is behind-the-scenes stuff, and to not seek recognition for it. Even more of a battle is to not be envious of those who get constant recognition and seem to bask in it. Have not figure out how to win this battle, but I figure it’s about where I leave my focus. I also figure that if I’m struggling, that I’m not giving in.

    • cycleguy says:

      That battle sometimes gets severe for me Kari. it is the old people-pleasing thing again. ;( A lot of it for me is what you say: figuring out how to win

  5. The moment we see Him in the eyes of others, is the moment we can surrender ourselves to the call of our Father…the call to give. Fanfare doesn’t last, but the Father’s love does. Thanks brother!

  6. Nancy says:

    I do believe charity begins locally. We do need to help those in need, ” right here in River City!” We know personally through friends, neighbors, etc. who needs help and how to “help” them. Businesses and people are more willing to help when they know 100% of their donation goes to help or is given to someone truly in need. We know as neighbors, who in our neighborhood is not working, which children need gloves, who doesn’t have a sled because Dad isn’t working. It is our chance to help and how to best help. If that family doesn’t accept charity, the child can maybe “borrow” your sled, (I’m over sixty but I have a few sleds I just bought & may not use) in trade for bringing your mail up the drive, shoveling your sidewalk and of course, needs to return after using, so they can borrow again. Again, I don’t remember who said this but, ” it takes a community to raise a child.”

    • cycleguy says:

      Good ideas nancy about being practical about helping out. Sort of like having your pastor and his wife over for a great bowl of vegetable soup and some super conversation. 🙂 Thanks.

  7. floyd says:

    Great story. I also always enjoy the reminder of hearing Lincoln’s story. One domino is all it takes… great reminder and chapter. The Van Morrison song is gonna be stuck in my head all day now…

  8. Wonderful example of the little things that impact us and chart a course for us. You never know what will come out of these things or what you’ll be set up for. We insulate ourselves so much–there is much value in getting in there and making a difference, no matter how small it seems to be. Great reminder! Thank you, Bill.

  9. Nancy says:

    It takes a community to raise a pastor… His wife is one of us self sufficient wives and mothers…come anytime, the boys can play in the basement!

    • cycleguy says:

      I don’t know if I want Jo hanging around rabble-rousers like you. She is hard enough to control as it is. 🙂 We don’t have any boys. Oh…so you are talking about me and Gary and his trains. lol Other than that I am truly grateful for our church village.

  10. Betty Draper says:

    Ace and I have been in both places. When we were on staff of a local church in Kentucky the pastor would always use us a model for faithfulness. It was a very uncomfortable feeling but also was easy to think we were more then we really were. Also have been on the not getting any attention for what we were doing end. Both carry their own struggles that only focusing on the Lord will help get through it. Good post brother.

  11. Mike says:

    That’s a very good topic. I’ve known people in the past that would only give a financial gift to a place where they could get a receipt for a tax write off. Of course I’ve never made enough money where that would be an issue, but I prefer to give privately.