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June 25, 2009
Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Bring the givers together
I recently attended the Downhill@Dawn half marathon event held at LifeWay's Ridgecrest Conference Center this month - not as a runner, but as an observer and supporter. (I don't even run when chased.)
About 100 runners attended the event, some who had participated in races for years, and some who had just begun running and were amazed they even crossed the finish line. There were people from all walks of life at the event, but the one thing they had in common was running. They were either avid lovers of running or just beginning to fall in love with the sport itself. Races and training were the topic of many conversations. And no matter how much pain they experienced, almost every person expressed joy over being able to finish the race.
I left that event excited about running. These people made it look so fun and rewarding, just by sharing their personal experiences with running with me. They were so inspiring! And on the way home, I thought, "Wouldn't it be awesome to have a weekend at Ridgecrest completely devoted to giving?"
Can't you see it? People who have been giving for years and people who are just starting to catch the giving bug coming together to talk about challenges with giving and the amazing rewards of seeing lives changed through faithful generosity. Christians inspired by someone who quietly helped a neighbor who was had lost his job but had a family to feed. Stories about lives in Africa changed because of someone in Texas who was compelled to give to an international ministry. Testimonies of churches who were growing because their church members were practicing good stewardship and were giving more to outreach in spite of drops in income.
Givers brainstorming new ways to give time, talent, and treasures to glorify God and expand His Kingdom. Encouragement shared around the room for those who are hurt by the current economic crisis but still feel God's call to give while trusting Him to provide. Bibles open as people study God's word to fuel that spirit of selflessness and giving in honor of how God has given to us.
I gotta tell you, I absolutely love the idea. I would be the first to sign up. Not because I'm a super giver, but because giving is contagious, and I want to catch the bug. I want to be with others who love giving, too. And it doesn't have to be at Ridgecrest. What if pastors or stewardship leaders did this in their communities or churches?
Wouldn't it be awesome?
Jenny Wingard is passionate about God, local church ministry, and giving. She can be reached via Twitter or e-mail.
Related Posts:
The Silent Middle
An appeal from "The Silent Middle"
Guest Post: The Silent Middle - A letter to pastors
Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Giving out of gratefulness
Guest Post: The Silent Middle - Planting seeds
Posted by bstroup at June 25, 2009 1:32 PM
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Comments
Great idea Jenny. I'm going to see what I can do to get an event like that going. I'll keep you posted!
Posted by: Byron Hill at July 1, 2009 8:06 AM