Harvesting Gospel Poverty

When Jesus walked on the earth he recognized the great need everywhere he went. The problem was he was just one man. One man who didn't possess secret superhero powers to bi-locate. Nevertheless he didn't despair. He was forming a team and equipping those teammates to go out to preach and to heal.  

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, 

because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

And so, Jesus said to his twelve closest companions:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 

pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

-Matthew 9:36-38 

And when Jesus sent out his disciples, (Matthew 10:5-15) he explicitly told them NOT to bring extra spending money or a big ol' suitcase full of the latest and greatest gear for the trip. And why not?

To cultivate a posture of lowliness, receptivity and collaboration.
Its not just about me setting out to achieve something great on my own accord.
Its about us cooperating with others and being open to God's grace. 

Gospel Poverty isn't something easily grasped or understood, particularly for me and my prideful, self-reliant nature. Gospel Poverty is voluntarily choosing to live simply in solidarity with the poor. It looks differently for different people, but it boils down to authentic humility and sheer reliance on The Lord. 

About 14 months ago we left our home and most of our belongings behind to be laborers for Jesus. And over the course of those 14 months, more and more of our possessions have been stripped away, sometimes voluntarily, and other times not so voluntarily. 

But our commitment to labor for the Lord stands firm.
The Lord has blessed us with our own squad of co-laborers who have made a monthly commitment to support us with their prayers and financial gifts. (Join our mission partner team here!)
Even more, the Lord's generosity and provision for our ever-hungry and ever-growing-taller family continues to surprise and astonish us. 

"I will answer them before they even call to Me.

While they are still talking about their needs, 

I will go ahead and answer their prayer."

- Isaiah 65: 24

I have lost count how many times we have received donations for precisely what we need and without even asking. But here are a few off the top of my head:

• A washing machine delivered to our house
• All our school fees waived
• Uniforms for school
• A toddler bed, shoes & toys for Daniel
• Bunkbeds for each of the girls
• Brand new pots and pans
• Gently used curtains
• Gently used clothing 
• Giftcards for clothing, shoes, household items, restaurants
• A freezer full of venison

How beautiful is the mystical Body of Christ!
Christ's boundless love reaching out and through you!
Your tender loving care for our family means so much.
It is what sustains us and gives us hope.
It is infinitely more powerful than the fleeting feeling that comes from a stroke of good luck or the adrenaline rush that comes from snagging a great deal.
Because it is a gift freely given.
The love of Christ never fails.