Exciting Week

I have been waiting for this week for months.  Thursday is Independence Day and I love the music and celebrations.  This year's celebration will be sweetened by some very special visitors in our community.   The church I attend is hosting the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, a group of 18 kids from economically depressed countries who tour the United States for one year, singing and entertaining.  Their goal is to gain sponsors to pay for their education, which is not free in their countries.    

We hosted this group last year and the blessing was all ours.  They rode into town and three days later rode out taking our hearts with them.  Hosting a group like this for a week can be a logistic nightmare.  You need host houses for the children and sponsors, activities during the day, and meals for the visiting time.    

Due to a scheduling issue, this was the only week the group could come to our area.  We live in an active retirement community on a lake.   Most of the residents spend holidays hosting family and friends.  Independence Day is no different, yet people have stepped up and volunteered to host children, help with activities, and provide food for the group.  Others have loaned boats to entertain the children, fry enough fish for fifty people as well host the event at their house.  Other churches have scheduled performances while the group is visiting in our area.  One church was debating about having a special event on the 4th.  When they heard this group was coming, they decided to have the event and asked the group to perform.

It is such a blessing to see people give when it isn't convenient.  These people do it to serve God and the children.  When we serve God out of love, making sacrifices, and expecting nothing in return, He opens the doors of heaven and pours out blessings abundantly,

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

2 Corinthians 9:7-9  New International Version (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor their righteousness endures forever.”^[a]