Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Craigslist for Christians

My wife and I enjoy finding bargains on Ebay...she even sold some stuff on there once! Recently we've been introduced to a site called Craigslist. It lists things by city and has tons for sell as well as some free stuff!

These websites gave me an idea...

What if Christians started a website where they listed all the "stuff"' they needed to get rid of that could benefit someone else? They would list it for free instead of selling it (unless they sold it in order to give the money away.) Maybe some corporate sponsors could give some money to pay for shipping costs.

What kind of possibilities could come of this? A starving family in Tennessee receives canned goods from Michigan. A home is built in South America because some extra wood was donated. An Italian church donates some beds that go to Africa. You look online to find a computer that your neighbor could really use to help her find a job.

If we did this, would we look more like the early church found in Acts 2?

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:44-47)

Friday, June 15, 2007

VBS: Second Night

VBS just gets better and better! Here are some observations and highlights...

  • The kids and volunteers know where to go on the second day...WAAAAAY less confusion!
  • Twelve more kids tonight!!
  • Scott Moore looks great in a turban.
  • I love how the kids have now become familiar with you and so they will give little waves as they pass by.
  • The same girl that hugged Troy last night came down the aisle to hug me in the middle of singing a song at the closing tonight! That'll melt your heart!
  • Some folks from Narcotics Anonymous use our building once a week. Tonight they walked into a room full of vines, animals, and assorted VBS crafts!! I ran back in and apologized profusely, but they were very accomodating. "As long as we have a coffee pot," they said, "we're just happy we can use your building. And it looks like you guys are having lots of fun!"
  • Met more great folks from Omaha Church of Christ. Our members are building great relationships with them. Unity ran high.
  • Kids were hugged and God was praised...can it get much better than that?

Thursday, June 14, 2007

VBS: First Night

Sorry it's been so long...I guess life has been busy, but boring (can those words go together?)

Vacation Bible School was great tonight! Here are some highlights...
  • Troy Thornton soaking up a hug from a little girl after he sang about what she was most thankful for.
  • Two churches uniting to do something in the name of Christ (Omaha Church of Christ joined us this evening, and they are GREAT folks!!!)
  • Tootsie Rolls (the fat ones, not the little skinny ones!)
  • Getting hugs and high fives at the end.
  • One of Southwest's little boys came up after our "Bring a Friend Challenge" and declared, "Tomorrow morning, I am going to wake up, pass out flyers all morning, and then collect food for the homeless. And if anyone is scared, I will give them my stuffed animals."
  • 50+ kids getting extra love and attention from God-loving adults.
  • Jesus smiling as He was adored by young hearts.