. . .slowly, but surely. I need a change of mind and heart to do what the Lord has given me to do. I am writing in regard to fund-raising. People often speak of giving as an investment. I tend to stay away from that terminology, but I have been intrigued today by what I read in Henri Nouwen's The Spirituality of Fund-Raising.
"Jesus also compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, 'which at the time of its sowing, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, Yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade' (Mark 4:31-32, NJB). Even a seemingly small act of generosity can grow into something far beyond what we could ever ask or imagine (see Eph. 3:20)-the creation of a community of love in this world, and beyond this world, because wherever love grows, it is stronger than death (1 Cor. 13:8). So when we give ourselves to planting and nurturing love here on earth, our efforts will reach out beyond our own chronological existence. Indeed, if we raise funds for the creation of a community of love, we are helping God build the Kingdom. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to do as Christians. Paul is clear about this: "Make love your aim" (1 Cor. 14:1, NJB)."
"Jesus also compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, 'which at the time of its sowing, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, Yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade' (Mark 4:31-32, NJB). Even a seemingly small act of generosity can grow into something far beyond what we could ever ask or imagine (see Eph. 3:20)-the creation of a community of love in this world, and beyond this world, because wherever love grows, it is stronger than death (1 Cor. 13:8). So when we give ourselves to planting and nurturing love here on earth, our efforts will reach out beyond our own chronological existence. Indeed, if we raise funds for the creation of a community of love, we are helping God build the Kingdom. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to do as Christians. Paul is clear about this: "Make love your aim" (1 Cor. 14:1, NJB)."
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