Ghanian Style
An American was sitting in a Ghanian worship service. They had been advised to have small bills for giving. So they had come prepared for the first collection. They danced up and put 20 cedis in the bowl.
When the second collection came, again the American confidently had cedis ready. They tucked it in their palm and brought it up to deposit with all the other bills.
And then there was a third go round. The American stiffened a bit. This seemed a bit much. They had not prepared for another collection. As they dug through their wallet, they found 50 cedis bill and 1,000 cedis bill. They pulled the 50 out and figured that wasn’t too, too much more. It would be ok.
No sooner had the 50 cedis hit the bucket than the pastor called for a special collection for a special project. The American sat stunned. He knew that he could just pretend to put in money. Others had told him that many of the poorer people did that. It was more about intent than action. The 1,000 cedis was the last money he had with him.
He danced his way up to the bowl and opened his hand.
QUESTION TO PONDER: OUR GOD CALLS US TO GIVE WITH A GENEROUS HEART. ARE WE WILLING TO GIVE BEYOND WHAT MAY SEEM PRACTICAL?
PRAYER: Generous God, Forgive my tendency to horde for days which may never come. Inspire me to live in generosity and to act in abundance. Help me to discern when you are asking me to stretch beyond my vision of possibility. May I give with a joyful heart and with no expectation of return. AMEN
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