a picture of HIS generosity

Last night I hosted an "International Food Fair" fundraiser in efforts to raise monies for our church school.  This has been an undertaking that I didn't realize would shape and mold my faith and character. 

{A little background: At present it's only a school of eight children right now..as the economic has taken toll on some whom where enrolled previously so our numbers are down. Out of the eight children only three are from our church family and really are the only ones whom get involved in helping. Because the tuition is so low..($200 per month) we have to host fundraiser's to help subsidize the expenses.

This year I was asked to lead out as the Home and School Leader (aka fundraiser & community host) however when it comes to asking for help..I don't like to  burden others with tasks and/or giving more monies..you know what I mean?

So with every event I only ask those who approach me. Some leadership, hunh?}

This past week I didn't have a list of those who "asked to donate" and I was starting feel like "tossing in the towel".  Soon after I received a call from a students mom and went to her house where we made homemade Italian dishes and  jars of soups and a few pear pies..uhm uhm good stuff.

By the end of the week I only had five offers of food coming..and I really didn't think many others would come unless there was an interest in the Constituency meeting being held prior.

When I got there to set up ..I had already decided that "it was what it was" and I wouldn't get upset over the turnout, dishearten but not mad..because it would be what God wills it.

An elder was there to meet my dh and I then another and another helper begin to show up..after that the tables where set up (4- 8ft tables) they begin to fill up with dishes from the Philippines; Mexico; Italy;French and even Scandinavia!

I asked the teachers to have the kids draw and color some flags of different countries early in the week and those where draped and hung up across the room..it truly all looked delightful!

My heart was overflowing with gratitude towards everyone's efforts..it was a faith building experience for me.

Now in the previous years tickets are sold towards each foods you'd like to try however this year with  me being in charge I had the burden that we not ask the same ones whom donated towards the event to have to also pay.

Do you know how awkward that can be?

In each event I've hosted it's been strictly donation and the theme of fellowship most importantly the focus.

As I went into the church sanctuary to re-invite and explain the meal..I walked into a nearly half full church of 50 plus!

I was in awe..I stood before them explaining that the food fair was more a "thank you and fellowship time" that all where invited to participate in..there were no tickets to be sold and everyone whom didn't have but a quarter or nothing where invited to eat with us.

We prayed and went in to eat.

Everyone enjoyed the food immensely plus the trivia questions and facts on the food we ate but the fellowship well that was the icing on the cake.

Before I knew it the hall was cleaned up and the donations that were dropped in a basket counted.

Now this is what generosity looks like..most all the participants have already raised and schooled their own but still showed up to support this ministry of Christian  education.

Remember..there were only four individuals to begin with..which doubled during set up time and only three sets of parents showed up in support so the rest of the bodies where from our church family.

At last count..I was informed we raised over $550.

When you least expect it..GOD shines through in those willing hearts around you!

And my heart is full to overflowing today because I don't have to make it happen ...HE will through my desire to serve in this way.

Now that's a picture of HIS generosity!