Lessons in Generosity: A Handful of Rice

A Handful of Rice from International Steward on Vimeo.


I am not generally impressed by big numbers, big churches, or big growth.  Yet, this story stirred my heart and made my jaw drop.  I am inspired by the reminder of how POSSIBLE and how BEAUTIFUL it is for everyone to offer something to contribute in the family of God.

Sources of Inspiration:
1. "If you can eat, you can give."
2.  People naturally understood that they could give more if they were able (upping it to a cup of rice, some wood, some cash).
3.  Undeniable evangelism:  95% Christian population in their state and a church of 500,000.
4.  Intuitive support of mission: 1,800 mission workers supported.

Reasons I Still Wince:
1.  The poorest of people have contributed to the building of a fancy church.
2.  The church's generosity was not cited for changing quality of life in a very poor region.  Has access to drinking water improved?  Has hunger/ starvation waned?  Has healthcare been provided?
3.  Do these misgivings undermine the inspiration I  described above?

What helps me cope with discomfort and tension, and causes me to still share the video:
Generosity is meant to be this joyful and this fruitful.  It is meant to overflow and blow away the odds stacked against an underestimated population.   Generosity upends the myth of helplessness and testifies to the abundance of God's kingdom.  That is easier to forget when we're cutting checks and balancing spreadsheets, as opposed to putting aside a handful of rice with every meal that the Lord provides.