Everyday I receive appeals for charitable gifts. Some of these letters get tossed. But while my heart goes out to so many crying needs, my check-book has difficulty keeping pace. As Christians, our giving flows from our own deep gratitude for God's great goodness toward us. So what criteria do we use to decide how much and to whom we give?

     If only needs draw us, then our resources will be exhausted quickly, since neediness is inexhaustible. However, by pinpointing effective ministry that addresses people's needs, our donations will bear fruit in people's lives and the overwhelming needs will actually decrease.

     The America For Christ Offering enables American Baptist to multiply ministry and decrease needs when...

• David, executive director of as neighborhood center, realizes he's received 160 applications for 80 spots in a job readiness program.
• Volunteers in Mission Nancy and Ron are so inspirational, a college awards them honorary master's degrees.
• Katie, among the first Chinese American women to be ordained, pastors a church and finds older members are excited to learn new things.
• Dario and Miriam plant a kernel; of ministry among Latinos and, before long, a harvest of new life in Christ is on the way.

     America For Christ gifts provide critical financial support for the myriad of programs, people and resources that respond to the physical and spiritual needs of the searching, lonely and forgotten in our country. Our gifts are vital to the existence and growth of leadership development for home missionaries, youth leaders, church school educators, lay ministers and pastors.

     Our America For Christ gifts support American Baptist mission throughout the United States end Puerto Rico. Please join in giving to the America For Christ Offering year. Our goal at Grace is $2,000. Please give generously during the month of March.

     Christ modeled kindness we all can experience by being like the best good neighbor. Together, let us share Christ with America.

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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