Thanks for Caring

“I’ve got to go back and talk to that man” I thought, as I drove home. I had just read the cardboard sign he held, as he shielded himself from the wind while standing outside a local department store during the busy Christmas shopping season.  The sign said, “I’ve got four kids and I lost my job. I want them to have a good Christmas.” I made eye contact, then looked away quickly, afraid that somehow my guilt for not stopping would be magnified if I gazed long enough to see through his blank stare.  But then an inaudible voice  - the Holy Spirit, I think – clearly said, “This time, Mark, you NEED to go back.”  I didn’t have a choice.

I parked nearby the man, and walked toward him.  We shook hands, and then I listened as he told me his story.  It wasn’t a new story – we’ve all heard similar ones (if we stop to listen).  But it was honest and painful, and his need was real.  We chatted about Christmas and church and knowing God, and he seemed glad for the company.  I gave him a gift certificate to a local grocery store and then walked back to my car.  As I opened my door, he called out, “Hey! Thanks for caring.”  I drove home and wrapped my presents, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Christmas is over.  The presents have all been given and the food has been eaten.  Even New Years is past now, along with the parties and celebrating.  But the need is still there, and will always be.  Thanks for caring about some of the neediest children in the world, the children of Africa.  Thanks for caring about their education, their physical health, their diet, and their relationships.  Most of all, thanks for caring about their spiritual health.  Thanks for caring that they know Jesus and experience the love of God.  You truly do make all the difference in the world!