The S Word # 20

THE THEOLOGY OF MONEY # 20

STORIES FROM STEWARDSHIP LIFE
By Douglas Hambidge

In Sudan there had been a severe drought for a number of years. The rains had not come, the land was parched, and the people were dying. An appeal went out across the Anglican Communion for aid.

Students at St. Mark’s Theological College in Dar es Salaam, where I was principal, asked if they could collect for famine relief. My response was that they had nothing to give away: after all Tanzania was, and still is, one of the poorest countries in Africa. They insisted that they had been richly blessed by God and wanted to do something for those who had even less than they had. Out of their minimal and inadequate resources they collected a hundred dollars.
A group of students knew how to live as stewards, giving thanks for all they had received, by reaching out to other.

[ +]

On Christmas Day a student family invited my wife and me for a meal. Here was a family of five living in two small rooms on the college campus. There was no table, and the only two chairs were assigned to Denise and me. The meal was a small lump of rice with some gravy, and to our plates had been added two small pieces of meat. They said, “We have so many blessings. Thank you for sharing this meal with us.”

This little family wanted to put their faith and their thanksgiving into an act of kindness and generosity, and it cost them something to do so.

[ + ]

Nearer home was a woman who sent a money order for $150.00. She wrote , “I have been so blessed. Use this to express my grateful thanks for all that I have received from God.” That was how she wanted to express herself as a steward.

Continued Nest Week # 21 STORIES FROM THE STEWARDSHIP LIFE.