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Issuing A New Challenge

Last weekend, I was called out to take the #ALSIceBucketChallenge by a friend. The following week, Georgia was called out by a friend to take the challenge. While I had a week to fulfill my challenge, G was given the typical 24 hours. We made her deadline but not before it had gotten nearly too dark to record outside.

G and I agreed we'd "dunk" each other. We also discussed changing things up a bit and not donating to ALS. Instead, we chose to donate a scholarship to Girls Grace Adventure which is a discipleship oriented program for 2nd through 5th grade girls. GGA takes place at Grace Community Church in Fulton, MD, and it seeks to help girls grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, grow closer in relationships with other girls, and grow in abilities to reach out in Christ's love to communities. GGA meets on alternating Wednesdays from late September through early May.


Last year, for G's third year at GGA, Kim was furloughed from her government job. We had to trim many expenses and needed to use a scholarship for G to attend GGA. Nearly every ministry at Grace has scholarships - money designated to help those who'd like to to participate in programs, retreats, or camps that Grace offers.

So, we wanted to give back. Our video challenge was to any Gracers to consider helping with scholarships. However, I'll take this challenge a step further. As you may not worship at Grace Community Church, I challenge you to get involved in a small group or Sunday School. Make connections with others similar in age or life experiences. Do this before you do anything else, because connecting with others at your church should be the first priority.

If you're already participating in a healthy small group, I challenge you to tithe to your church. If every member of a church tithed their 10% no church would have financial concerns.

If you're already tithing, I challenge you to donate your time and serve in at least one ministry. Every church has different needs and every commitment is different. You have a lot to offer your place of worship. Don't over-extend yourself but you can donate some of your time to serve.

If you're already doing all of the above, then I challenge you to pray about other opportunities to give back. Maybe it's giving a scholarship. Maybe it's mentoring someone or helping hold them accountable. Pray about it. Be willing to be willing.

 

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