The Eyes Of A Recipient

There is nothing comparable to seeing the eyes of a recipient of your gifts to truly understand the impact of what giving can have. My name is Stuart Epperson and several years ago I went to the Darfur Region of Sudan with the Persecution Project Foundation (PPF) – and I’ll never be the same!! While in Darfur, I was surrounded by genocide victims in the lowest depth of poverty which certainly left a permanent imprint on my soul. One of the many pervading thoughts that resounded in my heart was ‘They have so little, yet WE have so much.’

While I was with PPF, we had the privilege of giving teddy bears to 200 children, many of whom were orphans, and most had never seen a teddy bear before. At the climax of our trip, as we were boarding the cargo plane to leave something remarkable happened. After our team had just off loaded tons of survival kits, for the refugees, we decided to lighten our loads. One by one we stripped off our extra hats, shirts, and socks to give to these people.  Wanting to give more, one team member even gave his shoes and boarded the plane barefoot. Our supplies were delivered and our personal bags were emptied – as we left our hearts were full and broken as we flew away.

Whether you’re in the middle of Africa as I was, or in your hometown, do not hoard your blessings – find a way to be a giver. Use your God-given time, talent, and treasure to bless others in need. Just ask the Lord to lead you to them and He will. Want to be used by God? Trust in Him completely and not in your own wealth. Realize daily that He gave to you, in order to give through you.

I learned that day in Darfur, and am still learning today, the power of giving to bless others.  After all, aren’t we blessed recipients of grace – because, God so loved the world, He GAVE…(John 3:16)

There are many ways in which you can donate. You can donate through Pass the Plate or directly to countless non-profits that are helping support communities around the world. Remember, donations do not always need to be financial, look around your community and ask yourself – What can I do to help?