we usually throw our shoeboxes away after bringing the stuff home. but in our church, these boxes serve a greater purpose-- that is a means to express our love for the less privileged brethren during this christmas season. there are seven items inside: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towel, deodorant/perfume, call card and chocolate.
i did not know we had brethren in the outskirts of dubai, until i joined in the giving of these shoeboxes. and i have witnessed how this has equally blessed both the receivers and the givers. i know they were happy for the box, but more importantly, i know they were happy for what the box symbolizes-- the love and the fellowship of the brethren in Christ!
as for me, i have been blessed by their stories of faith. i have been blessed by their perseverance despite trials and difficulties -- real physical difficulties that i cannot imagine would exist in dubai. i have been blessed by their simple joys. i admire how they faithfully worship Him friday after friday, even if some will only have half-day off, and even if to some, this will endanger their lives. they sang praises to God as if the ceiling would fall down from the sheer engergy they give for each song. they listen to the preaching hungrily and anticipatingly, as if this will be the last they will hear. they hug each other so tight that love overflows the small meeting places.
i have been blessed by the generosity of those who gave these boxes and participated in the wrapping sessions. and i have been blessed with the presence of each brethren during the brief but meaningful fellowship.
even if we do not share the same language (we had interpreter), we do not enjoy the same privileges here, the good news is, we share the same Saviour, and we are all heading towards the same direction....
No comments:
Post a Comment