Few things are as refreshing as a drink of cold water on a summer day. I well remember working hard on a hot July hay wagon and how great it was to pause every couple rounds for some time with the water jug.
Although summer is still a few months away, this vivid image of refreshment reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:42 where He told His followers, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Although giving a cool drink to someone seems like a very small thing, even this God notices and honors. As a good Haitian friend of mine puts it, “God is keeping notes.” Since that is true, it behooves us to hand out as many water bottles as we possibly can.
Jesus’ comments in Matthew 25 about helping the least of these remind us to apply this to other areas of charity beyond just water. If someone is homeless in January and it is ten degrees outside, a cold drink will probably not be appreciated nearly as much as some warm shelter and a hot meal.
Family Promise of Shenandoah County (FPSC) has been handing out both of these for the past four years. We’ve also been empowering homeless families with children to achieve sustainable independence through this community–based response.
Thanks to many generous servants and contributors, FPSC hosted and helped 16 families with over 2,600 nights of safe sleep in 2019 including 25 adults and 26 children. Over 5200 meals were served and over 9500 volunteer hours were donated. Because of professional ongoing case management provided through FPSC, 90% of our families return to self-sufficiency and do not reenter the shelter system. Thanks so much to all who donated and/or helped in this massive effort!
In some early cultic religions, priests would pour out wine, oil, or other liquids as a way of giving their idols a drink. In ancient Judaism, various libations, or drink offerings, were poured out at the altar as well. But since Yahweh is a Spirit and can’t benefit from physical liquid, these actions were sacrifices offered in obedience and honor.
Today we continue in the realization that although our Heavenly Father doesn’t need a sweet tea or mocha latte, there are other things that refresh Him even more. In fact, there is even a way for us to enjoy these drinks ourselves while pleasing Him.
On March 28, FPSC will hold its fifth annual Steak Dinner and Silent Auction at the Woodstock Moose Lodge from 4-7:30pm. Delicious steaks will be sumptuously prepared by Jay and Tammy Ross with a complete complement of sides, desserts, and drinks. As we enjoy this meal, we can be thankful that all the proceeds are used to provide shelter, case management, hot meals and cold drinks in Jesus’ name to those who need them most.
In addition, a silent auction will be held for many spectacular items that range from gift cards for massages and oil changes to exquisite artwork and quilts. If you have an item you could donate to the auction, please call 540-459-3661 as soon as possible so arrangements can be made. And if you’d like to purchase tickets for the event, please call that same number.
In both 2 Timothy and Philippians, the Apostle Paul indicates that he was pouring his life out like a drink offering through his service to God and others. That image should serve as an example for us. At the end of our lives, it should be our goal to not have one single drop left within us, but to use all of our energy, time, love, and resources for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good.
May the words of Jesus and Paul motivate us to share our resources and our lives with others. Hope to see you at the Steak Dinner!
Blessings, George