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RAMblings...
From the desk of
R
onnie A. Missildine


March 11, 2010

 

IAK at Central

 

            There is a currently popular idea, and even a foundation called “Random Acts of Kindness.”  It is known by the acrostic RAK.  The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation says, “We are dedicated to spreading kindness.”  And that’s a good thing!  We certainly need be more kind to one another.  Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22; Paul says to “put on tender mercies and kindness” – Colossians 3:12, and “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted” – Ephesians 4:32.

            Maybe it’s just me, but the term “random” seems to suggest something done in haphazard or hit-or-miss sort of way.  In fact my dictionary defines “random” as “occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern.”  So, does kindness need to be random, or intentional?

            We have a congregation of God’s people here at Central which is committed to “acts of kindness!” And it happens regularly, often, and repeatedly.  But I want you to know they are not done haphazardly, without definite aim, reason, or pattern!  Rather they are acts which happen deliberately, and with great purpose!  And that is because the Christians in this church are people with wonderfully generous hearts!  And they are people whose spiritual eyes and hearts are open and attentive to the plights and needs of others!  So, I want to say that here at Central we practice IAK – INTENTIONAL Acts of Kindness!

            I will not name names, nor relate any specifics, but I want you to be aware of just some of the things which have happened just this week in this church… and I am sure that I know only a fraction of what really goes on.

-          Because of our present economic situation, one of our sweet families was about to lose their home to foreclosure.  They prayed with fellow-Christians, and God provided!  A number of kind-hearted brothers and sisters stepped up, ready to take care of the whole situation, and their house was saved!  Other things needed were provided, too.  Praise God!  It was not “random!”  It was deliberate and intentional!

-          Two ladies in our community came to the church in need of food and clothes; of course they received.  But in the course of the conversation with our Benevolence worker that day, they related how that there was very little heat in the older mobile home in which they lived, and their little girl who slept in the back room stayed very cold at night.  This brother said, “I can help.”  So he brought an electric heater from his own home for them.  They picked it up just this morning, and they were so grateful!  That act of kindness was not “random!”  It was deliberate and intentional!

-          A young man in another state who has great ability to preach, had opportunity to work with a very small and struggling church who cannot provide any compensation for his work.  But one of the adult Sunday School classes here at Central is going to provide some monthly support for this young man so the Gospel can be preached in that place.  What a great act of kindness for that struggling church, and for that young gospel preacher!  And that was not a “random” act of kindness.  It was deliberate and intentional!  Praise God for kind and generous hearts.

-          A missionary to Ukraine came and presented to the congregation last Wednesday a huge need for financial support for orphans there.  I am not sure how many accepted the challenge, but several did, and agreed to give monthly so these children can have food, clothes, and a place to live.

            All IAK’s (Intentional Acts of Kindness)!  Those are just four of hundreds!  And there are many, many others… too numerous to list.  And I am positive that there are many IAK’s that are not known, because loving and giving hearts don’t want notoriety.  They are exemplary of what Jesus said in Matthew 6 about not doing their acts of kindness to be seen of others.  I love you, Central, for your quiet, but powerful Intentional Acts of Kindness!

                                                   You are SO special -- Ronnie

 
 

Christ is Central to our Faith
"We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel..."

Colossians 1:3-5

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