This upcoming week we will be at the Heartland Festival passing out free gatorade, water, and registering to give away a free iPad! Read more about it here! So what’s the deal? Why spend a Saturday afternoon just to give stuff away? At least 2 reasons:

1) To reflect the generosity of God. In the Bible there are many different lights one can view God in – Lord, Savior, Father, Ruler, Friend. All of these are true and accurate, but are all prefaced by the generosity of God. The way we understand God is only possible through his generosity – the greatest giver of all. God gives life & breath to everything and everyone. God gives us the story of his people that draws us in and compels us to be written in it. God gives. The primary act of generosity is Father God providing a way for us, in Christ Jesus to be brought back into relationship with him. God is generous. We should be as well.

2) To help a good cause. People are thirsty and it is hot! We can meet an obvious practical need free of charge. Also, all of the money collected to raffle off the iPad will be donated to Warm Blessings – a local soup kitchen. Read their story here.

Will servant outreaches bring conversion to the hearts of people? No. But neither will arguing with people, yelling at people, having well thought out arguments or debates, or any other attempt that we make will convert a single heart. It is by the Spirit of God alone.

So why do it?

Perhaps a small act of love coupled with a prayerful heart can lead to an open door to share the gospel about Christ – yet even then, it is only the Holy Spirit who can make truth real and lead people through it, not us.

Mike