I received an e-mail newsletter this week from Allen Hunt. Allen is a radio host with his own syndicated radio program called "The Allen Hunt Show." I listen to Allen on a local radio station and like most of what he says. I don't agree with everything he says, but even when I disagree, I respect his logic behind what he says. Today I got this e-newsletter, and realized that he understands the heart beat of our church and part of the vision for ministry here at River of Life so I thought I'd share this with you in hopes that it will encourage you to Gather and Go!

"With unemployment having reached double digits this week, I delighted to learn about Leslie and Brian Mulcahy, who run Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont. Each month they give away a free two night stay to someone who has been unemployed for more than 6 months. The Pink Slip Giveaway Getaway offers a small bit of grace to people who are struggling to figure out what lies ahead. Leslie says, "In our 16 years of inn-keeping, this has been the most satisfying effort we have ever done." Well done!

Now that about 1 in 6 of the people around you are looking for any or more work, what might you do today to offer a little grace to one of them? An invitation to lunch - your treat? A simple phone call to offer to help? An anonymous gift certificate from you to them to the grocery store to help provide basic supplies?

A down time offers lots of opportunities for you to live your faith. Live generously and live well!

Grace and Peace,
Allen"

In our current economic situation it doesn't take much to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the life of your neighbors. The issue is are you willing to be on the lookout for people who are in need and whom you have the opportunity to help? Francis of Assi said it this way- I will preach the gospel to everyone and, if necessary, I will use words. There are a lot of people in the world who have become jaded to the message of the church because we have not earned the right to share the truth of Christ with them. In fact, there are many times that the words we have spoke fall on ears that have become deaf due to our actions. The Apostle John said it this way;"My little children, lets not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:18). Allen gives a few ideas how we might do this during this time of wide spread unemployment.

Gather and Go,

Pastor Dale