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Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you (James 1:27, NLT).
Ultimate generosity is about orphans and widows.
When we give to our church, we get something in return – preaching, worship services, and a building for ministry. When we give to a favorite ministry, often it’s according to our passions and concerns.
There is nothing wrong with financial generosity in any form! I have served Jesus for over 50 years, receiving an income from the generosity of others. Thank you!
But something has been tugging at my heart recently.
Let me introduce Roy Jacob, a 94-year-old pastor in India. He works with the poorest of the poor. His ministry feeds and cares for orphans and widows.
I have known Roy Jacob for over 30 years. Pastor Roy is my most faithful reader of Interruptions. He comments from India on every Interruption. Usually, he sends a short message like, “GREAT!” or “EXTRAORDINARY AND POWERFUL,” or “GREAT GUIDANCE.” (Pastor Roy always writes in capital letters as his way of expressing faith, joy, and encouragement.)
With this positivity from Roy, I was concerned when he responded to one of my Interruptions with the following note . . .
DEAR BROTHER PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. I AM IN DIPRESSION BECAUSE THE SUPPORTERS AMOUNT MONTHLY HAD DROPPED TO 25 PERCENT. MANY DESTITUTE CHILDRE GET FOOD CLOTHING AND EDUCATION FOROM THIS.
PLEASE PRAY, IT PULLS DOWN MY HEALTH ALSO, SLEEPLESS NIGHTS! [sic]
Roy Jacob has always been a hero to me. His ministry includes many miracles, and he’s in constant danger from his work of converting Muslims. His orphanage includes tribal girls collected from the jungle, where they were discarded by their parents.
I’m asking you to help Pastor Roy and his ministry.
I looked at Pastor Roy’s May finances, which he sends to me every month. Items included food at $254, staff wages at $262, help for widows at $52, sewing class at $338, shampoo for children at $27, and a visit to the mission fields at $289. Total expenditures were $2689.11. And yes, the report showed Pastor Roy’s receipts for the month at $1952 – which I think is down 25 percent (math isn’t my gift!).
A small gift of just $10 or $25 a month would help tremendously!
How can you give?
Go to www.fellowshipchristian.org. Click on the “Give” button, then “Give Online/Give Today,” then click on the dropdown box and choose: Missions (International) – India-Roy Jacobs. Consider listing your donation as “Recurring.”
I’m praying we can help get his budget back to $2600.
Pastor Roy gets up at 5:00 a.m. every morning to pray for those who donate and support his ministry, along with many others. Whether you give or not, if you want Pastor Roy to pray for you, just send your prayer requests by responding to this Interruption, and I will send them to Roy.
This is an opportunity where small acts of generosity will have a great impact.
Widows and orphans!
Some of Pastor Roy’s children in the orphanage.