Woody and I just finished reading a book that we would like to recommend to family and friends. The book is called, ‘The Hole in Our Gospel’, by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S. We found this book to be very challenging to our way of thinking.
God has blessed Woody and I to have wonderful supporters that provide the financial means to be on the mission field and doing what God has asked of us for this time. Mercy Ships has made it possible to live onboard a well equipped ship that houses and feeds us well. But, I have to admit, there are times when it just doesn’t seem to be enough. I think of all the things I would like to have, instead of being grateful for all that has been provided. Materialism is alive and well at times in my heart.
This book points out that the American church is the wealthiest church in history yet our giving to the world is pathetically meager. Did you know that if your income is $25,000 per year, you are wealthier than approximately 90 percent of the world’s population. If you make $50,000 per year, you are wealthier than 99 percent of the world!* As we compare our resources to those around us there are times when we don’t feel like we have enough. But, when we compare ourselves to the 6.7 billion people on earth that live on less than $2.00 per day it is obvious that we are wealthy.
The total income of American churchgoers is $5.2 trillion yet only 24% of ‘evangelical Christians’ tithe. The average giving of American church members in 2005 was just 2.58 percent of their income and once the church receives these funds only 2% go to overseas missions of any kind. Are we focusing only on America and forgetting the world at large?
God’s gospel is meant to be revolutionary and to change the world. What would the world think about the gospel if Christians were to truly love the way Christ loved. It would change the world for evermore.
*Information taken from ‘The Hole in Our Gospel’ by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision.
Hi My Friends,
I am so glad that you are having good sailing weather. I read your suggestion to read “There is a Hole in Our Gospel”. A couple of weeks ago Ron and I went to a surprise retirement party for Jim Bayles. I went to the Christian Book Store to purchase a gift and that was the same book that I picked up. But I wasn’t sure if Jim would read it since it seemed to have a lot of statistics. I got a gift card instead but wrote on the retirement card that I thought he might like that book. I will take your advise and get the book for Ron and I. In our life team we just are going to start a book called “If You Want To Walk On Water, Yo’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat” by John Ortberg. I think it will be really good.
You and Woody are always in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You Both.
Love,
Ron & Kathy