“When you reap the harvest of your land,
do not reap to the very edges of your field
or gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Do not go over your vineyard a second time
or pick up the grapes that have fallen.
Leave them for the poor and the foreigner.
I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:9-10 NIV)
Leviticus 19: 9-10 says that at the time of harvest, fallen grapes or leftover crops should be left alone for the poor and the foreigners. We should do - because it is God's pleasure, will and character, and we are children of such God.
Thanksgiving is the season to count the blessings God has poured on us throughout the year. It is also time for us to flow down His grace to others who are in need.
Following the tradition of our church, we will give the entire Thanksgiving offering (week of 11/21) for missionary work and for helping those in need. The act of sharing your harvest anonymously under the name of the church, is putting into action the bible verse “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” As Jesus said, our Father in heaven will reward you.
Just like last year, we will be turning our attention to our local community. The offering will be given quietly to those going through difficult times in the Hanmaum church and local community. We will also be donating to the Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission (https://www.hope4nashua.org), a group that has been fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ by providing food and shelter to the homeless of Nashua downtown. We can count on them to carry out God’s relief mission on our behalf because they are a professional Christian relief organization. Furthermore, they have a tight partnership with the Nashua Baptist Church; we can trust them. I pray that God opens our eyes and lets our offerings be used for His good work. Please join us in this effort with prayer.
Following the shepherd..
Pastor Jiwon Choi