Three weeks ago, in this space, I made an appeal for donations to help those who are hurting due to the present economic crises. I described the benevolence arm of Bob Russell Ministries and explained its efficiency. All funds designated “benevolence” are channeled directly into the National Christian Foundation, and then $1000 gifts are distributed to needy families through ministers who have participated in one of my pastors retreats. These preachers are on the front lines of their communities and are aware of those who are legitimately in need.
I explained that primarily because of a generous, anonymous donor, we have averaged giving away $500,000 a year in the name of Christ for the past ten years. But due to the recent economic collapse, we have been flooded with additional appeals, and our funds are rapidly disappearing. Therefore, we may not be able to meet dozens of heart-rending requests.
I’m thrilled to announce that since the May 3 blog, over $93,000 additional money has poured into the BRM benevolence fund! Isn’t that tremendous? Throughout my ministry, I have often been impressed with the generosity of Christian people. Over and over again, with minimal prodding and with no desire for recognition, I’ve seen God’s people give liberally in response to a genuine need. And this is yet another example…and I’m thankful!
Honestly, that’s the way it should be. Jesus described His followers as “the salt of the earth.” Salt makes a huge difference in the taste and the preservation of food. But salt normally does its work quietly, and it seldom gets much credit. We never get up from the dinner table and say, “Wow! That was the best salt I’ve ever had in my life!” No, salt doesn’t get much recognition.
Over the past decade, $5 million has flowed through our benevolence fund, and almost no one noticed except those receiving assistance. That kind of thing happens all over the world as Christ-followers heed Jesus’ instructions to do their good deeds without drawing attention to themselves. I’ve often wondered how much money is donated anonymously by Christians to non-profit and benevolence organizations like FCA, Crises Pregnancy Centers, Crusade for Children, Wayside Christian Mission, St. Jude’s Hospital, Salvation Army, etc. There’s no way to measure the millions that have been given because Jesus Christ has touched and transformed hearts.
While the main task of the church is to preach the gospel of salvation from sin and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the church is a significant player in ministering to needy people. During the Covid-19 crisis, churches all across America have served as food distribution centers. Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization, voluntarily set up an emergency hospital in New York City at the peak of the pandemic.
The church is sometimes belittled and criticized in our secular culture. But I’ve been in ministry for over 50 years and know that some of the most caring, generous people in the world are followers of Jesus Christ. Admittedly a few Christians are jerks, and some church members are rank hypocrites. And admittedly, some who have no allegiance to Christ can be magnanimous and kind. But I’m persuaded that more assistance to the needy emanates from those who attend church regularly than most ever imagine. I’ve seen it firsthand again and again.
These gracious people are usually not upfront, attention grabbers. But quietly, behind the scenes, they give to the poor, visit the elderly, pray for the sick, boost up the fallen, nurture special needs children, finance Seminary educations, buy clothes for underprivileged kids, and almost no one knows about it. They serve because they are followers of Jesus, who laid down His life for others. And He said, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
Today I just want to say a special thanks to all the “salt of the earth” followers of Christ who are doing precisely what Jesus requested. You’re making a big difference in a variety of ways. Just stay quietly faithful, and one day you’ll hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
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