Peace on Earth All Over Again

Pioneer Operating Budget

The Bible makes this interesting analogy: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). Today, we are sitting in church because someone sharpened you and shared the gospel story. This is so true in the life of Riley. Anthony (the writer of this appeal) had driven for approximately an hour on a cold fall day to fulfill a stewardship weekend appointment he had with a small congregation. The service went well.

He preached on the topic, “It’s a matter of the heart.” After the hymn of consecration and the benediction, during the transition time before potluck, he chose to mingle and talk to people. He chose to start with brother Riley, who was sitting at the media booth. After introducing himself, he asked Riley if he was the one responsible for streaming. Anthony had brought with him a recorded instructional video on how to complete the newly designed tithe and offering envelope.

They didn’t get very far into that part of the conversation before Riley began to share with him how he started to attend the church. He identified three people who showed unwavering love and acceptance to him. He eventually got baptized.

Riley’s testimony reminds us of the words of Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness” (KJV). Let’s remember the job we have as a local church to sharpen each other. As we give to help our local church programs, may we experience and show God’s unrelenting love.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries