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Thursday, December 21, 2006

28 Day Prayer Journey To Passion 07 - Day 18

Day 18. More.

We are rich. Yep, you and me. Maybe we don’t have everything we want, but we have so much more than 99% of the people on earth. I won’t bore you with the numbers, but even you “poor college students” are loaded. Don’t believe it. Move to Mexico City. Or Mumbai. Or Mali, Mogadishu, Mongolia, Manila or Maputo. That Starbucks you sprang for today was a week’s wages to many there, a fortune with foam and extra flavoring. Add to our bucks our spiritual wealth and you quickly realize we are the ones with more to give.

I say this not to make us feel bad, but to make us feel something. And to invert the question from “how can I get more” to “what am I going to do with what I have.” To that end, we are sharing a tiny amount of our abundance with those in need throughout Atlanta by bringing a bath towel and pair of socks to Passion 07. I know towels don’t seem all that glamorous, but the organizations of Atlanta have been ecstatic over the prospect of getting such for their shelters and transitional housing…ecstatic to the tune of 49,000 towels!! And their requests are still growing.

I’m no genius, but 22,000+ is less than 49,000, so, you guessed it, we now need 2+ towels per person coming to Passion 07. (Still one pair of socks). Sure, we could just give these organizations 22,000 towels and they would be thrilled. Or we can give them what they have asked for and still have more to spare. We’re rich. Let’s give richly. Let’s do more.

Father, it seems like a small thing we are doing, but use these towels and socks to awaken our hearts to those with so little. And somehow cause these towels to carry to the hurting and needy the story of a God who sees, and knows and cares…and gives everything. For Jesus’ sake in the simple things. Amen.

“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8

PS-Please spread the 2+ towel word far and wide!

posted by 268gen at 8:47 AM

32 Comments:

  • I am completely on board with this Louie. Just letting you know that I'm bringing my towels and socks and I'm spreading the word to my group that's going and letting everyone I know that's going to Passion know! Praying for the Passion team also!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 9:18 AM  

  • Sounds great!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 9:41 AM  

  • More towels coming now!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 9:44 AM  

  • Give most:

    I saw a stranger today
    I put food for him in the eating-place.
    And drink in the drinking-place.
    In the Holy Name of the Trinity
    Be blessed myself and my house
    My goods and my family.
    And the lark said in her warble
    Often, often, often
    Goes Christ in the stranger's guise
    O, oft and oft and oft
    Goes Christ in the stranger's guise.

    -- A rune of hospitality

    Heb.13:2

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 10:05 AM  

  • yes LORD a double portion - because you have given us a double portion of yourself!!

    praying for Emily and the set-up team today-

    I know you are not setting up yet, but I have a picture of God really lighting that place up, as your team's feet enter it, that He will claim the GO center as His holy ground! That is amazing! It's going to be a good time with Jesus.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 10:28 AM  

  • YES!!! I already had 2 towels set aside, and I was half worried that would be too much!

    By Blogger Silke, at 12/21/2006 10:30 AM  

  • HEY Y'ALL!

    AS YOU KNOW, I'M NOT GOING... BUT CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME IF I CAN SEND MY TOWELS WITH THE GROUP WHICH IS GOING TO PASSION FROM BRAZIL?

    I REALLY WANT TO BE THERE SOMEHOW.

    GOD BLESS Y'ALL AND ALL HIS PEOPLE IN NEED!

    USE US LORD, MAKE US AS BLESSING TOOLS IN YOUR HANDS!

    RODRIGO

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 10:49 AM  

  • Actually, if the average American counted their debt in their funds, most would have negative money and wouldn't own their house or car...
    In my case, all the money I have is a Christmas check from my grandma for $25...haha...I'll see what I can do about those towels, though. ;-)
    You sure we can't just borrow some from the really rich hotels downtown? (I'm kidding)

    Your brother in Christ,
    ~ Caleb White

    By Blogger C. M. White, at 12/21/2006 11:32 AM  

  • For what it's worth, here's a link that shows you just where you fall in comparison to the rest of the world ... http://www.globalrichlist.com.

    Kind of eye-opening ...

    By Blogger Tammie, at 12/21/2006 11:54 AM  

  • I totally agree with you, Louie.

    "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
    "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
    "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
    Matthew 25:34-40

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 12:18 PM  

  • Louie, Ed,

    Thanks for the podcasts over the last weeks; although yesterday's just took the cake. i still have cramps in my cheeks from laughing so hard... and you all have no idea how much joy God just brought into my life because of y'all, and your love for each other and for all the world:)

    God has blessed all of you/us "Passion People" with so much... tangibly and intangibly.

    i'm glad i can bring towels and socks to Atlanta, but i'm more glad when i get to share the joy that comes from knowing HIM with anyone around. Honestly, i think that's what you are all so good at: you, Piper, Chan, Beth, Charlie, David, Matt, and Chris: sharing God's joy in a way that the younger generations "get it."

    i'll be around for Christmas; no parties or big present unwrappings for me; just work, so i'll join you in posting and blogging whenever i'll get a chance.

    Happy Christmas, everyone:)

    By Blogger Silke, at 12/21/2006 12:48 PM  

  • Silke,
    For some reason, when i try to go and download the new podcast, it's not up yet. The latest one is the Beth Moore one, but the new one isn't up for me. Could you tell me how you got the new one? Maybe my itunes is just messed up or something...

    -Brittany

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 1:01 PM  

  • I am on board with bringing the two towels and a pair of socks. I can't wait to serve the students who are coming. I know how Passion has blessed my life and I have been a volunteer for the functions I was able to attend, cause I totally missed the participation age. I have great memories and look forward to the new ones. God bless you all. Praying for you! Enjoying the podcasts even though it takes 4 to five hours to down load. Really looking forward to hearing this weeks as I drive to columbus early for Christmas. See you!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 1:02 PM  

  • I subscribed via itunes and just opened itunes and hit "refresh." Not sure how to get to it in other ways...

    By Blogger Silke, at 12/21/2006 1:03 PM  

  • I love the idea that Matt put out there on coming to Passion, not expecting to get something out of it, but to bring whatever we have to bring "into" it. Like, coming prepared to worship, and that's just so cool. Maybe it's easier to come prepared to serve/give as a volunteer, but with this "Do Something Now" event I think even the students will get into it.

    By Blogger Silke, at 12/21/2006 1:06 PM  

  • YES TO TOWELS. WILL MAKE SURE TO BRING MORE THAN ONE AND TELL EVERYONE! THANKS GUYS.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 1:53 PM  

  • Thanks, Silke! I've got the podcast...can't wait to listen to it! :D

    By Blogger Brittany, at 12/21/2006 2:30 PM  

  • I'm just amazed by all of this. I caught myself up to speed Tuesday with all of the blogs.. Just in time to pray for Rodrigo.. and was also more than blessed by the posting about our feet.. wow. The Lord is in control over all of our needs.. wants.. and desires. I'm spreading the word about the towels and socks...
    "Stir it up in our hearts Lord.. with a Passion for Your name!"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 2:40 PM  

  • Our group has ended up with a bunch of extra Passion 07registrations. If your group would like to buy these and transfer them to your group please email me. (It IS at the price break amount)....

    THANKS
    passion07xtras@gmail.com

    By Blogger mstudentz, at 12/21/2006 5:45 PM  

  • Great post. I want to live a generous life. Have towels, will travel!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 6:30 PM  

  • great podcast guys! coming from a not short-ish person (im eye level w/ crowder) i can appreciate how hard it must be to find pants short enough! i bet they could just find some long shorts that would be about ankle length right?

    all joking aside, i have come to appreciate and look forward to hearing what yall have to say every week, and will keep everyone in my prayers. i am not able to attend passion, but i really wanted to help w/ the towels (just help in general) - so i found a place near me where i was able to dontate and help out. all i needed was a kick in the behind to get going - so thanks!

    merry & happy christmas to everyone!

    oh yea, and since this is already pretty long i might as well add a question - how bout some live feeds during passion for those of us who cant attend??

    By Blogger TRACE.FACE PHOTOS, at 12/21/2006 8:41 PM  

  • Well we've begun our trip to Passion,and have completed our first stage of the trip to from
    Australia , to New Zealand to San Francisco where wew arrived today, somewhat tired after 20 hours of travels.

    We are disappointed that we can't hear the podcast in the hotel though!!!

    I hope that we can hit the shops for those extra towels!!!

    Gail and Rowan.

    By Blogger gail, at 12/21/2006 10:23 PM  

  • Bringing more than 1. Serve, Love, Glorify!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/21/2006 10:26 PM  

  • Oh Louie and Passion team, I love you guys!!
    though will not be able to be with you all in the flesh, my heart and spirit are with you. I am glad as silke said to be part of the joy of this. I have not listend to the pod cast of Beth / or Ed but am house sitting this christmas weekend so I will be able to then. God speed and safety to you all who are traveling. Merry Christmas and a very joy filled new year as you embrace our Lord and Savior.

    You Go Gail!!!! Am praying, have tons of USA fun in the Son!!

    By Blogger Liz, at 12/21/2006 10:51 PM  

  • A second to Tray's motion!

    Except I think podcast format or something would be better-something "recorded"-so that we can still hear it even if we can't be at the computer at that particular time.

    And just snippits from the week (during the week) would be great. 'Cause, obviously, you can't just broadcast the whole thing.

    It's probably too late and way too much work, but if it were possible, that would be fantastic. It would keep those of us who can't go to be a little more connected and joined with you in worship. And, maybe this sounds cliche, but seriously, I think it would help us as we pray for you guys.

    Excited for all who CAN go, though!!

    Kayleen

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/22/2006 2:50 AM  

  • The podcast this week is hilarious! I laughed so hard I was in pain! Matt is hilarious. I think it is so cool that Christ can be heard even within our laughter...

    By Blogger Kristen Schiffman, at 12/22/2006 2:53 AM  

  • We are so Rich Lord. Forgive us for the foolish and selfish ways we can spend our money. We too often think about the hear and now, rather than thinking heavenbound. Lord let us give because You have given us sooooooo much. Our cups overflow. Let it flow graciously to others.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/22/2006 3:56 AM  

  • blessed to be a blessing. =)

    By Blogger steph, at 12/22/2006 4:28 AM  

  • You two are up awful late, aren't you?

    :)

    I couldn't sleep. Not a bad place to visit in the middle of the night, though, huh? :)

    Sleepless nights remind me of Psalm 63--"my soul shall be satisfied...when I remember Thee upon my bed and meditate on Thee in the night watches." Prayer definitely falls into that category.

    Can't wait to hear the podcast. And "yesterday's" post was great.

    Good night people.
    No, good morning!
    Rejoice! It is HIS day! And beautiful because of it!
    Kayleen

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/22/2006 6:36 AM  

  • Great idea guys. I'm with you. Towels ready. Merry Christmas all, see you in 10 days!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/22/2006 10:03 AM  

  • I agree with Tray and Kayleen. That would be awesome! Or if it is not in podcast form use Windows Media..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/22/2006 1:25 PM  

  • I totally agree with Louie in bringing even more. I had already went out and got my towel and even a pack of 3 pairs of socks so I will gladly venture out to get another towel. Just as Louie said, we are so much more richly and spiritually blessed than we realize at times. I love that you have the "Do Something Now" so everyone can get involved to reach out and have the joyous opportunity to share the love of Jesus not only in Atlanta, but all over. I am already humbled to be an instrument of the Lord as a volunteer at Passion and this is yet another opportunity to go above and beyond in giving.

    OK, looks like I will have to jump on board and catch up with everyone on listening to the latest podcasts. I've been working day and night the last 2 days so time to catch up.

    By Blogger Donna, at 12/23/2006 10:41 AM  

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