My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. for a few days. What a city! Regardless of your political persuasion or opinions, our nation’s capital is rich with history, and every American should visit. One of the museums we toured was the Bible Museum. As I walked through rooms filled with ancient Bibles, manuscripts, and parchments, I was reminded of a story from the Gospels I have probably read hundreds of times: Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand.
In John 6, Jesus asked His disciples where they could buy bread for all the people who had gathered to hear Him teach. The disciples were dumbfounded. They knew it would take a great deal of money to feed a crowd that size. Then Andrew spoke up. I assume Andrew did not think his offer was actually a good solution, but he told Jesus a boy in the crowd had five barley loaves and two small fish. Of course, these paltry amounts would not feed a crowd of that magnitude — not even close. Yet, Jesus took what the young boy had to offer, and He did the miraculous. He multiplied the lad’s offering and fed 5,000 men, plus women and children. What an incredible story!
To be clear, Jesus could have done this miracle even if the young boy had not been there to give Him the barley loaves and fish. However, I cannot overlook the fact the boy saw the need and willingly gave what he could to Jesus, no matter how small his offering.
I often hear from potential donors (around here, we call them D6 Heroes) that they would love to give financially to D6 Family Ministry, but they could not give enough to really make a difference. I love it when someone makes this statement, because it gives our team the opportunity to share the need with them.
We get to tell them students are leaving the church post-high school at alarming rates, and something must be done to stop the exit. We get to share that Free Will Baptist students involved in the programs of D6 — CTS, Truth & Peace, and YET — are much more likely to retain their faith after high school. We get to share about the countries around the world where the message of Deuteronomy 6 is taking root, and pastors, ministry leaders, parents, and volunteers are being influenced.
The need is great. Individuals all over the world need what God is doing through D6 Family Ministry. Here is the question: Are you willing to give what you can to help foster and create the necessary resources to meet this need?
Are you willing to give what you can — big or small — and let the Lord do the miraculous? If each of us offers what we can, together we will have enough to meet the needs of those for whom Jesus instructed us to care.
About the Writer: Derek Altom is the director of events and development at D6 Family Ministry. You can reach out to Derek through email at derek.altom@d6family.com.
