It’s far easier than you’d expect to find a great local cause, and so worth it – this day has some amazing opportunities for you to connect into your community in a way that sticks. Find out how generosity is already breaking out in your neighbourhood and get involved. You’re already where you need to be.
We can quickly feel overwhelmed when we look around at all the people struggling to make ends meet. The homeless, children in poverty and isolated individuals often have no support around them when they need it most. It would be easy to look away.
Mother Theresa invited us to think differently. She said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
Being generous with what we have is at the heart of the Christian message, exemplified by the early church so simply yet so powerfully in Acts 4:35. This verse is a great reminder to give what we’re able, however small, to those who need it most.
As a charity, we are passionate about offering a tangible opportunity to give directly to individuals that have need.
Like Janet, who was in need of a sofa to make her home more comfortable as she faced a diagnosis of terminal illness. Acts 435 donors gave online to her specific need, and Janet said, "The impact of your kindness has really touched me. It's a big shock to be told you only have a limited time left to live, and an even greater shock when you discover how it impacts your ability to provide the basics in making your surroundings comfortable to live the very best possible way you can, but I also found that there are people who really care for your wellbeing."
As well as providing for an essential need, the practical gifts given often give an opportunity for someone to experience the love of God.
Cameron had been supported by his local church and was moving into his first permanent home. The support of Acts 435, providing him with a bed, was all part of his journey of faith. He said, "Many thanks for all you have done to help me. I feel genuinely amazed at how my life has changed now that I have been baptised and realised God is there for us. We're all working together to build a new life in Christ, where everyone is valued, and we all give in whatever way we can. I love serving at the church, preparing meals for others in need. It's such a marvellous thing that you've cared enough to help me turn my life around. I now have a place I call home, thanks to you all.”
What would happen if we stopped being overwhelmed by the big issues and concentrated on what’s in front of us? Look at what’s happening on our own doorstep and how we can respond to those needs? What if there was one person for whom we could make all the difference? After all, isn’t that how Jesus treated the people He met?
Since 2010, we have seen over 55,000 individuals helped, which has given thousands of people the opportunity to support those in need by being intentionally generous with their finances. I hope they also know that their gift, however small, not only makes a real difference practically but shows beneficiaries that someone genuinely cares as they experience the love of their neighbour, and beyond that, the love of Jesus.
Jenny Herrera, Acts 435
Reflect
"and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need". Acts 4:35 (NIV)
Pray
Pray for individuals and families who are struggling every day with issues surrounding poverty, such as lack of food, heating and clothing. Pray for national issues surrounding the benefits systems, but also that those who are in need may have courage to seek the help they need.
Act
Acts for you to consider today:
| Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for His generosity, and asking Him to show you where you could be generous to someone else in your time, finances or deeds. | ||
| Let’s fully fund all requests for help on www.acts435.org.uk today – we’ve done it before! | ||
| Which poverty issue most stands out to you: food poverty, fuel poverty, children in poverty? Find a local charity that cares for those issues and consider the idea of supporting them regularly. It will give them such a boost in their work too. |
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About Acts 435
Acts 435 is an online giving charity, directly connecting those who want to give with those who are in genuine need of their help, by resourcing a network of local churches and charities. These organisations appoint an Acts 435 representative, called the Advocate, who is trained by Acts 435 and then posts requests for small, specific needs directly onto our website on behalf of individuals in their community who are in need.
