give night update.

GIVE. Each year, before we say goodbye for the holidays and come back together for the new year, we give. It has become a core of what we do and how we approach the giving spirit of Christmas. On the last mill of 2011, we talked about how the world has a view of giving and how that view is so very different from the true Giver's character. (Didn't make it to that one? Click here for a link to the mill podcast.)

Usually we have one specific cause to which we rally around and give. But this year, we're doing things a little different. Instead of giving a large amount to one need, we are creating a General Giving Fund to dip into throughout the rest of the 2012. There are always need that will arise; a single mom needing a stroller, a full-time students with unexpected car troubles, a mill missionary to bless while overseas. Our goal is to give to those who least expect it, to bless those busy in working hard and being good stewards with what they have been given.

We thought you'd like to see how much we gave as a community. 

 Thank you for your generous giving! What a blessing to be a part of community who sees beyond their own needs and desires to help those around them, even if it takes sacrifice. What a beautiful picture of the gospel.

So where will this go?

We have already sent a check to our friends in Asia to help with their orphanage. And we are about to help a single expecting mother with the practical needs of adding a little one into her life. And you can expect that this year will be filled with helping those around us who have the unpredictable hiccups of life crop up.

Thank you for being his hands & his feet. It is beautiful, it is eternal.