Recently I became a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico and was paired with an 8 yr. old boy named Christian. On one of our outings I took him to see the new movie based on the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. It was quite a thrill with the techno animation and in 3-D. Of course, the story itself is pretty powerful. I was reminded how miserable it is to be a miser like Ebenezer Scrooge was and the joy of giving was rekindled as we saw Scrooge transformed due to his visits of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

Not soon after seeing this movie I listened to the audio book The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn. If you read just one Christian book in 2010, I highly recommend this one. Alcorn sums up the message of his book with six keys of giving. These are reproduced below along with some points to ponder taken from 18 study questions he posted on his web site. Listen for the voice of God’s Spirit as you read and see if God just might be calling you to embrace more of the giving spirit this Christmas and beyond. Someone said, "You’re never more like God than when you give."

Key #1. God owns everything. I’m His money manager.

We are the managers of the assets God has entrusted—not given—to us. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1). The land is Mine and you are but aliens and My tenants...the silver is Mine and the gold is Mine (Leviticus 25:23; Haggai 2:8). It is required of a steward [property and money manager] that he be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).

1. If God is the owner, then what is my role? Do I have any rights? What are my responsibilities?
2. Do I fall into the trap of "tipping" God a little each month? If I tithe faithfully, what are my responsibilities with the remaining 90 percent of my income?

Key #2. My Heart Always Goes Where I Put God's Money.

Watch what happens when you reallocate your money from temporal things to eternal things.

1. Last year, did I give to others (e.g. tithes, offerings, personal gifts) as much as I spent on myself (e.g. entertainment, vacations, club memberships)? How does my giving history reflect my understanding of Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:38-39, the second greatest commandment ("Love your neighbor as yourself")?
2. Specifically, what keeps me from giving more? Am I afraid of giving? Do I trust that God will meet my needs if I give?
3. How much giving (percentage of my gross income) would it take to make me uncomfortable ... 5%? 10%? 25%? 50%? More?
4. Do I consider money I’ve given away as part of my ‘net worth’? Do I give the same attention to the money I give as I do to the money I invest?

Key #3. Heaven, not earth, is my home.

We are citizens of "a better country—a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).

1. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." As God’s steward, am I sinking His money into temporal things, or am I sending it on ahead, using it to advance His Kingdom?
2. Am I more attached to the things of this world or to the things of God’s Kingdom?
3. Does the way in which I live my life, spend my time, and handle my money point others to Christ? Am I more excited about the latest release of a Hollywood movie or the spiritual growth of a friend? Do I see a business deal as a prospect for profit or as an opportunity for ministry?

Key #4. I should not live for the dot but for the line.

From the dot—our present life on earth—extends a line that goes on forever, which is eternity in heaven.

1. Alcorn compares our short lives on earth to a dot and our eternal lives in heaven as a never-ending line that extends from that dot. If God were to audit my finances, would He conclude that I live more for the "dot" or more for the "line"? What would some of His observations be?
2. Do I consider money I invest as "mine" but money I give as "lost"?
3. Do all of my purchases or spending have eternal consequences?

Key #5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism.

Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda. It dethrones me and exalts Him.

1. Have money and possessions created greater faith or caused greater fear in my life?
2. Are my possessions "competing" with my giving? If materialism is a "disease," then what is the "cure"?
3. Which is really most important to me – "building bigger barns" (Luke 12:16-21) or "storing up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21)?

Key #6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

God gives us more money than we need so we can give—generously.

1. Why have I been given more than I need? How am I using the "surplus"?
2. Do I really believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)? How does my belief tangibly prove itself in my life?

To sum it all up, Alcorn says, "You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead."

Seeking an eternal perspective with you,

Pastor Massimo

Laos, a small country in Southeast Asia, was taken over by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975. Lao established a socialist government with close ties to Vietnam. Since 1986, the country has moved toward greater private enterprise and free trade. Recent reports describe a steep climb in Christian persecution in Laos, but Christianity continues to spread. Becoming a Christian comes with a sharp penalty in Laos. Many believers find themselves harassed, arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. Church buildings have been destroyed and some pastors killed. In spite of this intense persecution, the believers remain strong and steadfast.

On February 14, 2008, a Khmu church was burned down in Laos. Police refused to help when called. Bravely, believers held a service in the ashes two days later. Another Christian, Boon Chan, has been held in prison for nine years. It has become common practice to evict Christians from villages. On March 18, two groups of pastors were leaving the country to attend Christian meetings in nearby Thailand. The first group made it. A second group of eight Khum pastors from Oudomxay province was followed by the Laotian police. The pastors were searched, and all of their belongings were confiscated.

The communist government is becoming increasingly paranoid and insecure. Their hatred and brutality is no longer being restrained. The registered Boukham Church is experiencing serious persecution under the supervision of the local police chief, Thao Somphet. Church elder Thao Oun is in prison (where torture is routine) and being threatened with death. New believer Thao Aom was expelled from his village because he refused to renounce Christ throughout three hours of police 'interrogation'.

The widow of a recently murdered church leader in Laos has let the people of Laos know she has forgiven the men who destroyed her church and murdered her husband. She is a shining example of the love of Christ for sinful people at their worst.

Our Church can help minister to the Lao speaking people. We are partnering with Hosanna to provide the audio recording of the Lao New Testament. Many of the Lao are illiterate. With the audio Bible they can meet in groups and listen to the Word of God. Hosanna distributes the Proclaimer, a small audio player that is loud enough for 300 people to listen to at a time. The cost to record this translation of the New Testament is $25,596. There are 27 books from Matthew to Revelation breaking the cost down to $948 per book. Our goal is to sponsor at least one book of the Audio New Testament for the Laotian people.

After presenting this ministry last Sunday, an anonymous donor offered a 3 to 1 challenge. From now until Dec. 31, 2009, this donor will give three times whatever amount is raised! For example, your $20 gift can become $80! Please prayerfully consider participating in this effort, however, we ask that you give above your regular giving. As a church, we are falling short of our operating budget and redirecting your giving further hurts the ministry here.

Please pray:
* For the Church in Laos that they would remain faithful in spite of persecution.
* That the government would grant freedom to worship without further persecution.
* That the gospel would continue to spread and that many will come to Christ, especially from among those who have been persecuting believers.
* That our church would give to sponsor at least one Bible book recording.
* That the Lao language audio Bible would be completed and distributed in Laos as soon as possible.