Fishing and cutting bait

Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
James 2:17 (MSG)

Gotta love the way the Message cuts to the chase.

One of the expressions that my father passed along to me was this one "It's time to fish or cut bait." There were other expressions he passed along, but this isn't the time or place for those. :)

The idea behind it is simple - either get busy fishing,or stop fishing and do something that helps others fish.

Well, here at New Hope, we're going to fish and cut bait this summer.

Right now, on the other side of the sanctuary from where my office sits, our community garden is growing. Our hope is to be able to provide lots of fresh vegetables for people around here who are in need. We had the land, had the seeds and the time, and other than yours truly, had people who knew how to grow things. So it's a beginning that hopefully will enable us to help others and help others help others. Fish AND cut bait.

Then on the same Sunday our mission trip team leaves for Kentucky and a week spent serving in one of the poorest counties in Appalachia, our Souls4Soles "Barefoot Sunday" will have those of us in worship leaving our new or gently worn shoes behind. They'll be collected and sent overseas to people who have no shoes. Fish AND cut bait - again.

Then there's the upcoming "Worth the Sacrifice" challenge. Where we'll eat nothing but rice and beans for 5 days to try to get a glimpse into the life of orphans in Africa. Our hope is to involve other churches as well and appeal to people to "do something" to change the world. We'll gather that Friday night for a celebration and an offering of the money we saved during the week that we normally would have spent on food. Those monies will be sent to Amazima Ministries in Uganda, an amazing outreach of care and love for orphans. Just click on the link on the right of this blog to learn more about Amazima.

It's time friends. We cannot wait for the government to act. This is our time and our mission. Let's FISH AND CUT BAIT.