In May 2010 the ministry, Salt and Light, sent out an urgent message into the community: “We have run out of food!”  They also stated that the need has nearly doubled due to the recent economic troubles.  After issuing the emergency message, some donations came in to build up the food stock.  This past week 380 families were served, but more support is needed.  As many of you may already know, the first annual “canless” food drive is taking place during the month June 2010 to raise money to purchase food from the Illinois Food Bank.  Monetary donations are more cost effective way to obtain food, as they can purchase an equivalent of $100 of food for $10 from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.  Over 200 businesses in the Champaign-Urbana and surrounding area community will display cans to accept donations for the drive.  You can view a list of participating businesses at the following link:  http://www.knowntome.net/saltandlight_yes_stats.html

When I see communities of people participating to help people in need, it reminds me of the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8.  In the first few verses, we learn that the Macedonian churches were living in poverty themselves, but were eager and thankful for the opportunity to give to Jewish Christians suffering from a famine at the time.  Paul wrote in verses 3 and 4, “3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”  It was not given as a command, but Paul certainly encouraged people to earnestly give as others have given according to the example of Christ.  ” 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Paul concludes this section of his letter by offering a desired goal for giving.  It describes a quasi-socialism if I may use the term to produce an equalizing effect of provision among the people.  He certainly does not suggested that a committee or government body be set up to collect, manage and distribute funds.  I believe the scriptures do describe a desire to see each individual, managed by his own desire to emulate Christ, give to those in need and produce an equalizing effect in the community.  “13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.’ “.  Wouldn’t we all like to see this powerful sense of community spread throughout the world?!

Thanks to the people who work with Salt and Light, we are given the opportunity to fulfill the goal described by Paul.  Let’s help spread the word to fill those cans during the month of June at the participating businesses, and/or send a donation directly to Salt and Light ministries!