Anyone Can Send

This is me and my buddy Julia Christmas 07. We go on a “Christmas Date” every year and sometimes a couple others during the year as well. Julia is 9 years old and we have been going on our dates since before she was in Kindergarten.

Julia’s parents are the junior high youth pastors at my church. They are incredible parents, and they are raising their children to see the big picture as far as what Christ’s love means.

Today I took Julia out for out 2008 Christmas date. We went to Starbucks for some hot chocolate and then to get pedicures. After our pedicures were done, we exchanged gifts. I got her a bag full of girly goodies, including lip gloss, nail polish, etc. She handed me an envelope decorated with blue foam snowflakes and a blue bow.

I opened the envelope expecting to see a gift card (purchased by her mother, no doubt), but curiously pulled out a folded piece of paper. My heart just about skipped a beat as I recognized what it was. It was a Missionary Associate support form.

Julia, by her own idea and in her own handwriting, had taken captive the support form I had sent to her parents. She wrote in all of the necessary information and pledged five dollars a month. She quickly informed me that she hoped to be able to give eight dollars a month, but five was what she was promising. I was pretty blown away, and she informed me that when she found out I was moving to Paris, she instantly decided she wanted to be a part of it.

Last night, I was watching Ratatouille with a couple boys I was babysitting. The main idea to the movie is “Anyone can cook.” This theme recurs throughout the movie, the main chef consistently reiterating that anyone, in fact, can cook. And should.

Today as I opened that envelope, that was the thought that crossed my mind. Anyone can send. You don’t have to make six figures, you don’t have to be on top of the economic food chain, and you don’t even have to give hundreds of dollars a month. All you have to do is be excited about the spread of the gospel.

When Julia gave me the envelope, she kept repeating, “You’re my first missionary! You’re the first missionary I’ve supported!” It thrilled me to see her so excited to give, not out of obligation but out of joy at being part of the spread of the gospel.

Julia is now a part of my monthly support base, and has challenged me beyond description.