BE A BLESSING; GET A BLESSING

In the Ancient Greek language, there are four words used to define love – Agape, Eros, Philia, and Storge. Agape characterizes the love of God for man and the love of man for God.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul teaches us that love is not given for the sake of gaining love in return. In other words, we don’t love God simply because He loves us or for what He can do for us. We love God for what He has done for us. Eros illustrates the love between a man and a woman that grows while dating and reaches its fulfillment through marriage.  Philia exemplifies mutual respect and admiration between equals. Philia love binds communities together and strengthens the bond between family and friends. Storge is the love-bond between parents and children. Just as God loves His creation with Fatherly affection and care, there is a natural bond between parents and children that begins at conception and lasts throughout their lives. We learn of God’s love from the patient, constant love of our parents.

As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love one another as He loved us. Jesus did not ask us to just love one another; He asked us to care for one another – in an outward manifestation of our love. Whenever anyone needed help, Jesus was there to minister to him/her. So it must be for us. When our neighbor is in need, we cannot say we love them if we are not willing to demonstrate that love through action – not just in word, but also in deed.  If we see our neighbor in need, it is our duty as Christians to help. We outwardly manifest God’s love through our service to His people.  God loves a cheerful giver. Philia love binds communities together and strengthens the bond between our Christian family and our friends. The Eros love of a man and a woman flourishes in their service to others in their community. Storge love sets an example of God’s love for His children through the children of their marital union.

Two exemplary Christians, a man and his wife, who have spent their lives serving others, need our help. In order to continue their ministry, they need a small farm to raise livestock and grow food to help the needy and homeless in their community.  Lewis and Cheri Hall were both raised in Salvation Army service families and have served the homeless community intermittently for the past 31 years. They met at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter in Ocala, Florida. Lewie was a Salvation Army Caseworker, and Cheri was a Salvation Army Social Worker. Sometimes, they served as volunteers; at other times, they were full-time employees.  With God’s help and their modest farm, Lewie and Cheri would be able to periodically donate food to the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter.   

Consequently, Evangelist Barbara Mack of Freedom Doors Ministries is managing a Farm Campaign Fundraiser to assist the Halls in securing a small farm. She has set up a website with background information and three different ways you can make a monetary contribution to help raise the money needed to purchase the farm.

Please prayerfully consider answering this call to love your neighbor and make a donation to the Lewis and Cheri Hall Farm Campaign.  

For information and your perusal – visit the Farm Campaign website – www.farmcampaign.com – Thank You for loving the Halls!