Making the story real

On Saturday we took a group up to the Overlook Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts. That's one of the farms where they raise cattle, sheep and goats for Heifer International. As a boy growing up in Sunday School I remember bringing in my pennies to buy a cow for a village in some remote part of the world. Never did I imagine that one day I would have the opportunity to go to the place where it all started.

What's more is the fact that we went there on Saturday to watch a live nativity play on the grounds that featured actors from a local church and livestock from the farm. Mary came riding in on the donkey. The shepherds came in to see Mary and Joseph along with their sheep and goats. It was cool. They even had a camel there (although no one rode him. He was just there for the photo op!)

I thought to myself that it was very appropriate to have this story played out here. For the vision of Heifer International was born out of a desire to share the love of God in a tangible way with people who otherwise might never have heard the good news that Jesus Christ was born.

We don't normally support Heifer International in the church I serve. That is we haven't supported them recently. We will now. Having first hand knowledge of how the love is shared makes a difference. I guess that is why it is so important for us to live what we preach. When we live a faith filled life, we show the world what the love of God is all about. Our example will lead people to God. So live it and watch God's kingdom grow.

Cal