I received this e-mail from Alexandra encouraging the troops for Love Winston-Salem. Maybe you need encouragement. These words are thoughts to mediate on whereever you are. I have highlighted the text that speaks to my spirit.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (New International Version)
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Just a couple of thoughts:
- The degree that you sow is the extent to which you reap. As you all have sown so much into this week I trust that you are reaping abundant blessings.
- God’s grace is so amazing. Even despite ourselves, we have the hope that God is ABLE! I believe the Lord pretty much covers all the bases when he says “in all things” “at all times” & “having all that you need” we will abound in “every good work” by His grace. Let us remember that as we abound in good work this week and beyond it is only by His grace and for His gospel of grace.
- The result of the service was the following:
o A personal proof of their faith
o A supply to a pressing, practical need
o A relational bond that led the recipients to pray for them
o Thanksgiving to God
o Praise to God because of their obedience and generosity

And so my prayer is that the service done through Mission: Winston-Salem specifically and Love Winston-Salem in general might prove our faith in Christ genuine and sincere. As we work with so many local ministries and agencies, may we supply the needs of these agencies in a way that blesses them and furthers their efforts. May our time and service lay a strong relational foundation, so that our community partners remember us in their prayers, thus revealing a connection of the heart and a sense of reciprocity in our relationship. May our work lead our partners to thank and praise God, thus we have accomplished our most primary purpose in life: to bring praise to the Lord! Amen.