And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Taking inspiration from their first century heroes, the teenagers of the Northwest Region of the Boston Church of Christ set out to sacrifice like never before for the IMS Missions Contribution this year. While many of their peers complain about what they don’t have, these teens “pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” of Europe and New England. In 2007 the ministry had a goal of $2007. They rejoiced as they met their goal by giving $2013.
By faith, the group met in early July and decided on a goal of
giving $5,000. For weeks they sold lemonade, coffee, organized yard
sales, babysat, cut grass, anything they could do to raise money. Many
made the decision to save the money that they would have normally given
to iTunes, movie theatres, video games, vending machines and coffee
shops.
Each Wednesday, we met at midweek and tracked their progress
with a handy giving thermometer. Along the way we read scriptures to
help us understand that why and how we give is ultimately more
important than the amount we give. We talked 
about giving out of
dedication and gratitude to God, love for their saved brothers and
sisters, and for the hope of those yet to be saved. We focused on the
joy of giving to those in need and the fact that it is simply the right
thing to do.
One of the blessings of this summer was the opportunity to meet
several disciples from the European Churches. Patrick Wietlisbach, who
leads the teen ministry in Zurich Switzerland, spoke to the group and
reminded them about how much they have been blessed and encouraged them
to help others to have the same opportunity to know God as they have.
On Wednesday, September 17th the Northwest Region gathered to
give their offering and the teens were full of anticipation to see if
they would actually meet their goal. To everyone’s amazement, the teens
had not just met their goal, they crushed their goal. The 45 teens who
participated gave $7,057.08! During the evening, a young teen disciple
(who did not grow up in the church) stood in front of the Region and
challenged the group to not let this be a seasonal service, but to
continue to give to our brothers and sisters through prayer, emails of
encouragement, and reaching out to the lost around us.
The faith of these few teenagers has served as a great
reminder for us that as we “excel in everything – in faith, in speech,
in knowledge… see that we also excel in this grace of giving.” We are
proud of this next generation of sacrificial hearts!
