Community & Connection

As I have traveled to different countries on various mission trips, I have made observations about things that are unique to each country, as well as things that are similar between them. One of the similarities is the sense of community among the people. The more rural the area, the more interdependent they lived. When a village has only one well as its source of water, the community works together to maintain it. When families only have enough land to plant one type of crop or house one type of animal, they barter with their goods so that everyone has what they need. It is their common need for food and water that brings them together.

This is what I imagine when I read about the church in Acts 2, where the believers sold their possessions and used the proceeds to meet the needs of the people. It wasn’t just a sharing of resources where the “haves” gave to the “have-nots”. They communed together.  They worshiped together, met in homes, and shared meals. In doing this, they were full of joy and generosity.

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts. ~ Acts 2:44-46

We typically see this type of sharing and generosity around the holidays. The thought of someone being alone during the holiday motivates us to invite them to our family celebrations. We purchase gifts for strangers and donate to toy drives. But what if we regularly shared generously within our communities?! Imagine...widows not being alone, children of single parents not going hungry or unclothed, latchkey students supervised, and so many other physical, spiritual, and mental health needs met. We will only learn of these needs when we commune.

If you have more than one of anything, you have enough to share!  Start small with a monthly group meeting for coffee or a potluck. Whether you are someone with a material need or someone who has an abundance of material possessions, we all need community and connection.