Linda Jackson
Galatians 6:2 by Jen Norton
Imagine unexpectedly being laid off, searching for work, living off your savings, and being uncertain how you will pay next month’s rent. Or put yourself in the place of Rita (name changed), who had health insurance through her grad school,but after a medical incident she was sent for a test with a surprise deductible of $2000, which she was unable to pay. The stress of worrying about this was taking its toll on her work.
In situations like this the Benevolence Fund Committee of CotC prayerfully administers funds generously given by the congregation. We are grateful for this opportunity and guided by Scripture, as well as by insights you share with us. We find joy in providing immediate practical help in some areas, while feeling the burden of many problems we cannot fix. Our focus is on church members and attenders, as well as individuals referred by them and by the Justice & Mercy team.
These are all cases we have grappled with:
(Stories shared with permission from those in our community. Names and some details have been changed.)
Mark came to faith while serving time; now released and walking with Jesus, he needed help with a T pass and with professional attire to continue applying for jobs.
Amanda, a grad student, has been attending a Christian fellowship with a CotC member. A sudden business shutdown put her mother temporarily out of work and unable to assist her with her next rent payment.
A mental health professional at a Boston medical facility requested funds for supplies for patients who are going through grief, adjusting to a new illness, suffering abuse, and lacking social support. Items such as journals, crayons, colored pencils, markers, journals, teddy bears, fidget toys were purchased through the fund.. She shared with our team, “…these items have been a gift to my colleagues and patients, they are a connection point to conversation or one of the few bright spots to their day.”
A believer moved to Boston to be with a sibling so she can obtain specialized medical care. She needed a little stopgap assistance for daily expenses while she adjusted.
Juan had to cut down hours at work so he could care for his sick wife and their two children. After praying together for his family with the CotC Benevolence Team, a member of the prayer team offered to assist Juan in applying for family medical leave, which could provide weeks of assistance to the family.
We are thankful to be able to follow these scriptures which guide our committee:
Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
1 John 3:18 – “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Learn more about the benevolence fund, including how to request assistance, and how to give into the fund, here.