Heartfelt Giving

By D.A. Higgins

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed…” Proverbs 11:25

A few weeks ago, a local family tragically lost two sons in a deadly fire. They lost everything including their home and cars. The fire and loss were so devastating even seasoned firefighters were visibly fighting back tears. Even if you didn’t know the family, their pain could be felt by anyone who heard or read about the details. It is almost inconceivable how anyone could continue to move forward while grieving such a catastrophic loss but somehow - with the grace of God – they did. And, perhaps most heartfelt of all, is that others took up the banner of support and caring and came to their aid. Friends, neighbors, family members, even many from outside the area, and those who did not know the family gave what they could. A friend provided a home to live in rent-free for a year; other contributions included furniture, household appliances, clothing, and everything that was needed to begin their recovery process while they tried to go forward. As a matter of fact, so many contributions came in that the public was asked to suspend donations because their entire needs had been met. Just hearing people and businesses from our area and those from elsewhere were so generous makes me happy and proud to call Northeastern Pennsylvania my home. And, I truly believe the hand of our loving Jesus reached out and guided those who gave and those who received.

We at Prince of Peace Church have been guided by the hand of Jesus because we are a giving people from a giving church. Our community outreach extends way beyond the stone walls of our beautiful church to touch those in assisted living at Kadema Nursing Center, the Back Mountain Food Pantry, Misericordia Women and Children, Dallas Junior High School, Blue Chip Animal Rescue, and a host of others with our contributions of time, effort and monetary donations. Our congregation is dedicated to promoting the tenets of our faith to giving what we can when we can and it shows. I am proud and happy to be a part of Prince of Peace and our efforts to do our part in extending the hand of Jesus in sharing our belief that we are all here to help each other through heart-felt giving and prayers.