As many of you know, Olive Tree Connections has adopted the “Christian Community Ministry” in Madison, TN as an outreach ministry for food and clothing distribution to those in need. Thanksgiving is approaching and we are appealing for food donations, which we will collect Sunday November 13^th at our regular Sunday gathering. Please bring non-perishable items.

While you are grocery shopping or collecting for the Thanksgiving food drive, please include items such as:

• Boxed stuffing
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Canned sweet potatoes or yams
• Canned vegetables
• Canned meats
• Boxed macaroni and cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Soups

As we all know, caring for the poor and needy is dear to God’s heart. Since the inception of OTC, we have not ceased to feed and clothe those who are less fortunate. Over the years, OTC has sown materially and financially into caring for the needy both locally and internationally. We are grateful that we continue to be able to help the homeless by giving through CCM.

THE POOR

Care for:

• A characteristic of believers. Ps. 112:9 (1) Prov. 29:7; 2 Cor. 9:9 ¹
• Christ delivers. Ps. 72:12 ²
• Christ preached to. Luke 4:18 ³
• A fruit of repentance. Luke 3:11 ⁴
• Should be urged. 2 Cor. 8:7-8; Gal. 2:10 ⁵

Neglect of the poor is:

• A neglect of Christ. Matt. 25:42-45 ⁶
• Inconsistent with love to God. I John 3:17 ⁷

Give:

• Cheerfully. 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7 ⁸
• Generously.  Deut. 14:29; 15:8, 11 ⁹
• Not grudgingly. Deut. 15:10 ¹⁰
• Especially if believers.  Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:10 ¹¹
• Without showiness. Matt. 6:1 ¹²

May the LORD richly reward you as you give.

With love,

P/Karen

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1. So That’s In The Bible. (n.d.). Nashville, Tn.: Broadman & Holman. pgs. 378-379
2. Ibid
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11. Ibid
12. Ibid