A Gift of Red and Green

It may have been a year or two after becoming new creation. I would talk of the goodness of God, purity of the Word, and the good news. It was a sorrow to me that the people who have nursed me, cherished me, and provided for me much of my life, there was a now a disconnect. There were misunderstandings, confusion, and a lack of relationship that we used to have. The things I used to enjoy, I know had not enjoyed; the habits I used to have I gave up, and my heart and lifestyle were transformed. It caused sadness in my heart to have such a disconnect within our family. All the more this caused a longing for my family to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, in order that we may share is Christs’ sufferings and glory.

Although there was hardship in the division of our family, there would soon come a ray of hope. This is that story.

It was Christmas morning. Each family member being there, not one missing. Even to the extent of children from other parts of the family gathered around the tree at mom’s house. “Wow, you have gotten so big!” Charles stands around the tree, kids on the couch (Am I still a kid?), and wrapping paper piling up after each present. The culture of the family is the ‘best’ present for last. In the history of our family this ‘best’ present has usually been the largest present. It would be found hiding behind the tree, peeking out waiting to be unwrapped. The presents vanished and my last gift was to come. Kneeling near the tree, I was given a small box, light weight, unorthodox contrast to the years of prior, I was curious, but didn’t expect much.

Christmas with the family! :) 

Unwrapping and opening the box, I was surprised at the gift that lay on the bottom. I picked it up and saw a simple card. The card almost appeared to be pulsating the colors red and green as it has shown. I lifted to my head to the family members that surrounded me looking into my response. This was not something I remember writing on the Christmas list... Looking more intently, there were the words, “Samaritan’s Purse.” My eyes scrolled down the paragraphs on the card. On the card it explained that the details of the cards purpose. I was fighting the tears rolling down my face. Through blurry eyes the words read, “In honor of Jarid Reiter.” If I remember correctly, these were the gifts of dedication; to a family in need there would be given goats, chickens, and a ‘Jesus Loves Me’ lamb. Along with every gift were opportunities to know the Gospel of Christ with Bibles, materials, literature, and teaching.

 

The opportunity to love those in need and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; this is one of the greatest gifts that I could ever receive. What gift could be greater? The heart warming fellowship with the family that I had since becoming a follower of the way, or the families that would be bestowed gifts in the honor of my family thinking of a Christmas present to give me? I had not known which to comprehend which could be of greater value as I sat with a humbled head, bowing and weeping.

Gifts were gone, people were out the door, and I lay in the bathtub trying to piece together God’s goodness that Christmas day. The small drops of water streaming down from my hair and connected with the drops coming from my eyes. During those moments there was a great hope and empowerment of the unity and fellowship of the future of the family. In a sense knowing many of our family members were still not yet, but with great thankfulness the knowledge of the hope that came from that small card; we were drawing near to God, with the promise that when we draw near to Him, He will also draw near to us.

That was years ago, and since Samaritan’s Purse has continued to reveal an impact. In one instance during the time in Uganda, I was visiting a friend’s house. His sister received a Christmas box from Operation Christmas Child. Inside were small gifts of a child’s delight, along with a Bible and Biblical literature. Last week our class was able to participate by putting together boxes of our own to send out all over the world.

 

We have our boxes ready! :D 

To me Samaritans Purse in an organization that gave our family a unity and fellowship that sparked thankfulness. Weaved with this, it has allowed many to share the love of Jesus for those all around the world. For that I would like to give a special thanks to Franklin Gram and those serving with Samaritan’s Purse, sharing the greatest joy and love one can know.

Thank you!

 

Simple Servant,

Jarid