​As Christians, we firmly believe that:

1. God provides all things, even without us asking for them in prayer, and 
2. God chooses to provide all things through people.

That means that apart from a miracle (which I believe is possible!), basic necessities for life such as food, clothing, safe housing and shelter, reliable transportation, and learning supplies are provided by God to all people through people.

I don’t know a whole lot, but I do know this - based on my conversations with our neighbors, friends, and community leaders, many families in Central Pierce County continue to worry about what the fall will bring in regards to unpredictable access to basic supplies like

• appropriate clothing and safe housing…
• adequate access to food…
• reasonable fuel costs…
• affordable healthcare expenses…
• reliable transportation schedules… 
• and stable employment.

A fear of lacking these basic human needs all contribute to a pervasive sense of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Yes, Jesus does say, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

You can read more about what Jesus says about worry here.

When Jesus enters reality, worry turns to trust; anxiety transforms to confidence; and uncertainty becomes security. And who is Jesus’ body - His hands, feet, and voice? 

The church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.

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That’s why the Back 2 School Fair on Saturday, August 20 matters. You can go to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to learn more about volunteering to be a part of being the body of Jesus by providing basic necessities for students and their families as they prepare to go back to school in September.

But, don’t take my word for it… here is what our school counselors are saying about how God is providing for people’s needs through you…

• I talk to a lot of kids that tell me they don’t have any crayons/markers/paper at home to use. Thank you for all you do for our community.

 

• We still [always] need some backpacks... The water bottles would be great, socks are always in high demand,  something families ask for- not expensive kinds, but anything like from Walmart.. We so appreciate everything!

 

• We are always in need of: Pencils, Pens - Red, Blue and Black, Highlighters, Paper, Re-useable water bottles would be AWESOME! Thank you so much, can’t tell you how much it helps our families.

 

• In our leader meeting, we were talking about supplies – what the district is providing vs what they need. Some of the needs that we don’t believe the district is providing are colored pencils and the binder dividers. If you magically come across a supply of these, can you please keep us in mind? Thank you so much!!!

Jesus provided our greatest need - forgiveness of all of our sins (meaning, we are made right with God!), a life of service and loving people like we are loved by God, and eternal life loving God forever. And we are given this, even without us asking for it. God chooses to provide all of it through His Son, Jesus.

Likewise, God provides all created things necessary for this life, even without us asking for them in prayer. We have such an abundance of resources in our world.

And, God chooses to provide all things through Him… His body, the church… you and me… we are the body of Jesus for our neighbors… for each other.

I once read that God doesn’t need your love and service - your neighbors do.

How true that is. . . it’s how God chooses to provide for every need in every place for every person.

Head over to go.oslc.com/backtoschool to be part of this year’s Back to School Fair.