Small Offerings Made a Big Difference By Robyn Rison Chapman

by Rachael Adams | Dec 29, 2022 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

It was a dare I couldn’t resist.

I climbed the high dive one step at a time. I got to the top, walked to the edge, peeked down at my early 1990s white leather K-Swiss shoes, shrugged my shoulders, and jumped. I swam to the side, lifted my soaking wet self out of the pool, walked over to my pastor and collected on the $100 bet.

I, along with other members of our youth group, were fundraising to go to a national convention in San Antonio, Texas. It was a big trip from my little one stoplight Eastern Kentucky town. The church had rented the community swimming pool for an end-of-Vacation Bible School celebration. I was only passing through and not prepared to swim. The bet was to jump off the high dive, fully clothed, including those already-heavy shoes.

That was one of the splashier ways that someone supported my trip. Many people contributed. Some gave money. Some gave time. Some offered prayers. It was life changing because in a breakout meeting room surrounded by teenagers from across the country, I gave my life to the Lord.

We came back from that trip and did a presentation for our church which included singing the Ray Boltz song from the late 1980s called, “Thank You for Giving to the Lord.” That song has been on my mind lately as my children have been fundraising with their youth group to go to a convention.

The lyrics in that song talk about how all the simple ways we give to the Lord make a life-changing difference. I can testify to that. Part of loving our neighbor means offering support in lots of ways – many of them unseen by most people.

I’m certain that my parents would have made sure I had money for my trip but were it not for youth leaders and volunteer adults who agreed to give their time and go as chaperones and counselors, it wouldn’t have been possible. Without people willing to pray for me, my heart might not have been opened. Speakers, worship leaders, event organizers, facility staff at the convention hall each gave something of themselves for the benefit of each of those teens.

It sounds a lot like Jesus, doesn’t it? Like our perfect example. In 2 Corinthians 9 Paul writes about sowing generously. Someone supplies seeds. Someone sows seeds. Verses 12-13 jump out to me.

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” (NIV)

Needs get met, lives are changed, and God gets glory when we are willing to offer what we can. Today, I overflow with thanks to God for the people who were willing to invest in my spiritual life – financially, prayerfully, and by teaching and speaking encouraging words.

God does the most with the least when the heart is willing. Your prayers, your love might change a life that changes many lives. You have something to offer. Are you willing?

About the Author:

Robyn Rison Chapman is a finder of hope and a passionate encourager. She was an award-winning journalist and successful grant writer before leaving those careers to spend more time with her family. It was during a season of family grief that she began to feel God calling her into more faith-filled writing. She is the author of the devotional book “Ordinary Walks With An Extraordinary God,” writes regularly on her blog, www.hopeanyway.com, and occasionally provides guest posts for other sites. Her devotions run daily on WEMM radio. She has made guest appearances on multiple podcasts and is a speaker at church and women’s events. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Robyn is active in her church and has taught numerous Sunday School classes and Bible studies. She also enjoys baking, traveling, sports, and deep conversations. She lives in Proctorville, Ohio with her husband Derek and sons Jack and Max.