By Joe Widick
Recently I ran across the story of a man named Nick Venetucci. He was given a very special name by those who knew him and loved him. He was called the Pumpkin Man. Every fall for forty years this Colorado Springs native invited thousands of school children to visit his farm along the banks of the Monument Creek to pick a pumpkin for fee and take it home with them. The story related how Nick loved to walk through his fields with the kids, helping them find “just the right one.” Nick was so popular in his community that a local elementary school was named in his honor. The principal of the school said that Nick taught our children the definition of generosity. He gave, gave, gave and never expected anything in return. When Nick passed away at the age of 93, the community saluted him as a hero because of his kind and generous spirit.
Nick Venetucci shared the fruit of his labor because he wanted to! That seems to be what the Bible teaches us about giving and sharing with others. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (II Corinthians 9:7-8). Paul seems to tell us that the grace comes from God; the giving comes from our hearts. We are in the midst of one of the most joyful times of the year for most of us. We have been blessed with an abundance of this world’s goods. It is also a joyous time of the year to be a part of the family at Maple Hill. Have you noticed how much giving to others has taken place this year? The Agape tree that Cindy puts up yearly is always responded to in a very positive way. The library was full of gifts for those who would not have much of a holiday season. When needs are mentioned from the pulpit there is always an overwhelming response. There will be a home built for orphaned children in Honduras, thanks to you! The stories are endless of your generosity towards others. I know that I am aware of only some of the stories, because so many of the generous gifts of giving are never known except by the recipient. There are many reasons why it is such a joy to be a part of the family at Maple Hill. Your generous and kind spirit is right at the top of the list. May the Lord continue to bless each of us with what we need. As we realize the abundance of our blessings, let that kind and generous spirit continue.
Prayer Thought: When the door of opportunity is opened for me, encourage me to walk through it and make a difference.
By Joe Widick
When we were in Honduras, there were of course many special moments. There were times when we had tears of sadness in our eyes at other times there were tears of joy. There were times when all was well and other times we thought that if I have to go one more mile in this school bus I will scream (school busses were not designed for adults). One of those special occasions came at the end of a long bus ride up into the hills to a little community called Santa Ana. I have been going to Honduras since 1988 and had never heard or seen this place. Property has been bought and on that property they have built a clinic to meet the physical needs of the people in the community. They have also constructed a functional building for worship. The final set of buildings is a home for children. It is called Casa de Esperanza or for us gringos House of Hope. That is exactly what it is, a house of hope. Currently there are 15 children who live there. When we first arrived at the sight, we were taken to the church building to get an introduction to the property. The director of the children’s home along with the minister told some of the history of the facility. Then they introduced us to a little 4-5 year old boy who had come from an abusive situation. It was so terrible that the director really didn’t want to share with us what had happened to the boy. She stated that when he first came, he had to be held constantly (holding his arms down so he wouldn’t be hitting). Patience, care and love has won the young boy over. Each night he has the song “Jesus Love Me” sung to him. The highlight of this visit came when the director gave the microphone to the little boy and he sang “Jesus Loves Me” in English to each of us. When he got to the part of the song that says; “…we are weak but He is strong” he smiled and flexed his muscle. I don’t know about the rest in the group but as for me there was a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. God is so good. Those who had no hope are now given the opportunity to have hope. Those who saw no love are now being loved. Those who didn’t know what it was to have a bed or clean clothes now have both. There are so many opportunities within our community and those communities throughout the world to make a difference. While we were there, George and Stephonia received a special gift that will always remind them of making a difference in the lives of others. Remember what Jesus said toward the end of His time on earth; “I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you clothed me…” I am so thankful for the many blessing I have, I am also ashamed that from time to time I take these rich blessings for granted.
Prayer Thought: Help me to remember that You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts.
By Joe Widick
A couple of weeks ago Landon received a call from me. I am sure it was not what he wanted to hear, but alas I had to be the bearer of bad news. My computer was “dead,” or at least I thought it was. I had planned on transferring some pictures from my camera to the computer. Without warning the screen went completely blank—“dead.” I tried a few things that Landon normally tells me to do when there is a problem, but not of them worked. I knew that something was wrong, but that was only a small part of the problem; I couldn’t fix it because I didn’t know the right thing to do.
I believe that there are a great number of people in this world that know that there is a problem. It may be a problem at home in raising the children or paying the bills. It might be at work, where you struggle with your employer. The problem grows and becomes worse each day. Maybe it is a problem at church. You just don’t feel things are right, you sense that there is a problem, but what to do is another matter. In families, churches, and workplaces, nothing gets fixed because we get fixated on what’s wrong. It doesn’t take an expert to know that something is wrong when people quarrel and hurt each other with unkind words and behavior. But it does take an expert to know how to fix the problem.
You may think it is an oversimplification of the problem, but the answer to our problems is always within our grasp. When the Israelite nation struggled with one problem after another, and the people grew frustrated, God revealed the answer to Israel’s prophets. When it was revealed to them, it was revealed to us. God told them not only what was wrong, but also what was right. In Isaiah 1:16-17 the prophet by inspiration spoke and said; “Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor.” The direction is sound advice. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, let’s obey the One who knows what is right.” We need to realize that like a compass, the Bible always points you in the right direction. When we are focused on that right direction, we avoid so many of the problems that have plagued us in the past.
Landon came to my office and was able to bring my computer back to life. He made it appear easy. Why, because he knew what to do with the problem. When I look to God for answers to the problems that I deal with and struggle with, I know that God knows what to do with each problem that I bring him. Isn’t it a joy to be able to serve a God who loves us and cares for us each and every day?
Prayer Thought: Remember those who have traveled to Honduras.
