Another Way of Living by Herman Kauffman

2005 - The Year of Generosity

1999 was a year of anticipation and wondering if our computers would still work in the year 2000.

2000 - year of a new millenium and hope for the future.

2001 - year of fear as terrorism took the forefront.

2002-2004 - years of war, suspicion, and increasing violence.

2005 begins with our need to respond to the tsunami tragedy. If anything good comes from this tragedy, it may be the sign of increased generosity from nations and individuals

I pray that the spirit of generosity we have observed in the past week will continue throughout the year. May the generosity in response to the tremendous human need in several Asian nations continue until the re-building is completed.

May our generous response to the tsunami tragedy extend to other human tragedies of destruction. Our own Church of the Brethren disaster network is at work rebuilding the destruction in Florida and Nebraska as the result of hurricanes and tornado. And while the pull on our heartstrings is great following a disaster, let us not forget to be generous in our giving to the ongoing ministries of the church in meeting both the physical and the spiritual needs of God's people.

It is my hope that you and your congregation will help to make 2005 the year of generosity.

Herman Kauffman, District Executive Minister

 

Herman Kauffman serves as District Executive Minister for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren. Prior to assuming this position in November 1994, he served 20+ years as a pastor in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He has been married for 25 years and is the father of two young adults.

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