Holiday money is a welcome extra for many people. Some use it for a trip, a day out or a home investment. But as Christians, we are also challenged to look beyond our own desires. What if your holiday money - or part of it - could be a blessing to someone else?
Supporting a project financially
The diaconal projects of the Christian Reformed Churches provide a valuable opportunity for this. Through the national diaconate, people living in poverty, insecurity or loneliness are helped, both near and far. Think of support for refugees, food projects, helping families who are financially stranded or practical care for vulnerable people. This is how Christian compassion is given concrete hands and feet. Inspiration for these projects can be found on the project page.
Diaconal work over the holidays
Even our holidays themselves can take on a diaconal character. Why not spend a week helping at a Christian holiday camp, cooperating in a drop-in centre or participating in a diaconal project at home or abroad? Such experiences are not only meaningful for others, but also deepen your own faith. You meet people up close, learn to listen and rediscover what serving in imitation of Christ means.
Summer is a time of both rest and reflection. By consciously giving of your time, money and attention, you show something of God's love. Those who share of their abundance often discover that they themselves are also richly blessed: with gratitude, connection and faith deepening.
Rev Erjan van der Linde