70x7

997

Well I guess the Lord has decided it’s time for me to write about the Easter basket outreach because I can’t find any scripture to coincide with 997 baskets.  In all my years of doing outreach this had to be the most joyful and convicting season ever!  Of the 997 baskets we gave out we probably talked to over 700 people.  Most of the people were very, very grateful to receive a basket and prayer; in fact a few of them did a cute little jig when they received it. 
 
We cruised the streets doing 13 outreaches, most into areas where we didn’t know the people.  If we didn’t see a lot of adults walking down the streets we would turn down a side street and look for children.  Then we would pull over and ask the kids if they could get their parent/s so we could give them a free Easter basket.  (We have to be very careful in reaching out to kids; we don’t want people to think we are preying on them.)  The kids were so excited they would run off screaming for their moms or dads.  The parents would come to the van and we’d explain who we are and ask if we could pray for them.  Then we would ask if they knew what Easter was about and why we were handing out baskets and prayer.  When we listened to their answers we became very convicted.  Here we are a group of people who profess a faith in Christ and we are surrounded by people who have no idea they have a savior who gave up everything for them.  It was actually easier to talk to people we met who were of another faith but knew who Jesus is, than it was to talk to people who had no idea who Jesus is.  One man we were talking to about Christ’s death and resurrection said, “Gross! Why would someone do that?”   
 
I had never before asked so many people what they knew about Easter.  I honestly expected most people to say it was about Jesus, His death and resurrection.  Boy was I ever wrong!!   The most common answer was, “It’s about getting together with family and sharing a meal”, the second most common answer was, “it’s when Jesus was born”.  I wanted to cry when I heard how Ill-informed most people are and then I asked some of my neighbors and got the same answers. 
 
I don’t want this to be a depressing email as the 70x7 team has been very blessed by so many of you with all the Easter baskets we received.  We really did have a wonderful time passing them out and seeing the joy on so many faces.  You may have donated a basket or a financial gift with joy in your hearts thinking about the person who would receive the blessing.  And they did receive a blessing but it also opened our eyes to how much more needs to be done to spread the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to a dying world.   We were also reminded that God is at work in so many ways, through this Easter basket outreach and our wonderful churches and ministries reaching out beyond the walls, and through E.A.C.H.  These are exciting times and we are so blessed to be able to be a small part in the Lord’s plan to redeem His people!
 
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”  2 Cor. 9:7-9
 
Thank you, thank you, for blessing us with 13 van loads of Easter baskets.
Blessings,
Donna
 
P.S. Since passing out the baskets I have received numerous phone calls from people saying, “Thank you and I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter”.  Thank you Father, we can’t wait to get back out there and share your message with more and more people.
 

“Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” Deut.28:6