Away with Words: In Pursuit of Authenticity

This is my offering

Below is the scripted version of Saturday night's offering appeal. I didn't deliver it exactly as written, but the gist is here.

For 60 years Billy Graham has spoken live to more than 200 million people. Not as a showman or a salesman. But as a spokesman for Truth that transforms lives and empowers people to achieve dreams. He started out a Southern farm boy, and now, at 86, the greatest City in the world celebrates him as one of the greatest spokesmen for God that the world has ever known. Like Billy Graham, Jesus could hold his own in front of large crowds. Once, when Jesus got tired and sought a place to rest, the paparazzi found out. Word spread and 5,000 men, plus women and children met him at his destination. Moved with compassion, Jesus preached all afternoon. As night fell, the people were hungry, and something extraordinary happened. Jesus received one of just two recorded offerings. He turned to his disciples, the pillars of his ministry, and instructed them to feed the people. Their response: confusion. Was Jesus kidding? There’s no fast food in the middle of the desert. And even if there was, they would need a small fortune to feed so many. But into the confusion stepped a boy with big faith. He recognized opportunity that the adults around him missed. He had with him a bagged lunch: two small fish and five pieces of bread. He gave what he had. Nothing more. Nothing less. And Jesus took his offering, blessed it, and used it to feed everyone all they wanted, with leftovers. Young person, your destiny is right now. Today is the day of salvation. Contrary to popular myths, you are not the future. You have a future, that’s true. But like David, Esther, Josiah, Mary, and dozens of other Biblical heroes, you are the generation of today that holds the future. The Apostle Paul said it best when he charged Timothy: “Let no one look down on you because you are young, but be an example to the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” There is purpose and meaning in your life now, and you have an opportunity tonight to demonstrate it. Like Jesus’ little hero, I invite you to recognize opportunity and seize it. The adults will see your faith and be inspired to multiply your giving. Please take a moment and consider how you would like to participate in tonight’s offering, by cash, check, or credit card. Please complete the offering envelopes in full if you desire a tax deductible receipt. Checks should be payable to the Greater New York Billy Graham Crusade. Let’s pray.

posted by Jeremy Del Rio @ 6/29/2005 02:09:00 PM