Year's end is a unique time in content, challenge, and rhythm. For many, it is a time of slowing down, creating space to savor and experience the conclusion of another year of life. For others, the challenge is the frenzy to get this in, or get that done before December 31, with Christmas pressing to boot.
One constant for this month in content is that the mailbox fills with charity requests amidst the Christmas cards, the timing in large part driven by the Internal Revenue Code. Indeed, our Verbena Foundation sends out our one appeal this time of year from a person whose life has been changed by the ministry of prayer. Often one third or more of our budget comes in from November 15 to January 15. It is clear then that we join the mailbox stuffing and often revisit the questions: "Why is asking others for financial support important? Is it a kingdom activity? How does one ask in the Spirit of the kingdom of heaven with gratefulness and confidence? If it seems that we are entirely dependent on the generosity of others, are we living in dependence on the Lord?”
Our methods for raising support have been formed from the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer. In response to a clear leading 25 years ago, there would be no fee charged for the privilege of praying with folks in desperate need. The Verbena Board embraced Henri Nouwen's challenge to boldly tell the story of the ministry and embrace inviting others to give as a ministry to them. The folks we invite to give are not an impersonal mass but rather intimate friends. And, because prayer is the foundation and milieu of everything we do, particularly in intercession, we pray. Once the invitation is sent, we pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers in the fields of financial support out of the same compassion Jesus had for the broken-hearted and desperate in Matthew 11:36-38.
Now I want to focus the conclusion of this letter on the ministry of giving and a precious work being lived out in Bethlehem. I heard about the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem at a church dinner several years ago where the president, Michelle Bowe, spoke. As most of you know, Verbena maintains close ties and contact with Israel through Magdala, Ashley Medford's work, Carol and George Madison's tours, and our own visits there. This year when the Holy Family’s giving appeal arrived it struck me that it came from Bethlehem with the Church of the Nativity just steps away, where Christmas is in constant celebration. There is a dwindling population of Christians there which the majority non-Christian Palestinian population sees as a negative development for the health and welfare of the city. So, Laurie and I give to support this hospital every year. It serves the whole population regardless of the ability to pay and without regard to ethnic or religious affiliation. Its central work is with the care and delivery of babies and their mothers. Here is what Michele Bowe says:
“Since the days of King David and the birth of Jesus, Bethlehem
has been overlooked, overshadowed by Jerusalem. Today, this
holds true. Few pilgrimages stay in Bethlehem, favoring Jerusalem.
Economic activity is only 15% of what it was in 2019. Since 90%
of the economy relies on pilgrimages, most remain unemployed.
Bethlehem has slipped deeper into a persistent economic crisis.
Mothers arrive to the hospital in labor and hungry. The babies are
small and more fragile. The nutritional status of both mothers and
babies is compromised. Vitamin D and iron deficiency are pervasive.
A growing poverty is entrenched in the town.
For 25 years Holy Family Foundation has elevated the status of women
and children by ensuring the best care without regard to need or creed.
Accompanying the staff and patients, we are committing to keeping the
spotlight on Bethlehem. We share their joys, sorrows, and accomplishments
the care we provide. We share the good news: across our country and
beyond. The Foundation is committed to keeping Bethlehem in the forefront.
We work to create a better future-- one woman, one baby at a time.”
In re-reading and typing this message from Michele, I realized two stunning connections between the Verbena vision and that of the Holy Family Hospital. The visions were both birthed 25 years ago, and both are based on helping one person at a time. It is the mantra and the way for us both. I love it when God does this to say, "Hey, when you are working on this, I have a few hidden surprises." Yes.
Please give to Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem in this special, year-end time of year.
Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation
2000 P Street, NW, Suite 310
Washington DC 20036.
Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open
the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will
not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3: 10b.
Merry Christmas and blessings,
Trip and Laurie