I admit it: it’s a metaphor. This post is about water, not oak trees. Please keep reading even if you are more interested in trees than water.
Once upon a time a little girl, Rachel, only 8 years old, wanted to raise about $300 to help provide clean water to children she would never meet (the acorn). For her 9th birthday she asked friends and family to give to charity: water instead of to her. Events after her birthday turned out far differently than she or her family imagined. The hoped for gift ($300) turned into a $1.3 million gift (the oak tree).
In 1975 I was ordained a deacon. Since then I have been to several diaconal ordinations. In the Episcopal Church those about to be ordained deacons are instructed with these words: “You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.” Though I was subsequently ordained a priest I continue to take this instruction seriously. It did not disappear when I was ordained a priest.
In our Forum we seek to understand the needs, concerns and hopes of the world so that we may respond as the Spirit directs.
Clean water, clean and accessible water, is a human need in every time and place. Access to clean water is a concern and fundamental hope of every human being. I continue to contribute to charity: water. Here is why. You will find “the rest of the story” about Rachel in this report from NBC News.
Here you can find out more about Rachel’s Gift from the folks at charity: water
What is the Spirit saying to you?
Hear what the Spirit is saying 