At the end of February, our Digital Communications Specialist, Abby Murphy, experienced a glimpse into a real-world example of a biblical parable. Read her first-hand account below!

“On a recent JE mission trip to Atlanta, I experienced something that reminded me of the poor widow in Mark 12 who gave all she had to the church. It was only a few cents, but when Jesus saw He said,

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” – Mark 12:43

We were preparing to head out to downtown Atlanta one morning with bags of food, toiletries, and information to hand out to the local people that were experiencing homelessness. Before we headed out, we were coached on the best language to use while serving. We were taught that many people experiencing homelessness never hear their names while living on the streets. Our first instruction was to ask what their name was followed by not assuming that they were experiencing homelessness. The intention behind this was to value them as individuals and not define them by their current life circumstances. Next, we kindly asked if they would like a bag and where they were laying their head that night. 

With our instructions in mind, we set out for Downtown Atlanta. As we walked, I watched the kids handing out bags. I immediately spotted a kind-looking old man, with a backpack walking through the street. I approached him and kindly asked his name. He looked at me with the biggest grin and answered my question happily. I asked if he would like a bag and he graciously accepted. He didn’t say thank you, he didn’t ask what was in it, he just looked back at me and, through his grin, declared, “You are doing the Lord’s work, aren’t you?” I laughed and said, “Yes, we are.” He emphatically began sharing the gospel and told me how much God loved me. 

As I listened to him telling me what I was there to tell him, he excitedly reached for his backpack and said, “Look what I have!” Out of his backpack, he pulled a stack of about 100 pamphlets. He handed me one, and as I looked down, I realized it was a gospel track. I fought tears as I smiled back. He then pulled out two dollar bills and handed them to me. I declined, and he asked, “Are you going to say no to a blessing from God?” At this point, the tears were too far gone to try and hide. 

“They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:44

The last thing he said to me was, “Let’s keep going and doing God’s work”. I walked away in complete shock. How could someone who has nothing be so selfless? How could he be so devoted to God? I can only imagine if I was in his position how mad I would be at God for allowing me to have nothing. This man was a true example of living with gratitude for what you have and serving God with all that you are. This moment will continue to impact me for years to come.”

-Abby Murphy, JE Digital Communications Specialist