Written by, Aneta Storvik, Public Relations Coordinator
Lately, God has been highlighting scripture to me on the importance of putting the needs of others above my own – selfless love. In our day-to-day lives it’s easy to only think about ourselves and what we need, but God asks us to be intentional about serving others!
A few months ago, a development officer came racing into my office telling me about a young girl who donated her birthday to the Mission. Instead of anticipating gifts for herself, she was inspired to have her friends bring some kind of donation for Denver Rescue Mission! This was her 16th birthday too – and she desired to make it about serving others and not accumulating more for herself.
I felt inspired and refreshed to hear that a teenager donated her birthday gifts, on her SWEET SIXTEEN, to make someone else feel important. This is rare, especially when I remember watching a t.v. show about girls and boys going OVER and BEYOND to celebrate their 16th birthdays.
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I asked Bekah to share her experience…
“This October was my 16th birthday. I was really looking forward to turning 16 because I feel like this year is a milestone. I decided to have a big party with my closest friends, but I already felt like I had all the gifts I needed. My parents suggested that I give back to the community instead of ask for presents. I thought this was a great idea, so I asked all my friends to bring a money donation for Denver Rescue Mission to the party as a gift.
When I saw how many people gave money, and how much money we raised, I was honored and amazed. I was not expecting to be able to give so much. I feel like I made the perfect choice for my 16th birthday. I feel like I followed in Christ’s footsteps, at least in a small way, and I was also able to serve people in need. My family took a tour of Denver Rescue Mission’s The Crossing near Stapleton, and I loved to see all the work Denver Rescue Mission is doing. I am proud to be a part of that by choosing to donate my birthday money to Denver Rescue Mission.”
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– Let me leave you with these words –
Philippians 2:1-4
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.