One week ago Saturday, Angelus Templo Santa Tecla (planted out of Angelus Templo Hispanic in L.A. 12 years ago) made their annual trip to Usulután, Eastern El Salvador.  They shared gifts in some of our poorest communities, and the love of Jesus to parents and children alike.  Take a look at the video HERE.

In like manner, our weekly Foursquare communication came out and this story from 1926 was shared.  Angelus Temple, founded by Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, from the very beginning had a heart for all races and classes, for the poor, and to reach their communities.  But this year, 1926 was special.  This year, they had expanded the stage to give out more gifts, food, and to bless all who arrived.  And, in typical fashion, the Temple was decorated from top to bottom, with a finishing touch of the Star of Bethlehem.

Near the close of the service, after all gifts had been given out, another 40 children arrived, and Sister, undeterred, asked, “Boys and girls, what shall we do? These folks have just arrived, and there isn’t a thing for them!”

Children began to give from what they had just received, then the adults joined in…this outpouring spread into the communities, into the streets, food, provision, shoes, clothing, toys…in remarkable abundance were given this year.

You can read the entire story by clicking the picture below.

So what can we gather from this story.  These were the “Roaring Twenties” when joy and good will were abundant, and a visionary leader and visionary church realized that they were called to do more than enjoy all that God had blessed them with.  Less than 3 years later, on October 29, 1929, this changed and the U.S. went into one of the greatest economic depressions in history.

However, Angelus Temple lived by the rules of another economy, one that says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use it will be measured to you!!!” (Luke 6:38)  And this church continued to give, and give, so much so, that “During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Sister Aimee oversaw a commissary ministry from Angelus Temple that fed more people in Los Angeles than government programs were able to care for.”  (Foursquare History)

In uncertain times, we are called on to enjoy the Lord’s abundance (The Joy of the Lord, In-joying)  But, we also need to share that joy as far and wide as the Lord enables us to.

The niche we have been given is this small oval of land called El Salvador, where has the Lord placed you?

May you be blessed and be a blessing this Christmas season.  Thank you for being a blessing in our lives.