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Donations to Christian Union Why should I give? God, being rich in mercy, gave his only Son to die for us. We give, not so much out of gratitude, because we can never repay God for his love – but to follow His example of sacrificial giving. All things come from God, including money. As God’s people we are responsible to support His work with His money. This work includes all of the various ministries of Christian Union – preaching and teaching, international students and small group ministries. The Bible teaches us that giving brings its own rewards. Firstly, those who receive the gift will be grateful to God and the giver. Secondly, God supplies the resources to enable people to go on giving. Thirdly, others are encouraged by seeing the fruits of generosity. (2 Corinthians 9) It is good to give to the church’s work of spreading the gospel to friends and new people whom we don’t yet know at Macquarie University.
What options are there for giving? Offertories are taken up in public meetings twice a semester, which will be in weeks 5 and 10 of semester one. You can give by either placing cash, cheque (to Macquarie University Christian Union of Students) or credit card voucher in the offertory socks. Internet Banking and periodic payments are an easy way to regularly give to the ministry of Christian Union. If you are interested in giving to Christian Union in this way, please contact Tom for the relevant account details. Christian Union also collects a membership fee of $5.00 at the beginning of the year in accordance with our constitution and affiliation with Students At Macquarie (SAM). Go to the AFES website to financially support a particular Staff Worker (Scott or Allison).
Where does the money go? Christian Union must meet its monthly administration costs, including printing costs (for membership forms, camp registration forms, weekly outlines and posters), bank fees and postage costs. We also support students who have financial difficulties, to enable them to join us on our camps throughout the year. How much should I give? There is no rule about how much we should give, but the New Testament does provide a useful guideline in 2 Corinthians 9:7, that “Each man should give what he has decided in his own heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." You may also wish to consider 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 and 16:2 in deciding how much you should give.
If you have any further queries in regards to anything discussed here or other financial matters with respect to Christian Union, please do not hesitate to contact Tom, our Treasurer.
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