St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

For those of you who had not committed themselves to any pledge for the new church or have not had the chance to contribute to the church, please remember the case of the widow whom prophet Elijah visited. It is quoted in the Holy Bible, “ So he (Elijah) arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink. And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. So she said, As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said to her, Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: `The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.' (1Kings 17: 10-14). Here we see that Elijah asked her to give him first because he is the man of God.  Obeying Elijah led her to receive blessings that allowed the bin of flour and the jar of oil to last till the famine is over.  The above quoted verses ((Malachi 3:10);  (Acts 20:35); (2 Corinthians 9:8))   and the words of HH pope Shenouda III also show clearly the blessings one receives.  These are facts that have been experienced by everyone who contributed to the Lord.  There are many stories narrated in the books of the church that show the great blessings received by many who contributed offerings to the church.  In Fact, it is for us a great honor and blessing to be given a chance in contributing for building the house of prayer for our Lord and Savior.

Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, the creator of everything, the author and inspirer of all things holy, hear our prayers for our new church.  Send forth Your Holy Spirit that we may be humbly guided by Your Divine Will.  O Lord, touch our hearts with true generosity, bless us with open minds, greater unity, and renewed vision as we seek to build Your house of Prayer.   May it be O Lord, a place where we see steady growth of our congregation. We ask you Lord to bless the service of our church. We seek Your Face O God, for Thine is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory forever,   Amen.

In Christ

George Sorial
Secretary of the Board of Deacons