"Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,

will be poured into your lap..."

~ Luke 6:38

I had the opportunity to ring bells for Salvation Army in Mason City (Iowa) with a group of volunteers representing our church family on this past Saturday afternoon. We worked in teams, ringing bells for two hours, at seven doors of business places in the city. It is an annual project of our mission and outreach committee.

I told Jim's story of something which had happened to him while he was in the U.S Army, to our volunteer team:

While he was stationed in New Jersey, some of the soldiers would make their way to New York City to experience the sights and sounds of the big city. Jim told that one time someone stole his wallet which included his money and his identification. Not knowing what to do, he made his way to the local Salvation Army; telling them of his plight.

A staff member agreed to walk with him to the nearest bus station, purchased his bus ticket back to base, and gave him several dollars to purchase lunch on the ride back 'home'.

As he boarded the bus, he said to the Salvation Army worker, "How do I pay you back? Can you give me an address?"

"You don't," was the reply, "just remember us whenever you see a red kettle."

Over more than fifty years, Jim saw many red kettles and responded positively nearly every time he spotted one!

The group was repaid many times over by a soldier who was in dire need one day!