Chicken dinner ministry

By David | United States in North America

"And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." — 2 Corinthians 9:11

To some, $88 is not a lot of money. It is easy to imagine spending that much. But, can you imagine what it could mean for someone who had almost nothing to give away? The value of the gift may not be in the amount, but in the sacrifice of making it. 

For the past 10 years, I have been ministering among some of the men in this institution and know firsthand how little they have. 

The inmates at this correctional institution would never brag about their sacrificial giving. But I praise God for what they are giving up to help send us to Asia as cross-cultural workers with SIM.

For the inmates, one highlight of their week is the coveted chicken dinner. Since many of these men do not have any funds, the inmate-led church has come up with a unique way to donate to missions. Some of the men give away their chicken dinner to another inmate. Then, for every meal given away, other inmates with financial resources have committed to donating $1 toward our ministry in Asia, on behalf of the others’ sacrifice.

These men, many who will spend the rest of their lives in prison, are supporting the Great Commission in a country on the other side of the world.

In January they raised $88 on our behalf and have committed to supporting us indefinitely. They praise God for what He is doing through us! They have turned from their dire circumstances to sacrifice the little they have. They have more faith than I can imagine.

As if that were not humbling enough, these men are challenging others. They have written to outside churches and friends about our work and asked them to match their giving. I cry when I think of what they are doing for the kingdom. May the Lord richly bless their generosity by providing all they need.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 

Inmate church member, Jim, said: "Be blessed and never lose the hunger of seeking God's truth."