The fact that 1,000 people are here celebrating God's goodness by sharing a meal together is also an item for THANKSGIVING. How so? I shall come back to it.

Recently I came back from San Francisco and for two mornings I woke up at 4 a.m. and the Lord led me to finish reading the book, "The Blessed Life" by Pastor Robert Morris. Pastor Robert taught about giving. Now, I am sure everyone present has heard or read a fair share of teachings on giving, so I am not presuming to teach, only to share with you my own story and I pray it will be an encouragement to some of us.
I am encouraged by the scripture I read as I was preparing this talk: Psalm 40: 9-10: "I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly, I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."

What I am most impressed about Pastor Robert's book is that he is not just one who preaches about giving but throughout the whole book are his testimonies of God's faithfulness as he gave and still gives. He did not just talk the talk but he walks the talk. I just want to summarise that he taught that there are three levels of giving: 1. tithing, 2. Free-will offering and 3. Extravagant giving or painful giving. The book devoted a lot of space to tithing and for a good reason too. Without getting the first part right, there is really no second or third level. We all know tithing is a controversial subject: before or after tax? gross or net income? Whether we should give to our own church or the sum total including to Christian or charity missions? The book has made it simple for me: our tithe is based on gross income and to our home church. After I finished reading the book, I had a discussion with Steve. Although I do not generate any income (it is God's mercy and grace to provide for me through my husband Steve) but together with Steve, I asked that we look at our tithing. To make a long story short, we decided to action. I was praying very hard that the Lord would protect me so nothing will happen between delivering the cheque to my home church, meaning that I would not change my mind.

Before I even delivered the cheque physically to church (but my mind was firm to carry through this action), I received a phone call. I was not doing anything pious or religious, I was in the hairdresser! The caller told me that she and her husband are moved to pay for the Thanksgiving Dinner because they felt that it is a thanksgiving dinner and they would like people to be able to come for free! I could not believe my ears! What I could not believe even more was, this type of testimonies were throughout the book, but I did not think it would happen to me and so promptly. As you all know, for this thanksgiving dinner we set out to sell tickets. We did not fund-raise, nor try to drop hints or e-mail anyone about the expense of this Dinner. But by receiving this gift, we felt that God is saying to us, through this couple: " I am well pleased with you as you set out in faith to give me thanks", PRAISE BE TO GOD.

Of course, to avoid the risk of being seen as making things over-simplistic, I have to reiterate that the book did not say give with an eye to get back. In fact, the reverse is true. The book teaches that we should just give and give in the right priority out of wanting to please God and obey His word.

So, tonight, my sharing on giving is not asking you to give money to Alpha in the literal sense, although this is our fundraising dinner. I would only love for you to give, if:

1. You have fulfilled your tithing. If not, won't you consider to bring your tithing to your home church?
2. If you have done step 1, then, and only then, ask the Lord if He wants you to give to Alpha. Do not give to Alpha because Alpha has needs. All Christian ministries have needs. If you are ready and God wants you to give to Alpha, and your obedience in doing so will bring you blessings upon blessings.

Pastors, Elders and Deacons of churches: We would love for you to put Alpha in your list of ministries for consideration to give regular support.

At your table, you will see an envelope and a nice pen with a beautiful gold or silver colour bow. Please take a look at the Donation Response Form. If the Lord moves you to give tonight (you know where you stand in giving to the Lord), there will be collection boxes for the Response Forms at each side of the stage or by the exit of the Grand ballroom. If you are not ready, please take the form with you and pray about it. The pen is our gift to you. Please put this pen together with your Bible as this is an excellent pen and marker all in one.

Lastly but not leastly, I have written to Pastor Robert and we are buying 3 cases (130) of the books, "The Blessed Life". If you would like a copy, please e-mail our office. We were going to have them available at this Dinner but the freight costs proved to be prohibitive, so we are planning to ship them by surface mail. But please send in your request as soon as you can.

May the Lord bless you by opening the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Amen.