March Focus: Unprecedented Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

You are likely to have heard various people comment over the past two years that we are living in ‘unprecedented times’, enduring ‘unprecedented circumstances’ or weathering an ‘unprecedented pandemic’. Whilst all these things are true, as a charity, we have experienced unprecedented generosity. As we come up to marking 2 years since the first lockdown in the United Kingdom, we have been reflecting on some of the statistics that demonstrate the growing depth of poverty. Over the last couple of years we have seen more requests posted and met, more advocates joining and posting and more stories of destitution and crisis than in the charity’s 10 year history. But we have also seen donors meeting this rising need at an incredible rate. The majority of our requests are met within 10 days, with many met even quicker. We’re so incredibly grateful for donors giving large amounts, committing to donating by standing order and encouraging others to do the same. This level of generosity is what has made Acts 435 consistent during the crisis and a lifeline for many experiencing the worst effects of the pandemic.

We have also been so encouraged by the ways our partners have adapted to the new challenges the pandemic has and continues to pose, ensuring those who need help are able to receive it. Over the next month we will share some of these stories and thank our partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure services continue to be provided.

Stories of thanks from recipients and clients of our partners have also provided great encouragement during this time. Our system of ensuring donors receive thank you messages from those they have donated to has meant the weight and impact of each donation during this time of great need has been heard by those who have extended their generosity.

Whilst all covid restrictions have been lifted in England and the physical impacts of the pandemic are being felt less severely across the entire UK, the cost of living crisis prevails. Those with the least are being forced to squeeze more from their already incredibly low income. Our advocates continue to post requests to our website daily and financial support is still desperately needed. Throughout March we will reflect on the unprecedented generosity over the past two years and also highlight the constant and increasing need across the United Kingdom.

Acts 20:35 - In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.’