The holiday season is upon us. All of the chaos and busyness abounds. Most of us find ourselves caught up in trying to accommodate “this side of the family” and “what about that side of the family”. We worry about what dish to take to each gathering. And we hope to avoid those who are “suckers” and not “fillers” (for reference, please see earlier blog dated 10/16/23). But I’m pretty sure we’re missing something.
In II Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul explains it this way: the harvest is proportional to how much seed is sown. God doesn’t give to us so that we can fulfill selfish desires. He gives to us so that we can meet the needs of others. Specifically, verse 11 says, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God”.
In 1888, at the age of 10, Sam Hurley found himself hungry and alone. Afraid and sleeping in a cave on the mountain, he prayed and asked God to get him through the night. He made God a promise. If God kept him safe, he would build a place for boys and girls so they wouldn’t have to sleep in the woods. God delivered Sam through that night and many more.
Although Sam had never attended school, he became a successful local businessman. In 1921, Sam was approached by a young boy who had no place to go. Initially, Sam turned him away (he already had seven children of his own and had taken in nine others as well). But he remembered his promise to God. That set in motion the steps to what is today Grundy Mountain Mission School.Many years ago, Rush County, Indiana (my home) introduced me to MMS. Early Thanksgiving morning a caravan of travelers would meet at Mr. Freshies (a local donut shop) and embark on the journey to Virginia. There was no packing of baskets with green bean casserole or homemade rolls. Our vehicles, trailers, and a semi were loaded full of shoes, clothes, washers, dryers, and anything else the school needed. To know Rush County is to know that even though “wealth” isn’t the first thing to come to mind, it is definitely known for generosity.
If the weather cooperated, we would arrive in time to have Thanksgiving Dinner with everyone at the school. To say that they had modest surroundings was a tremendous understatement. I remember distinctly the dining hall and the long wooden benches we sat on. The food that was placed in the middle of the table stood in stark contrast to the banquet we would’ve been served back home. But in a single moment, I forgot all about what was back in Indiana. I saw the look on the faces of those kids (kids not unlike me). They were overjoyed with everything placed before them. Suddenly it didn’t matter to me that my favorite deviled eggs weren’t on the table.
Over the years, the activities of the weekend have changed. My dad spent several years coordinating a team of Rush County young men to play in a basketball game against the school. Now we simply enjoy watching the alumni of the school playing a game against the current high school boys team. We pop a lot of popcorn. There’s ice cream with all the toppings. And one of my favorite activities is getting to spend the evening with the graduating seniors decorating for Christmas.
I have an incredible family. I love them dearly. But Sam Hurley (and the generations of his family over the last 100+ years) set the bar pretty high. He understood the verses above. Our service, generosity, and love should bring thanksgiving to God. The work of MMS (as an outpouring of God’s love) has completely changed the trajectory of the lives of thousands of students. So again this Thanksgiving, I’ll be making the trip to see my friends Ernie, Patti, Josh, Wanda, and many others. Those amazing individuals have given their entire lives to bring thanksgiving to God. Their sacrifice and dedication is a rare and beautiful thing.
If you find yourself wanting to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can tell you a variety of ways to help. You can also learn more about the school here: https://mmskids.org/