What do you think of when you hear “sweet aroma”? Perhaps the phrase conjures up images of flowers in springtime or homemade apple pie in the oven. In 2 Corinthians 2:15, God uses the phrase “aroma” to describe the sweet fragrance we are to God among those being saved and to those who are perishing. In the Old Testament we see the fragrant aroma of incense burning continuously in the temple to represent the prayers of the people going up to the Lord.
One Hundred Shares Birmingham (OHSB) exists to be the sweet aroma, the fragrance of Christ, among the hurting and hopeless in Birmingham. When I first heard of the idea of bringing together a group of women to grant large sums of money to deserving ministries, I couldn’t get over what a great idea it was!
You may feel the same way too. I had prayed many times, “Lord, I want to do more, but I just don’t know what to do. I have limited time and limited resources. Show me how you want me to serve.” OHSB is a direct answer to that prayer!
How many of us would love to write a check for $100,000 to give to a ministry or ministries that we know are impacting the Kingdom of God? Most of us are not in a financial place to do that; however, if we unite in vision and purpose, what seems impossible becomes possible. There are likely many women in Birmingham who can give $1000 per year to generate a very large sum of money in order to expand God’s Kingdom in Birmingham. For some of us, $1000 per year is still a sacrifice, but when we see what our sacrifice can do as we unite with others, there is an undeniable potential for impact on ministries around Birmingham and the people whom they serve.
One Hundred Shares Birmingham is a Christ-Centered organization. We believe the Scriptures teach we are to care for the least among us. God cares for the poor and oppressed. We are also convinced that along with meeting physical needs, real hope and transformation comes from the message of the Gospel. We want to help those ministries who are meeting physical and spiritual needs in our city.
One Hundred Shares Birmingham believes in generous giving. Coming together with other women in our community helps us to do more with less. What if we could give $100,000 to an inner-city Christian school in Birmingham? Imagine giving $50,000 to ministries that are specifically serving victims of sex trafficking. What if we come together and give $100,000 to help abused women and children get on their feet and hear the Good News that is offered in Jesus Christ? The possibilities are endless!
One Hundred Shares Birmingham is also service-oriented. Our prayer is that as each of us comes in contact with ministries in our city, some of us will be mobilized to serve in other capacities. There are so many opportunities in our city and the Lord is opening the door for us to be involved.
One Hundred Shares Birmingham desires to glorify God above all. A constant prayer from the Board of Trustees is “not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory” (Ps. 115:1). OHSB is God’s ministry, God’s work, God’s money, God’s endeavor. We just get the privilege of being a part of it.
In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul speaks of women who have walked side by side with him in the cause of the Gospel. Our strong belief with One Hundred Shares Birmingham is that 100+ women walking side by side in Birmingham for the cause of the Gospel can and will make an eternal difference in our city and beyond. Please join us in this journey as we spread the sweet aroma of Christ among Birmingham together!
Blessings, Amy Tankersley OHSB Board Chair August, 2018
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