To us, it’s a simple bar of soap. To those who do not have it, it is an item of luxury.
The greatest need on the mission field is spiritual. The second greatest is food for their bodies. So I focus on those two things above all else. But whenever funds allow, I will also buy hygiene products for the people, as this is something that is very expensive and, more often than not, they cannot buy for themselves. Things that we think are just commonplace to have in our home like washcloths, towels, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper etc. are things that many here do without.
So, after the foot washing services recently at all of my Churches, I felt led to give away all the used bars of soap to the people. I could have just thrown them away, but instead, I encouraged everyone to to take the soap home with them. Oh, the excitement that overcame them! Some were even moved to tears! It was truly a humbling sight to see.
So, to some people, it’s not JUST a bar of soap, it is a wonderful Blessing from the Lord that they are incredibly grateful for. May we look at it differently now, and may God forgive us when we haven’t truly been thankful and given Him praise, for, yes, a simple Bar of SOAP.
