Why form a ministry around an Old Testament story of gleaning?
Most of us are at least familiar with the story of Ruth in the Bible. A Jewish family moves to a neighboring country to escape a famine, and one of the sons marries a gentile girl named Ruth. Tragedy strikes, as her father-in law, brother-in-law and husband all die. In time, her mother-in-law Naomi hears that the famine has ended and decides to return to her homeland. Out of love, Ruth accompanies her, becoming a foreign widow in a strange land with no resources. They arrive at the beginning of the harvest, and Ruth goes out to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. This was in accordance with the law of the land requiring landowners to leave behind the corners of the fields and anything missed as provision for the needy. She happens to come to the field of a wealthy landowner, Boaz, who out of his compassion instructs his servants to "let fall some handfuls for her on purpose." His generosity allowed her to provide not just a few meals, but an abundant supply, enough for many days.
Only God could give a vision like this to a twenty first century woman in America and link her life to an ancient heroine like Ruth. Even as I was carried in my mother's womb, she proclaimed that it was important that her child would be born. Just as Israel became a nation. I did grow up to love God and to greatly appreciate the people of my Jewish Messiah Jesus. But the link between me and Israel did not show up for me until after my first marriage after 27 years ended abruptly. Left as a single mom with one child needing support and two visiting frequently, even two jobs was sometimes not enough to keep me on solid financial ground. My pastor said I had joined the ranks of a kind of widowhood in the church. Anytime someone gave an unexpected "handful" of money was cause for celebration. Another surprise was in the wings for me. During my personal bible time, I followed God's leading to study the book of Ruth. A bible promise leaped of the page for me:
"May the LORD grant that … you will find rest in the home of another husband." (Ruth 1:9)
A few years later, this was fulfilled as God granted me a wonderful husband who shared my passion for Him. Once again, God stirred up my interest in Ruth. Just as suddenly as He gave me the promise, He granted me an idea, the concept of caring people who have experienced God's grace in their lives reaching out in compassion to help widows, orphans and newcomers to Israel, Ruth's people.
But how could we like Boaz reach out when we don't have fields for them to glean in? It is all about giving from the harvest of what we do have, and dedicating it "on purpose" to help these same people today. Handfuls On Purpose is real people helping real people come to a new level of life - like family.
Come alongside with us and help the widows, orphans and newcomers to Israel with your "handfuls on purpose."
info@handfulsonpurpose.org