Thursday, February 14, 2013

Forty acts of generosity to change the world

Giving blood and living on a fiver are just some of the Lent challenges from Christian charity Stewardship.

Its 40acts initiative kicked off yesterday (Ash Wednesday) and will challenge people to do something generous each day during Lent.

40acts is now in its third year and rather than giving something up, invites people to "give something out".

The actions are simple but involve some personal sacrifice, with becoming a mentor among the other challenges.

In addition to each challenge, there are daily reflections from contributors like Krish Kandiah, Rob Parsons and Russ Bravo.
“The idea behind 40acts is simple,” says Debbie Wright, head of content at Stewardship.

“Lent marks a pivotal point in the history of the church, when Jesus prepared to give himself up as a sacrifice for all mankind. Traditionally we mark Lent by giving something up, but what if it could be more than that? What if Lent was a preparation for a lifetime of big-heartedness?”

She continues: “Small acts of generosity, performed by thousands of Christians across the UK, have the power to make a big change to our communities, to our churches and ultimately, to our world.”

Participants can sign up to 40acts via 40acts.org.uk and will receive daily 40acts challenges via email from 13 February to 30 March. 


 Challenges will also be posted on the 40acts website on a daily basis.
Free resource packs are also available for download from the website.