This week's devotion was written by Tim Gellings, member of the Stewardship and Finance Board.

“Sometimes you just need to walk by faith, not by sight.”

This was a common phrase spoken by one of the most generous people I have had the pleasure of knowing, Monsignor Thomas Campion, the priest at the church I went to growing up. The phrase is a reference to 2 Corinthians and is meant to emphasize the importance of trusting in God's promises and guidance, even when the circumstances around us are unclear or uncertain. Fortunately, I was blessed and had the opportunity to learn from Monsignor Campion about generosity and the power of not only walking by faith, but recognizing that everyone has a part to play in helping God fulfill his promises. 

In 1967 Monsignor Campion founded the Apostolate to the Handicapped, a Christian organization with the focus of outreach to persons with disabilities and established the 1st TV Mass on Sundays for shut-ins on WISC-TV Channel 3. He dedicated his life to growing the reach of the organization throughout southcentral Wisconsin and frequently said his favorite events of the year were the Apostolate to the Handicapped Christmas and Easter events. This twice a year event would bring over 100 people with disabilities and their caregivers to the gym of the local high school for a church service and meal in their honor.

These were large events that required many resources to provide transportation for people from the surrounding counties to attend as well as meal preparation. An outdoor fundraiser was held every year to raise money to pay for the event, but due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, some years the event would be canceled or not generate enough to cover the costs of that year’s events. It was around those times that you would frequently hear “Sometimes you just need to walk by faith, not by sight” from Monsignor Campion.

In high school I had the opportunity to volunteer at the apostolate events and witnessed first-hand the power of walking by faith. Whether that was watching dozens of high school basketball players and spectators spontaneously decide to stay after a night game to help set up for the Christmas event because the roads had become bad and the majority of volunteers to help set up could not make it in, or local business owners the day of the event donating the use of their vans and busses to make sure that anyone who wanted to attend the Christmas or Easter events had the opportunity. These events meant the world to attendees and I had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the generosity of volunteers and business owners to make sure everything was perfect.

As I reflect on the gifts I have received from God and the power of generosity & walking by faith, it’s hard to not acknowledge the importance other people play in God carrying out his plan. When we give financially and by giving our time to organizations like Apostolate to the Handicapped or Resurrection Lutheran Church, the gifts we give help play a direct role in other people’s ability to trust in God's promises and guidance, no matter the circumstances.