I Don't Mind

I don't mind if you don't answer the door.
I mean, it is a bit rude, isn't it?
A complete stranger
arriving uninvited at your door
and asking you to give money to a charity
you probably haven't even heard of,
with a name that sounds like it is
nothing to do with you.

Our country is nominally Christian,
with cathedrals and ancient churches
in pretty villages, that are tourist attractions.
If you are not actively following the Christian faith,
then why should you give?
Isn't it the responsibility of the Christians
to give to Christian Aid?

I used to hate collecting and took part out of a sense of duty.
Then someone pointed out that this was the largest evangelical exercise of the year.
That thousands, perhaps millions, of doors would be knocked during Christian Aid Week, predominantly, though not exclusively, by Christians.
That was a game changer for me.
It is an opportunity to knock on doors and chat to folks,
the collection of money was a bonus!

Procedure for Collecting
Ring the doorbell
Wait
Count to 10
If no discernable movement, move on.
Otherwise, wait a little longer.

I always make the envelopes very visible,
so if they don't wish to give they can just shake their head,
I can smile in acknowledgement and move on to the next door.

When the door is opened, some will just say
"No thank you."
I don't mind. it is an opportunity to give, not an imperative!
A lot of those under the age of 50 have no idea what the Christian Aid collection is or what to do with the envelope they received earlier in the week..
Their responses varied:-

"What do I do with it?" They might ask,
holding up the envelope, with a puzzled expression on their face.
Keep it simple, I remind myself
"It is a cash collection that goes to help victims of floods, earthquakes and much more!" 
(Yes, I know there are other ways to pay,
and much more that they do,
but there is no point in bombarding them with information!)

"I give to other charities," they may respond.
"That's great!" I encourage them,
not wanting them to feel that it is their responsibility to give to everything.
No one person can solve ALL the world's ills.
If you have a big heart, you can become a victim of those who are so desperate to reach targets that they lose sight of the people who give.
Personally, I would encourage people to support a limited number of charities,
be interested in what they are doing,
and hold them to account!"

"I put it in the recycling. I didn't realise it was an envelope!"
Perhaps it was unfortunate that Christian Aid week coincided with the run-up to the European Elections.
It would be easy to mistake it for a Labour party leaflet!
Christian Aid, please take a look at your envelopes!
They have so much information on them.
Too much information!
The message is getting lost in a sea of information.

"Sorry, I don't have any change!"
I know the feeling, I have to remember to get cash.
So many places now take card payments.
"No problem. You can donate through their website. The information is there on the envelope...
I scan the envelope frantically, knowing that the website details are there somewhere, as I have seen them..
"Oh here it is, caweek.org"

"How does it seal?
In the middle.
Yes I know it is bonkers, and completely counter intuitive,
'If you lick that middle section and fold it, 
no not in half, along the crease, it WILL seal!"
To my relief it does!


"Young people don't give these days!"
Actually, they do,
"They give in different ways. 
They often respond to appeals like Comic relief or Children in need. 
They support friends raising money for causes close to their heart, that they are passionate about. - like Race for Life, or birthday fundraisers on social media."

I spent two lovely sunny evenings walking around my neighbourhood
and praying for those who lived there.
Meeting people, and making connections.
Hearing stories of joy and success and sadness & tragedy.
Spoke to those moving in, and those moving out.
It mattered not whether they gave, or not.
Some did.
Some didn't.
I didn't mind if they didn't.
But I was extra glad when they did.