Feasting With a Reduced Income With this year’s turmoil, how do you properly plan for the Feast of Tabernacles? By Phil Sandilands
G
od established a way of providing enough financial resources for most members. It is self-funded and set aside for festival use. Deuteronomy 14 gives us the biblical mandate to set aside this fund. But what if we don’t have as much second tithe this year due to unforeseen circumstances?
Beyond the budget
Last year we described a budgeting tool that can be used to ensure we have sufficient second tithe to last the entire Feast, as well as the trip home. Most of us have been doing this for years. We know the usual amount we spend and often plan according to past experience. In many cases, we even know the place we want to stay, as it brings back memories of favorite Feasts in the past! This year may be different for you. You may be one of many who have had a reduction in salary due to the global crisis. How do you plan for the Feast when you do not have the amount you may be used to? God understands our desire to serve Him and worship at the Feast every fall. He also is acutely aware of our finances. We plan in the most responsible way we can and then place the situation in His capable hands. In many ways, this time has helped us to prepare for hard times that may lie ahead. We’ve learned that whatever the situation we find ourselves in, we must always put God first. We can discuss our concerns with Him and let Him provide us with comfort and relief. We watch His mighty hand as opportunities open up in ways we didn’t see coming. One thing that has become obvious to us all is that we do not need all of the things that we once thought were essential. Sporting events, movies, shopping for fun and going out to eat have taken a back seat. We’ve learned 4
One Accord
to prepare meals on a budget, and we’ve experienced working or schooling from the dining room table. The lessons we’ve learned can be used for this year’s Feast. Remember, the main reason we attend God’s festivals is to worship Him in the company of people of like mind. With our isolation this year, getting together at this year’s Feast should be a shot in the arm! Even though there may be restrictions on our activities, we can still safely enjoy the fellowship that the Feast brings. Those who may remember the Feast in the piney woods of Big Sandy know there wasn’t a lot of money, but the atmosphere was alive with godly communication.
The purity of fellowship
Here are some suggestions that can enhance your enjoyment of the Feast. And perhaps they can become the new standard by which we judge our Feasts in coming years. • Plan to have a kitchen or kitchenette. If you are used to staying in a hotel, changing your lodging preference to include a kitchen can reduce your expenses. Even though the cost of housing may be more per night, the extra money spent will be more than offset by the savings of cooking your own meals. Invite people over to share a meal with you. The expense of a fancy restaurant will be replaced with heartfelt fellowship! Evenings like this can be more enjoyable than trying to talk in a noisy restaurant. • Team up on rides to and from services. You may meet other Feastgoers in your housing establishment who can carpool with your family. This is a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. If you have teenagers, perhaps find another family that also has teens to share expenses with. Your teens will leave this Feast with great memories. cogwa.org
