The theme for the Self Denial Appeal 2024 is ‘Love in action’ and is inspired by 1 John 3:16-18:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions” (NIV).
‘Love in action’ sums up the Christian lifestyle — acting in love towards others because of the love God has for us. Throughout the Self Denial Appeal, we will be challenged to see we cannot separate our display of ‘love in action’ from generousity with our financial resources.
During the self denial journey this year, we will be encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, to deepen our faith and to trust God more fully as our Provider. The upcoming video series will challenge us to embrace self-denial and sacrificial giving, demonstrating love in its most practical form.
Each week, we’ll be moved by the inspiring stories from Salvation Army programmes in Tonga, Indonesia and the Philippines. We’ll witness the transformation our generousity can bring – helping families in the Philippines build thriving small businesses, aiding communities in Indonesia to rebuild after devastating earthquakes and tsunamis, and providing holistic education to preschool children in Tonga.
This Self Denial Appeal is a sacred invitation to reflect on how we can make a meaningful, sacrificial commitment to show our love for God and others. The ‘Love in action’ appeal was launched on the 12 May and the Southern Africa Territory will have the Altar Service on the 25 August.
Please give generously.