“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:27 (NASB)
The Greek word for “religion” is threskia; pronounced “thray-skay-ah”; and literally denotes: “an act of worship.”
In this context, our “worship” extends far beyond the posture of worshipping in song with hands lifted high. Pure ministry, ministry of all forms, is an act of worship.
James was not suggesting that visiting (caring for) widows and orphans is the only form of pure ministry. What he was suggesting rather, is that you simply cannot go wrong with such a focus, in the event you find yourself wondering what you might set your hands to, which might be fruitful and met with favor by God. Of course I’m paraphrasing here–giving you a rubber-meets-the-road (expositional) application.
In essence, you cannot go wrong with sowing-into widows and orphans, financially. Below I have posted 2 web-links, within which you can do so.
The first link:
Chasdei Naomi (pron. “Haus-day Naomi”), based in Israel, feeds and cares for widows and orphans throughout Israel, and has been doing such for 30 years.
The word Chasdie in Hebrew, is pronounced “Chesed,” which means: “grace and kindness.” Naomi was founder Rabbi Yosef Cohen’s late mother. The ministry name therefore means: “The kindness of Naomi.”
Chasdei Naomi’s Mission Statement
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The second link:
Voice of the Martyrs, based in Bartlesville Oklahoma, and founded over 40 years ago by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand–Jewish pastors in communist Romania; feeds widows and orphans around the world.
Having read all of Richard and Sabina’s books; were I to choose but one by way of introducing you to their amazing story; it would have to be In God’s Underground, which can also be ordered via the web-link below: