Hi Neighbour! We will not be satisfied with 50 per cent or even 99.9 per cent for that matter! We seek 'full-hundred' participation from the growing number of readers this column attracts. Unfortunately, a few fall prey to the temptation of reading us without acting on our main aim: to provide solutions for people through people. There are a few others who may be affected by their misgivings about the legitimacy of some of these situations.

Here's the solution: allow a little rain to fall on the unjust so that the just may receive the showers intended for them. Not a bad idea at all.

Hope these neighbours are now motivated to take a few steps beyond reading to help solve a few of the cases which appear in this column today. They will experience what the rest have been enjoying: the added blessings of giving to others.

Have you ever wondered why some persons, including myself, make such a big to-do about the statement 'Give and it shall be given unto you'?

About three weeks ago, a gentleman came to see me with a heart-rending story. Even though he could have done with a few dollars to purchase a meal, he did not ask for money. I had a single $500 bill in my pocket from which I had intended to purchase a meal for myself. I felt impressed to hand over the full amount to this hungry gentleman and I obeyed the voice.

The light in his eyes triggered a joy in my heart which is still lingering. As proof that whenever we give to a needy neighbour we become beneficiaries of a greater blessing, that same afternoon another neighbour gave me $15,000 that I did not ask for.

Indestructible nexus

This kind of experience is for anyone who is willing to test the waters by giving something of value to a neighbour in need. We must continue to urge even those who reach out for help to reach out with help, because there is an indestructible nexus between giving and receiving. This message we will continue to hammer in the morning, hammer in the evening, hammer at supper time until we all begin to help one another hammer out solutions for each another.

If all our people would just grasp this concept, Jamaica would be a land 'flowing with milk and honey'. Mark my words, until we take the business of loving our neighbour as ourselves seriously, prosperity will continue to elude us. I am not merely trying to put a reader-friendly article together - it is a statement of fact.

When we love our neighbour as ourselves, we are living in agreement with the Great Architect of the Universe, who established the principle of neighbourliness by which earthlings must live. Once we live by these laws, we become natural givers - giving is the greatest expression of love, as exemplified by God who "loved the world so much that He gave his only begotten Son" It is impossible to love without giving.

Deal or no deal?

Remember: Giving is a shield which protects the giver from poverty.

Have a great "neighbourday" and a greater Generosity Week!

Giving opportunities

Here are opportunities to help neighbours (repeat of last week's needs):

1. Myrtle, Kingston, an 80-year-old senior citizen living alone, is asking neighbours for a second-hand television.

2. Denise was robbed of all her belongings. Wants to set up a nur-sery to help generate an income, while providing care for children whose parents have to go to work. She needs cribs, play pens, etc.

3. Novelette, St Catherine, was involved in a motor vehicle accident and is now unable to walk. She wants to help finance her eight children through buying and selling small items. She is asking for a neighbour's assistance.

4. Angela, St Catherine, lost her house, household items and clothing to fire recently. She is asking neighbours for second-hand items.

5. Hazel, Clarendon, is a 75-year-old senior citizen asking a kind neighbour to help replace her dentures which were accidentally destroyed recently. Eating is problematic.

6. Elesha is a mother of four whose daughter passed for a high school many miles from home. She is unable to cope with bus fares and is asking for a neighbour's assistance.

7. Sophia, Westmoreland, has a son who is due to graduate from high school next year and she doesn't have the money to pay for his CXCs. The situation is despe-rate. She is asking for neighbours' help.

8. Miss Chamberlain is attending Bible college. Three quarters of the fee is already paid but she is unable to find the balance. She is asking a neighbour to help. The overdue amount is $15,000. She is very anxious to clear the outstanding amount.

9. Marva, St Catherine, mother of three, needs a mattress and dresser for her family.

10. Miss Miller, Kingston, lost her job about a month ago. Needs a little food for self and three-year-old child.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or email: neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the linkup. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to Acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing password: JNCBJMKX.