Church in Action
Posted on June 26th, 2006 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryHere is a nice story from reader Arcane Warrior. Apparently, there is a direct correlation between the number of comments AW writes and the size of his heart.
A member of AW's church was having trouble paying her rent and so the church came to her rescue. Here's AW's comment:
We just saw the last person to the door. The lady needed $442 to pay back rent and another $377 for rent on the 1st. The church gave $150 which we presented to her tonight. We had 23 attend our group tonight (much larger than the norm). We presented the need. $789 was collected from the group.
Grand total $939.
The money was deposited with the church and the check for $789 will be made out to her trailer park. She will be covered until August when the trailer gets paid off and frees up some cash flow. It was a risk for the group, but most were appreciative of the opportunity to give. I am glad we took the risk and listened to the Lord.
Thank God for the body of Christ.
Praise the Lord.
For those who have been asking, this is What Jesus Would Do.
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June 26th, 2006 at 11:30 am
What a generous and wise way to handle this situation!! Thanks for sharing this!
June 26th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Encouraging report there, Don!
…
A few years ago, Don, Karen and I were introduced to a woman who had MS. She lived in a studio type apartment on state aid. The first time we picked her up to go to supper, we saw just how little she had, and started helping her anonymously by sending cash through the mail in envelopes marked from the church.
Once when I sat down to pay bills and send her a gift, the Walmart ad had a 19″ TV for $100 - we needed one - and it was a $100 bill I was sending her at Thanksgiving … for just a moment, I thought about ignoring the leading to send her that $100 and buy that TV instead. But instead I cussed myself for being greedy, and sent her the money.
That weekend, we picked her up for supper again. And when we brought her home, she invited us in, and then pointed out a 19″ RCA color TV that someone had given her, and she offered it to us. She already had a TV and didn’t need another … God’s provision of a good quality used TV really stunned us, and made giving easier in the future for us.
Kathy is the one I wrote the following about in the article To Tithe Or Not To Tithe:
“Since that first eye-opening experience, the Lord has shown me many more sins of the church against the poor that have left me ill. One church considered installing an air conditioning system for which several members had pledged $35,000 while another member of the church who was wheelchair bound from advanced multiple sclerosis didn’t have enough money to buy food at the end of the month with what little state aid she received. Often she was forced to chose between food, medicine or heat in winter. For many months my wife and I gave to her anonymously and when she went to be with the Lord last winter, she was at peace – the kind of peace that only acts of love can bring ( 1 John 3:18, James 1:22 ). As she was relieved of her financial stress, she blessed everyone around her with unquenchable joy. Most importantly, she taught us about right giving.”
That unquenchable joy was easily the greatest blessing we received for giving - she simply glowed with joy as her needs were met in love …
The other cool thing that happened was, an attitude of giving took root, and soon several people started giving / helping her anonymously.
I hope your lady-friend, and your group experience the same Don, and that you get to see how the Father multiplies gifts that are freely given.
Jack
July 5th, 2006 at 9:06 am
What a touching story. It warms my heart to see that while you all are the most sarcastic bunch I have every conversed with, you still have a softer side. This is how church ought to be. Sure, we need air conditioning, but people come first. If only there were a way to balance the two…
July 6th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Update on the situation.
The money that came in paid all back rent, fees, for three months. It also paid the July rent and left $110 over for August when her last trailer payment is due.
She called me this week just to express her gratitude. Her 2nd job is now giving her a few more hours and that will help. She is working about 60 hrs/wk to bring home a little over $1200/mo. But, she is thanking God.
i want to thank the Business Church for embarassing me into action. So many of you asked where you could send money to help. Thanks for provoking me to good works.
Obviously this story is not ending here. Faith (yeah, that’s her name, interesting, huh) is a 58 year old widow. It will never be easy for her.
Thanks for being an encouragement!