Links:The Kingdom Assignment
Stories from the Participants in the Kingdom Assignment.
Caro United Methodist Church
Summer 2007
The Kingdom Assignment
It all started for me when a group from our congregation took part in last year´s Bishop´s Day on Stewardship and Evangelism held early in March. That morning a group of adults and youth from First UMC in Ypsilanti told of taking part in a "Kingdom Assignment." They had their experience because someone from that congregation had learned of a book written by Lisa and Denny Bellesi which chronicled the author´s church in California in which this idea had first come to fruition. The presentations that morning and then later in a smaller group were so powerful that on our way back from the event I said, "If there is a way, we just have to do this also."I wasn´t quite sure where the "talents" for our portrayal of Jesus´ parable would be found — or if we could come up with as many "talents" as had our sister church in Ypsilanti. But we read the Bellesi book and looked over the material that was made available at the Bishop´s day and waited for some guidance. It wasn´t long in coming. While I thought that maybe we would be able to involve our congregation in a Kingdom Assignment that wasn´t quite as ambitious, when the time came to move forward, someone with greater faith than your pastor (not a good confession to make, I know) said, "Let´s do the same thing right here — and I´ll help make it happen."
So in June I came into worship with more money in my pockets than I had ever had before, not knowing whether anyone would step forward when the invitation was given to accept an assignment of extending the Kingdom of God.
The instructions given were the same as those first given in California:
1. You must understand that this money belongs to God.
2. You are being asked to use this money to extend God´s Kingdom in whatever way you are lead to do so.
3 And, in about 90 days you will be asked like the stewards in Jesus´ parable to report back to the congregation on the results of your investment.
So, in October after getting back into the fall schedule of work, school, and worship we set aside a Sunday to hear your reports. What you have in your hands now are many more of the reports that people have made of the way in which they expanded God´s Kingdom through the assignment accepted that morning in June.I´m sure you will quickly hear the joy of helping others and the joy of getting others involved in your assignment. Many added to the gift they were given and so multiplied the "talents" they received. I also hope that part of the experience led us all to realize that all we have is a gift and that all of it, the 10th and the 90th, can become a way by which we do God´s will. We each have talents and gifts that are needed to carry out God´s calling. We have been blessed to be a blessing. Continue to build and extend God´s Kingdom here on earth.
Jerry Smith, Pastor, Caro United Methodist Church
top***********************************************************
Linda Gierhart's Story
I chose Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization as my "Kingdom Assignment" recipient. Here is what the brochure says about ECHO: "ECHO is dedicated to fighting world hunger through innovative ideas, information, agricultural training and seeds. By networking with community leaders and missionaries in developing countries, ECHO seeks to find agricultural solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. ECHO is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Ft. Myers, Florida. The farm allows ECHO to provide resources for missionaries and agricultural workers in over 190 countries."I called ECHO and told them about my Kingdom Assignment and how I would like to share information about the organization with friends in Caro in hopes of increasing the $100 I was given and wanted to donate to ECHO. They sent me monthly newsletters, brochures, networking note cards and a DVD which I shared. I was thrilled at our friends' enthusiasm, encouragement and willingness to generously give to this worthwhile organization who is helping to provide hope to a hungry world. In addition, a Summer Letter from ECHO explained that there would be $2 matching for every $1 we gave.
I would be happy to share the DVD and also invite you to Fort Myers to view the farm in person. Dave and I are so impressed every time we go on the tour and see and taste a variety of rare and nutritious food plants that thrive under difficult growing conditions. You also learn more about the four main components of ECHO: Problem Solving, Seedbank, Education and Training for interns and Networking. The website is www.echonet.org Please check it out. ECHO's Vision is "To bring glory to God and a blessing to mankind by using science and technology to help the poor."
My group total was $595. The matching campaign will provide $2 for every $1 we gave so the grand total is $1785 — WOW! How my $100 grew!
top
***********************************************************
Diane J. Hayes´ Story
Kingdom Assignment? $ 100? I'll give it a try. Now, what to do with my $100 to make it grow or Pay It Forward to be of benefit somewhere or to someone.Network! That was the answer. Talk to people and get some ideas. Barb Buckley is involved with the Relay for Life. Good place to start. I had thought of the Cancer Society. Barb had some contacts and gave me some information and phone numbers for the Red Cross and the Cancer Society.
After making contact with Cancer Society, I was given the name of a 9 year old girl with alopecia, a disease that makes the person lose all hair. Since I am a mother of 2 daughters and have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters program I thought I could benefit this child.
Through more phone calls and contacts I discovered the Wigs 4 Kids program. They help children with cancer, alopecia, and other diseases get the proper wigs and help them attain much needed self-esteem.
I also went online and printed out some of the information available explaining the Wigs 4 Kids program. I then called the 9 year olds' mother to explain the process. She said they had already procured a wig from another connection, but appreciated my offer of help.
So, back to calling the Wigs 4 Kids number. After reading the information and talking to a Wigs 4 Kids representative, I decided to try still going on with my project. Since the price of the program is more than my $100, I decided to seek help. One Sunday I placed a little ad in the church news flyer seeking additional funds from anyone who didn't already have a purpose for the Kingdom Assignment money. I was wondrously happy with the response! Seven people responded to my call, some had not even been given Kingdom Assignment money, but chose to be involved in my mission!
So after I had received all the donations, I sent a check to Wigs 4 Kids! I received a phone call from them asking for the group name in which the donation had been made. They will update us as soon as our child is set for a wig. We will receive a before and after photo and a comment from the child. I have seen these photos on the web site and can tell how much these wigs mean to the children and their families.
I will continue to update my donators as soon as I get updates. God is alive and living in the people of the Caro United Methodist Church! Praise God!
top
***********************************************************
Diane Noble Hepfer's Story
One Sunday morning Pastor Jerry asked for 50 people to step up to the altar in faith. The Lord said, "'Well Diane, don't just sit here. Get up and go to the altar." I arrived at the altar looking up towards the ceiling (Heaven). "Lord, what did you get me into now?" "Be still, I'm right beside you. I'll lead the way." Jerry began handing out money to each of us who stepped out in faith. I looked at the money! Here was a $100 bill. "Lord, I suppose you want me to 10 times this amount. Where am I going to get this money?"So he kept me up all night-wondering what I was to do with this $100. In the morning, I spread the $100 out on the table and prayed over it for God to show me the way he wanted me to use this.
So God kept me up all night again. He came to the conclusion that I should match the $100. Trust me, I matched the bid.
Now the mission began. Where should I go? The Lord sent me to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and I donated money to be used to purchase clothing (other than a burned-out family. I had heard of a family who had just been burned out and knew someone else who was planning to help them.) They know who is needy! Then someone would be surprised to know that the "new" articles for them were already paid for!
Then the Lord sent me to the Sugar Beet Factory. Why there Lord? I've lived in Caro since 1977 and never been there. What am I supposed to do there? I was in line with other truckers and when it was my turn, I asked where the office was. I went back to the office, and when I got there, I asked for a donation of sugar for the Good Samaritan Fund. I had to write a letter on church letterhead and send it to Bay City. So I got in touch with Ron Kuenzli, Chairman of the Good Samaritan Fund, who got me some church stationary.
God bless Donna-she was involved in my mission. She typed addresses and sent letters to different companies to ask for donations to the Good Samaritan Fund. I sent out twelve requests. One was returned as not a deliverable address. Nestle replied and were unable to support our program at this time. Praise the Lord, Jiffy Milling Company sent us $75.00. No one else responded back to me.
I purchased a cart of food for Good Samaritan. I gave some money to Ron Kuenzli to purchase food from the Michigan Food Bank as he can get more for the money we spend at our local stores. I wasn't aware of this at the time I purchased food.
I have a couple of friends who read in the paper what we were doing. So they donated $100 towards my projects. I also received another $20.
Then came another project. This man was evicted from his home as unsafe to live in. His family got him into the Hotel in town. I asked him what he had to put in his new home. He said not much. I went up to his place and he had a blow-up swimming mattress on the living room floor, a radio, and a very small black and white television that was not coming in clear. So I took him to American Mattress and purchased a bed. I told Amy about his situation and she threw in a chair. So I began making his place a home. He was overwhelmed and said he never had such a nice place and was very grateful.
My last adventure was to help a friend in need of work and clothing.
I praise God for this experience and know I did the right thing as Jesus was pleased with what I did as my heart felt so good. And I felt good doing his work.
I'd like to thank the person who began this entire experience. A lot of people have been blessed. I know I surely have. Thank you Jesus. I'm blessed by serving others in need.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
I could not imagine anyone trying to live without water, so my first Kingdom Assignment went to the new well in Honduras.My money was increased after talking with my family and a contribution was made to Relay for Life in honor and memory of my family and church members who lived with the disease.
Children hold a special place in my heart, and with that in mind I contributed to the Wigs for children for the little nine year old.
It was a rewarding experience for me and I only wish I could have done more.
Thank you for my Kingdom Assignment.
top
***********************************************************
Gerald Thorp´s Story
This report begins on a defensive note as there are some who will say the money I spent ($100) was given to my special "cause". However, the next few paragraphs, I trust, will justify my gift.My $100 was given to a foundation dedicated to saving dyslexic children from a fate that, too often, leads to everything from insecurity in their adult lives, to total withdrawal from society and even criminal behavior.
This FOUNDATION was begun and is supported and directed by the Northern Jurisdiction of the 32nd degree Masonic Order, (Scottish Rite) and works at the grassroots level of the problem - training dyslexic children to be useful, educable, responsible citizens as adults.
Their research suggests that as many as 18 - 20% of ALL demographic cross sections throughout the world are dyslexic.
Major research is nearing completion which will tie the effects of UNTREATED dyslexia to the criminal population, and, upon completion, will be able to recommend, without exception, that millions of dollars, now necessarily spent on prisons and correctional institutions may be better spent in diagnosing dyslexic children and preparing them for responsible adulthood which will, in turn, reduce court loads, and prison populations, by as much as 30-45%.
The real "kicker" to our training program, (which uses a system called ORTON-GILLINGHAM) is that these training centers have a 10 year history with a 100% success rate in turning around the effects of dyslexia in ALL our students.
There are now 59 such training centers in the 15 states which comprise the northern Jurisdiction. Annual cost of $7,375,000.
Finally, do we see the good effects of this program locally??? YES!!! At least 3 students from Caro have been enrolled, and completed this program (the center is located in our facilities in Bay City) and one of the three is a member of our church.
What is equally astounding as our success rate is that the program is completely FREE to student and parent.
I trust my stewardship will be found acceptable.
top
***********************************************************
Linda Cunningham´s Story
After being worried about such a large sum of money and a very big responsibility, I did what I thought was right. I prayed and waited. Then it came to me and I knew where my money should go.I set out to the grocery store and filled my cart with food for our food pantry. It wasn´t hard making selections as I knew my mission.
At the checkout more and more cans were being priced, then it hit me, we got to $100 and there were still cans left. I was hoping I had the money in my wallet to cover the rest as I generally do not care much cash — more cans going through and I began to worry. I should not have! I had prayed for this and happened to have the exact money in my wallet.
What else could I do? One more thing came to mind. If I could spend my money, maybe the grocery store would match my funds after I told them my story. I was given a form to fill out for grocery vouchers and wished good luck from the manager.
As I wait for my matching funds, I know many families will be given food. All this from one idea. How wonderful God is.
top
***********************************************************
Elbert Elferink´s Story
After hearing Dr. Whiting, his wife Lori and the group from our church report on their trip to Honduras and the many needs there. I thought that was just the place I wanted to invest the $100 to help those in need.I spoke to Dr. Whiting and found that in purchasing medical supplies through Aid International, every dollar would purchase many dollars worth of medical supplies. Dr Whiting stated that they were going this fall and would gladly use the money for that purpose.
top
***********************************************************
Dick Rinker´s Story
This is a little note to tell you about the one hundred dollars I was trusted with to give to something I thought was worthy to receive it.I prayed to God to help me, and all I could think of was the youth and that they are our future and that the cluster does good things for those who need it. And that young minds think better about things like this and I think with God´s help I did the right thing. I gave the money to the youth to do with what they see fit.
Thank you.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
Thank you for allowing me to help a child by donating the $100 to "Shop with Heroes". An adult takes a child shopping for their needs such as clothes, shoes etc.top
***********************************************************
Diana Williams´ Story
I accepted the Kingdom Assignment knowing that there were many areas in which I could expand God's Kingdom. However, I also knew I would have to narrow my choice to either one or two areas.For many years now I have been helping out at Bay Shore Camp in Sebewaing at the registration table on Sunday checking children in to camp. This past June when I was there my first Sunday, I saw that we were not running as many registration lines as in past years. Lew Tibbits, director, told me campers were down at that time by about 100. I had many thoughts as to why this might be occurring. One thought I really hoped wasn't true was that some child did not have the money to attend and learn about God and His wonderful love for us. Therefore, I chose to give some of the money to Bay Shore Camp. However, I didn't just want to give this money, so I challenged my friends to give $5 each, and I would match the total received. Fifteen of my friends accepted the challenge, and I was able to send a check for $150 to Bay Shore Camp to be used as scholarship money for a child to attend camp next year.
This left me with $25. A friend of mine told me about an ABC news report where money could be sent through PayPal to someone in an underdeveloped country to help them start a business to earn money to provide for their needs. I then saw a program on OPRAH concerning this. Matt Flannery is the co-founder and CEO. He began developing Kiva.org in late 2004 as a side-project while working as a computer programmer at TiVo Inc. In December 2005 he left TiVo to devote himself to Kiva.org full-time. It was his time spent in East Africa that inspired him to develop Kiva.org. Through Kiva.org, people in countries such as Togo, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Nigeria and other developing countries apply for loans. When they get the loan, they use it for what they applied, and they are given a length of time to repay the loan. Kiva.org. reports that about 97% of the loans made so far have been repaid. They ask people that want to help to donate a minimum of $25. I did so with the $25 I had left out of the $100. Kafui Fiawoumon, 25 years old, from N'Kafu, Togo, requested a loan for $900. She had left her secondary education to pursue training as an office system secretary. Unable to find a steady position and with her limited funds, she opened a telephone booth with word processing to provide for her needs. At the request of her clients, she wanted her store to offer office and school supplies, but she did not have the resources to do so. I sent the $25 through my credit card to PayPal. Then I chose Ms. Fiawoumon. PayPal then used a field partner, MICROFUND TOGO, to transfer the money to her. MICROFUND has been with KIVA for 9 months, has 944 businesses, has given loans of $785,450, has 0% delinquency on the loans, and 0% default rate on the loans. When my loan money is repaid, I will choose someone else to receive the loan money. Therefore, this will be a continuous project on my part. (Go to www.Kiva.org for more information.)
top
***********************************************************
Mary Beth Jarvis´ Story
1st Timothy 6:18 says followers of Jesus are to be "rich in good works, ready to give and willing to share". So first of all I give thanks and praise to the person or persons who gave $5000 to our church body to be used to further God's Kingdom. It's the generous, cheerful giver whom God loves. (2 Corinthians 9:7)Upon going forth that Sunday and receiving $100.00 my husband - (kiddingly said "Where are you going to bury it?") That gave me great incentive to increase the amount even though that was not the purpose. Using some of the money for supplies, I sold cookies and fresh strawberry pies and increased the amount to $150.00.
After going to the Lord in prayer as to how and who should I give the money to do the most good, I felt God wanted me to disperse it both locally and nationally. From that point the answers and needs just fell into place.
So, In God's name the money ($25 each) went to:
1. A gasoline card was sent to a family in Vassar, who have a son waiting for a heart transplant in Ann Arbor. The father because of his job can only visit on weekends and has to drive back and forth.
2. The Forgotten Man's Ministries - That works with prisoners in our local jail to help them come to know the Lord and change their lives.
3. The Thumb Bluewater Youth for Christ - Since our son worked for YFC, I know the good work they do with youth. Many turn to Christ because of their experiences in YFC and become Christian workers their entire lives.
4. The Good Samaritan Fund - Because the need is so great! Many times when I go to the church during the week I see families coming for food. Helping them is doing God's work on earth.
5. Wigs 4 Kids - This organization provides children who experience hair loss with a custom fit, age appropriate wig. It really boosts their morale and self-esteem.
6. UMCOR or specifically "The Blanket Fund". This fund disperses blankets at every disaster around the world immediately after the event. They are used for warmth and shelters. I have always felt that supporting this fund means that help is on the way for many unfortunate children of God.
top
***********************************************************
Ron Laeder´s Story
How I spent my $100.I decided to donate my dollars to people in need and for every dollar I contributed, I would match it with an equal amount of my own money.
This resulted in the following donations:
1. $40 for a gas card to a Vassar family with a critically ill child, hospitalized in Ann Arbor hospital.
2. $40 to a family with severe needs.
3. $50 to purchase a microwave oven for a homeless man who was able to find a place to live but had no furniture or appliances.
4. $40 to Herbert and Mary Zigbuo, United Methodist missionaries in Liberia.
5. $30 to the Good Samaritan Fund of the Caro Area Churches.
Total $200 — The response from the recipients = PRICELESS!
I can´t thank the donor of this $100 gift enough for this wonderful idea. It was truly God´s loving heart in action through his children and the spirit of His love alive, in this world of wonder and need.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
Report of my $100 "talent".The Good Samaritan Fund had a case where the need far exceeded their maximum allowable amount. My $100 "talent" was pooled with three other "talents" to help the Fund get a young couple with one child into a decent apartment. They had already located the apartment but needed the deposit and first month´s rent.
At last contact, they were attending church, working and getting their lives in order.
top
***********************************************************
Lee Huston´s Story
I decided to divide my $100 evenly. Fifty dollars is going to Heifer International. The program is "Women in Livestock Development". This project supports women to pass through the following 4 stages and to become self-reliant:1. Engaging women to build mutual support.
2. Empowering women with knowledge, skills and resources.
3. Enhancing lives in households and communities.
4. Emerging into public life.
The other $50 dollars is going to the Saginaw City Rescue Mission which supports relief to the homeless.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
My "Kingdom Money" grew and Relay for Life was donated to, as so many church and family members have passed with cancer.Also gifts were given to our own youth group and the 9 year old girl with alopecia.
A special thanks to the one that made this possible.
top
***********************************************************
Virginia Shay´s Story
A local resident had a fire in the bedroom of their home. The fire destroyed the bedroom and left their whole home with extensive smoke damage and no insurance to cover the loss. I invited the family to come and choose whatever they needed from our United Methodist Women´s rummage sale on Thursday before we opened our sale to the public. They left the sale with $60 worth of needed items and a grateful heart. They wanted me to extend their thanks to our church for our thoughtfulness and help.With the remaining money I asked my daughter, Jennifer, to help me. We cleaned the 3 Sunday School rooms downstairs. We emptied the cupboards and organized them. We bought snacks and containers to put them in for each classroom. We cleaned the windowsills, bookshelves, and swept the floors. We washed and polished the tables and put air fresheners in each room. We bought crayons, markers, colored pencils, and glue for each table. We donated the box tops from the containers to the United Methodist Women. Jennifer thinks we should clean all the rooms that way and maybe we will.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to do the Masters work. Without your nudge it wouldn't have happened. I had fun and was filled with joy while helping others. Thanks to whoever donated the money that encouraged us and pushed us into action.
top
***********************************************************
Jessica Timmin´s Story
In Genesis, God gives man rule over the animals... and in Proverbs 12:10 "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal... " so I used some assignment money to help abandoned cats and kittens as they await adoption. I purchased food and litter and helped hold them while they were vaccinated and their ears checked for mites.I also sponsored a young man who overcame obstacles of his own to "ride for St. Jude´s" I have watched family members battle cancer and have a fellow class member who is also battling cancer and I'm hoping that this contribution may help in some way relieve their pain.
I attended a Chrysalis gathering this past year and really liked it and was inspired. I have withheld some funds so that I can sponsor another youth as they attend Chrysalis. I know that my sponsorship will reap many benefits.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
First, let me say, that when the congregation was asked for volunteers for an assignment I was not one of the first ones to jump out of the pew. All I kept thinking was... I do not want or need anything else to do. After a few minutes of watching the others eagerly go forward, and struggling and arguing with myself, I went up, hesitantly. When the $100 was handed to us and we were told, it was God's money to further His kingdom; a very Big feeling of responsibility was felt. I waited awhile to spend it thinking something would jump out at me. . but it never did. There are many worthy charities that I am fond of and support, but I felt I needed to "expand" a little.I continued reading Matthew... past the three servants and came upon Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus speaks "I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear, I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." When asked by the people when this happened, for they could not remember, Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me."
With that passage in mind... "God's gift" from that Sunday along with some of God's other blessings went to:
Rescue Mission in Saginaw - to help those who hunger
and thirst
Disabled Veterans - to let them know they are not alone and forgotten
Lighthouse Store - purchased various clothing items for those with limited funding
Little Lora - 30-year-old mom who is very sick with stomach cancer and unable to work
Forgotten Man Ministries - to help Pastor Hazen reach those in prison
Even though I am not physically helping in most of these causes, I know that funding is an important part for things to happen. .. all the checks contained a note that it was God's money to further His Kingdom... .I know I entrusted the physical portion of this assignment to very capable, caring people.
top
***********************************************************
Ray Karr´s Story
On July 29 of this year Mary and Rev. Herbert Zigbou´s came to Caro United Methodist Church to share about their ministry at the Ganta Mission in Liberia. They are our missionary people that we support individually and also from the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church.I chose to help support them by giving them a check for the $100 I received to go out and do ministry into the world. I designated this money to go to a gifted child that wants to further their education by going to a college. Supporting the under privileged children in Liberia.
May the Lord continue to use us to reach out to our community and the world through Gods Grace and our Faith.
top
***********************************************************
Bill Bortel´s Story
After prayerfully requesting God to lead us in how he would have the money from the Kingdom Assignment Ministries, he directed us to a young lady.She has been so generous with her time and energies. We dedicated $200 to her to be used for her demands for living at this time.
I felt it to be important to take care of her at this critical time in her life.
top
***********************************************************
Bill TerBush´s Story
When I received the $100.00 along with the 44 others, I didn't know what I was going to use it for, and for about two months I pondered and thought about it but didn't come up with many ideas for some time, so I prayed about it, and one day I got a brainstorm why not come up with something the Church could use as a handout to people you are praying about and hoping to approach about coming to our Church, so I gave that some thought and felt we would need the Flame and the cross emblem and our purpose on the one side and maybe 3-4 favorite bible verses on the other side. So I took the ides to the pastor and he said...go for it. So, I checked with Heritage press to see what the cost would be to print it on both sides, and we now have over 2000 of the cards, we can hand out to prospective members.
Acts 16:31 is pretty significant to me, about 50 years ago I was wondering if I really had salvation. I was reading in the book of Acts, and the part where Paul and Silas were thrown into the prison at Phillipi and were singing hymns about midnight when an earthquake tore the doors off from the prison, and the jailer thought that the prisoners had escaped, and ran into the prison area and Paul said "do not harm yourself we are all here". Then he fell on his knees and said "Sirs what must I do to be saved" and they said "believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved -- you and your household". This also answered my question about my salvation.
top
***********************************************************
Joan and John Chapin´s Story
This Kingdom Assignment had challenged us to find ways to give more of our financial resources to share with those brothers and sisters that are less fortunate.On June 10 we were each given a $100 bill to spend as God would direct us. On June 20 we dispersed our $200 to a family in need of money for housing.
During the month of July we hired a person in need to do yard work and trim trees in the Church yard for $200.
In July we received our newsletter from Pastors for Peace, an organization that helps American students accept the free medical training in Cuba if they promise to come back to the poor areas in the United States to practice medicine. The first U.S. graduate has passed the licensing exam and has been accepted to the Social Medicine Residency at Montefiore Hospital in New York City. Also it reported that 8 more students from the United States will graduate this fall. What a wonderful thing for a 3rd world country to do so students without financial aid can receive their medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine. We said we wished we had our $100 from the Kingdom Sunday. We decided we could find $100 to send to Pastors for Peace.
In July and August we felt called to hire a person in need of work to help build the Pavilion for $190.
We are happy to report that God's $200 that we received in June has multiplied to $690.
We are excited to be able to give over and above our weekly tithe to the church and our monthly obligations to such organizations as Bread for the World, Sojournes, The Southern Poverty Law Center, Peace Action, Green Peace, and Amnesty International.
We can never out give God's blessings to us.
top
***********************************************************
Anita and Chuck Hollen´s Story
Our hearts were touched by a page of colored photos of children who were disfigured by being born with harelips and cleft palates. For our Kingdom Assignment, Chuck and I provided one child with reconstructive surgery; a new smile and a new life! The Smile Train provides this surgery for children in some of the world's poorest countries for $250.Go to Smile Train for pictures of some of these afflicted children, among all God's children, who are the future of the world.We feel privileged to have been a part of the Kingdom Assignment, and we are grateful that one child's life could be changed in such a positive way.
top
***********************************************************
An Anonymous Story
The money will be given to a gentleman who is raising six children. The money will be used for food and much needed personal hygiene products.top
***********************************************************
Richard Blakely´s Story
The first question you might ask is why? Why did I choose to spend my one hundred dollars toward the project that I did? What project? The 2007 summer "Vacation Bible School" of the Caro United Methodist Church and the Caro Presbyterian Church joint effort.First, I thought of many other worth while projects and programs that are in need of funding. There is the "Katrina Relief Fund," and the many, many other relief funds. Then there are our own United Methodist church programs, like our church's "Apportionment" programs. This would also help us work toward the "Jubilee" programs. But when it comes down to it these named programs are what we may call "High Profile" projects or programs that our churches get behind.
In Mark 9:36-37, Jesus tells us to welcome a small child into our arms as He does, and God will bless them. Further, this parallels Matthew 4:18-20, in which we are called to be "fishers of men." Thus, our children as they grow up will have the opportunity to learn of God through Jesus, through the "Vacation Bible School." The opportunity of learning of God, simply put, will help guide them during difficult times. We all know of some kind of difficult time, i.e.: a divorce in the family, someone close to us using drugs, or maybe loss of job or money to keep the household going.
It is with this, that it is important for a small child, or older child to learn early on to turn to God for the help that he or she may need through these types of difficult times.
"Vacation Bible School" is an important ministry. The money we spend on reaching our children to introduce them to God, whether it is our funds, our time, and our talent is important for their future and ours. It is with this, that I selected to support our future.
One other thought, if this little bit helps God's children then the money from our tithes can help meet the needs of the other fore mentioned projects and programs. And lastly, to the benefactors that were so generous and gracious in providing the funds that allowed me to help this precious cause, I say thank you, and I know that God is already blessing you.
top
***********************************************************
Carol Striffler´s Story
When I was given a hundred dollar bill last June and told to use it to increase God's ministry, I took it with a prayer that whatever I chose to do would bring honor and glory to God. I wanted to make sure that where ever it was given would do just that. My first thought was to put it in a bank to earn interest until I knew where or for what it should be used.After much thought and prayer I was led to divide it into four gifts of twenty-five dollars each to services I believe will continue to help people in need and share God's love for man kind. These gifts were given to the Good Samaritan Fund, Cass River Habitat for Humanity, WCZE 103.7 Smile FM Radio station, and WUGN 99.7 FM Family Life Radio station. Music is an important form of ministry for me, and these two stations minister to me and many others on a daily basis. Because it took me quite a while to decide how to share this money, I am donating the interest I received, although not much, to the Mission Committee. May we all continue to grow as we serve God and man here at Caro United Methodist Church.
top
***********************************************************
Mary Howell´s Story
I went to church to report about a family that had burned out that week. I found it was in the news flyer. That was the day you gave out $100 for God's Kingdom. I asked my son, what I should do with the money. He said to give it to the family that burned out and that he would give me another $100 dollars to give to the family. The money for God's Kingdom doubled.top
***********************************************************
Suzann Petersen´s Story
The $100 that I received was used to purchase Christmas bulbs to then sell for a 100% profit. The money raised from the ornament sales will be used to support various mission projects around Michigan, the United States and the world.Thank you for your generosity and trust in allowing me to be a good steward of your resources.
top
***********************************************************
Donna Hayes´ Story
As I was handed this assignment of a hundred dollars, I prayed about it, I thought about it and wondered where I could do the most good.I took the hundred dollars and matched it with another hundred dollars, which gave me two hundred dollars to work with.
I took one hundred dollars and bought some supplies for Positive Alternatives to be used for mothers with babies.
I took the other one hundred dollars and donated it to Heartland Hospice for them to use as they saw fit.
I chose these two charities because they help people at the beginning of life and also at the end of life. They are there when you need them the most.
top
***********************************************************
Bev Rinker´s Story
I never realized how hard it was to give someone a hundred dollars. I must have given that money away a hundred times. I used to watch The Millionaire, a T.V. series where people who were having hardships would receive a million dollars. It would really change their lives, some good and some bad. I often wished I could be that millionaire. I thought at first I would divide the money into four parts and help four people. Then I thought that would be kind of cheap. So then I thought $50.00 to two people. Then I prayed to God to give me guidance, because I knew He would.Last fall their was a write up about a couple who needed help. The husband was fighting leukemia and wanted to come home to stay for awhile, but the heat in his home was shutoff and they couldn´t afford to have it turned back on because of his illness really put them in need. This story really touched my heart, so I asked Marianne about them. She told me their names, so I called to make a appointment to see them. Low and behold when they opened the door, I didn´t know who was surprised the most!
Years ago I was the first hostess at McDonald´s here in Caro when it first opened. There was this young couple who would come in every morning, they were always kissing and hugging. I guess that is why I always remembered them; I knew their faces but not their names.
There stood that that lovely couple I knew years ago. They couldn´t thank me enough. I told them not to thank me, thank God for giving me their names and thank the person who gave them the gift of love. I want to thank that person too for giving me the opportunity to do God´s work.
top
***********************************************************
Dick and Sandra Partlo´s Story
Have you ever thought of writing, using photos, scripture or articles to tell the story of your Christian journey. This is "Faithbooking"I contemplated doing a "Faithbooking" series last winter. Then when we were given the Kingdom Assignment I felt God´s leading to do it as a complimentary church community project.
This series will include two - 2 hour classes beginning in February 2008 and ending with a "Celebration Brunch" on a Sunday after church.
Welcome, any age or gender. All supplies will be provided. Anyone can tell a story, it is an inherent skill. Come join us and rekindle the gifts of memories and miracles that the Lord has given you. Dates to be announced.
"…we will tell the next generation the praise worthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and wonder He has done." Psalm 78:4 (NIV).
When we received the money we put it in a 6 month CD. Then Dick matched his for his ministry with those less fortunate.
top