I have been seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit about how to use the $25 that the church passed out in May. I have carried it around in my purse, hoping I would stumble across a person in need like the Good Samaritan did. I consciously kept my ears open as I went about my normal activities. When I got my oil changed, I thought maybe someone in the car place might need money to help pay a surprise bill. No such person appeared. When I went to the library and Wal-Mart I kept my eyes open. But I couldn’t find anyone. I thought about donating it to some on-going ministry of the church, but that didn’t feel right to me for this money. So, I’ve been stumped.
During the last few weeks however, I have been inspired by Dr. Bob’s sermons. I have been learning to use both Twitter and Facebook; and I have had a great time doing it. Yesterday as I was playing around with Twitter, I came across something that was truly exciting and new to me. I found a link to a “Leadership Summit” that is currently happening in New Jersey. The Leadership Summit is being hosted by Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Church. (I have been using a book by Bill Hybels to teach the “Praying With Power Class”). At the Leadership Summit, the audience is tweeting as they listen. They summarize what the speakers are saying and make pithy little comments about what is happening. So, I have been following the Summit with Twitter!
Yesterday one of the presenters was a young woman named Jessica Jackley. She wowed the crowd by telling them about an organization named Kiva. Kiva uses the internet to make loans that change lives. It links people in need with people who can help. So, I looked at the website today, and decided to make a loan to a vegetable trader who works in an open-air market in Thika, Kenya. I chose Kenya because of our church’s special interest there and I chose a vegetable trader because I love going to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market every week. He was asking for a total of $625 to increase his stock of vegetables, and others had already donated most of the amount before me. Only $25 more is needed to reach Paul’s goal. One of the best things I like about Kiva is the fact that Paul will repay me the loan in about a year. When that happens, I can loan the money to someone else.
The Holy Spirit took a while to lead me to Kiva.org . He used Dr. Bob’s sermons, the Leadership Summit, and Twitter to get me there. I’m hoping that someone reading this blog will also check out kiva.org and make a loan that will change someone’s life.
Holly Boardman
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
ZOE House
When we received the $25 in church I could hardly wait to put it to use as a blessing to someone else. My heart has a real soft spot for orphans, and I had been hoping to find a way to build a home for orphans through ZOE Ministry. ZOE is dedicated to empowering orphans with essential life skills so they may live free from the cycle of poverty and dependency. Skills taught through ZOE's Giving Hope Empowerment Project include mentoring, vocational training, income-generating activities to foster financial independence, training in animal husbandry and farming, and HIV/AIDS education and awareness.
The cost to build a home is $2500 so I was going to need help in order to make that happen. When I got home I wrote an email explaining my hope to build a home for orphans in Africa. I invited people to donate the $25 they received and even more if they felt led to share more. I sent the email and I waited. It was going to take a lot of people to raise the $2500.
Time passed and I got discouraged. I had received some money. But it was nowhere near $2500. I was starting to feel like maybe I had dreamed too big and the house would not be built.
I sent another email. I received more responses from people. Some gave $25. Some gave more. It was starting to add up and I realized that nothing is impossible if God is behind it, and how could He not want a home to be built for these precious children in Africa. Little by little the money came in and before long we had raised the full $2500….actually more than that! What started as a dream would now become a reality. Lives will be changed and it all started with a mere $25 my church gave to me so that others would be blessed. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you to all who gave and all who prayed! God is good!
The cost to build a home is $2500 so I was going to need help in order to make that happen. When I got home I wrote an email explaining my hope to build a home for orphans in Africa. I invited people to donate the $25 they received and even more if they felt led to share more. I sent the email and I waited. It was going to take a lot of people to raise the $2500.
Time passed and I got discouraged. I had received some money. But it was nowhere near $2500. I was starting to feel like maybe I had dreamed too big and the house would not be built.
I sent another email. I received more responses from people. Some gave $25. Some gave more. It was starting to add up and I realized that nothing is impossible if God is behind it, and how could He not want a home to be built for these precious children in Africa. Little by little the money came in and before long we had raised the full $2500….actually more than that! What started as a dream would now become a reality. Lives will be changed and it all started with a mere $25 my church gave to me so that others would be blessed. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you to all who gave and all who prayed! God is good!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Unfortunately, this was not a difficult decision for us. Shortly after the church service we became aware of a tragedy from NBC Anchorman Brian Williams. My colleague and friend from a US Navy tour in Rota, Spain, Commander Charles "Keith" Springle, was a social worker serving in Iraq and had been murdered by a US soldier receiving treatment at the facility where he was stationed.
We met Keith during the first few weeks of a 2 year assignment in Rota, Spain. He was an outstanding officer, superb clinician, benevolent friend, talented drummer, and a dedicated father and family man. It is excruciatingly painful to realize that our friend is gone from earth at a far too young age. We know he is with God in heaven; nevertheless, it is impossible to understand this senseless tragedy.
A scholarship fund was created in his memory at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The scholarship was established for young men and women pursuing careers in social work in the armed forces of the United States of America. We contributed $100 to the scholarship fund in memory of our dear friend Keith. Fair winds and following seas Keith.
Sincerely,
Dennis, Kristina and Alex Szurkus
We met Keith during the first few weeks of a 2 year assignment in Rota, Spain. He was an outstanding officer, superb clinician, benevolent friend, talented drummer, and a dedicated father and family man. It is excruciatingly painful to realize that our friend is gone from earth at a far too young age. We know he is with God in heaven; nevertheless, it is impossible to understand this senseless tragedy.
A scholarship fund was created in his memory at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The scholarship was established for young men and women pursuing careers in social work in the armed forces of the United States of America. We contributed $100 to the scholarship fund in memory of our dear friend Keith. Fair winds and following seas Keith.
Sincerely,
Dennis, Kristina and Alex Szurkus
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thirty or so miles East of our campgrounds is a golf course that called out to me yesterday, so through the hills of West Massachusetts I drove our tow car for my morning's recreation. Most of the drive is made through canyons of pines and hardwoods that have been in this part of the world forever, forming barriers between the road and the Massachusetts natives that make their homes in this rugged land. Every once in a while, the trees give way to small towns and businesses which caught my eye as I tried to focus on the road, my GPS and whatever else I could see.
Almost to the golf course, I drove by a vegetable stand set up in front of a home situated just off the road. I thought I could find something special that would surprise Judy as I returned yesterday afternoon. But before I reached the golf course, I noticed the Pioneer Valley Mennonite Church, a simple building sitting next to the local VFW hall...and the VFW appeared to be much more affluent than the Mennonites!
So, after golf, I stopped for the vegetables I promised myself...what looked good were very fresh eggs in a small refrigerator, plump bing cherries and what appeard to be freshly picked broccoli: Total purchase: $6.31.
As I was paying, I noticed a pile of maps of the hills of Western Massachusetts and a stack of CD's entitled "There is a GOD". A small note said both the maps and the CD's were free...take one. Then I asked the teenage girl who was "manning" the stand if she were a member of the Mennonite Church I had just passed? (The clue: she was dressed in a plain blue dress .. doubtless homemade.. and had her head covering on that I remembered from my childhood days attending a Mennonite Church in Illinois.) Krista, as her name turned out to be, smiled and said she was a member as was her entire family and they distributed free CD's as a means of testifying that there is a GOD, and their steadfast faith is very important to their family. I asked if she would accept some money for the CD...Krista said absolutely not...she was instructed to give them away and not sell them.
When I reached the camper, I put the CD in the player: Judy and I enjoyed an hour of a choir music, singing hymns we grew up singing...Judy was singing the alto parts, I knew the bass parts. What a blessing!!!
That led us to talk about the $25 we had been trusted with to distribute...so, this morning Judy and I returned to the vegetable stand...Krista was there with her little sister. We told the story about the $25 and asked her to be kind enough to forward the money to whomever produced the CD. She did not know who had done that, but her parents would certainly know.
Here, on a small vegetable stand operated my a Mennonite family, is a music ministry, free for the taking, telling vegetable buyers that there is a GOD, and challenging in the last selection, "Where Will You Spend Eternity?"
Blessings,
Gary and Judy Muzzy
Almost to the golf course, I drove by a vegetable stand set up in front of a home situated just off the road. I thought I could find something special that would surprise Judy as I returned yesterday afternoon. But before I reached the golf course, I noticed the Pioneer Valley Mennonite Church, a simple building sitting next to the local VFW hall...and the VFW appeared to be much more affluent than the Mennonites!
So, after golf, I stopped for the vegetables I promised myself...what looked good were very fresh eggs in a small refrigerator, plump bing cherries and what appeard to be freshly picked broccoli: Total purchase: $6.31.
As I was paying, I noticed a pile of maps of the hills of Western Massachusetts and a stack of CD's entitled "There is a GOD". A small note said both the maps and the CD's were free...take one. Then I asked the teenage girl who was "manning" the stand if she were a member of the Mennonite Church I had just passed? (The clue: she was dressed in a plain blue dress .. doubtless homemade.. and had her head covering on that I remembered from my childhood days attending a Mennonite Church in Illinois.) Krista, as her name turned out to be, smiled and said she was a member as was her entire family and they distributed free CD's as a means of testifying that there is a GOD, and their steadfast faith is very important to their family. I asked if she would accept some money for the CD...Krista said absolutely not...she was instructed to give them away and not sell them.
When I reached the camper, I put the CD in the player: Judy and I enjoyed an hour of a choir music, singing hymns we grew up singing...Judy was singing the alto parts, I knew the bass parts. What a blessing!!!
That led us to talk about the $25 we had been trusted with to distribute...so, this morning Judy and I returned to the vegetable stand...Krista was there with her little sister. We told the story about the $25 and asked her to be kind enough to forward the money to whomever produced the CD. She did not know who had done that, but her parents would certainly know.
Here, on a small vegetable stand operated my a Mennonite family, is a music ministry, free for the taking, telling vegetable buyers that there is a GOD, and challenging in the last selection, "Where Will You Spend Eternity?"
Blessings,
Gary and Judy Muzzy
Pine Ridge
Our family thought and prayed, and prayed and thought about how best to extend FUMC WP’s love offering beyond our normal range. We decided to help residents of the poorest county in the USA- the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation in southern South Dakota. Home of the descendants of Crazy Horse, Red Cloud and many others, this reservation struggles to move forward, help their people, while keeping their proud traditions, language and legacy alive.
The $25 is being used by the Oglala Lakota College’s Department of Nursing to provide scholarship support to native students.
Read, Denese, Carrie and Bryan Hayes
The $25 is being used by the Oglala Lakota College’s Department of Nursing to provide scholarship support to native students.
Read, Denese, Carrie and Bryan Hayes
Friday, July 3, 2009
Our family spent many weeks considering ways to be good stewards of our $25 blessing. We felt strongly that we wanted to directly impact someone with this gift. We considered several options but never felt led in any specific direction. The envelope sat on the kitchen counter for weeks while we prayerfully waited for divine inspiration! None came until we were on vacation in Philadelphia on Father's Day. After a full day of sightseeing we passed a homeless couple on the street as we were walking back to our hotel. Something about this couple struck us as they huddled on the street with their arms around each other. We quickly decided to give our $25 blessing to them and let them know that God loved them. We pray that this offering is a true blessing to them and that their lives may be changed by the love of God.
The Derrick Cox Family
The Derrick Cox Family
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Coloring in Costa Rica
I attended the May 31, Worship Service for the dedication of the mission team going to Costa Rica July 4 – 11. When the invitation was given to take an envelope to help others, my heart was moved. However, not being a member, just a visitor, was foremost in my mind. After talking to the mission team leaders, I was assured it would be ok to participate, and I’m glad I did. After lots of prayer I felt God calling me to purchase crayons for the team to take with them on their trip. I was at Wal-Mart last night (June 30) when the first blessing came. I found myself in the wrong place in the store (near the pet supplies), looking at an incomplete back-to-school section with crayons for only 20 cents a box! The second and third blessing came when two different folks asked about the pile of crayon boxes in my cart – I got to share with them about the up-coming missions trip and that my husband and daughter were going. The fourth and NEATEST blessing came from a man in front of me at the check-out counter. He too asked about the 125 boxes of crayons I was putting up on the belt for check out. After my simple explanation he finished paying for his purchases, then turned back to me and handed me two twenty dollar bills and said, “Here, this is for your ministry.” Huge tears came to my eyes as I thanked this generous man. God had GREATLY multiplied this $25 gift. Now I’m praying for direction for use of the $40.
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. Luke 6:38
Debbie Darlington
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. Luke 6:38
Debbie Darlington
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dear FUMC,
When our baby, Charlotte Schwartzman, was taken out of her father's arms to be wheeled into the operating room for her open heart surgery, we had never been so scared or helpless. We walked, tears streaming, down the hall to the waiting room, just the two of us, and knew there was nothing to do but wait. While sitting in the waiting room, we were surrounded by our loving family, and then, to our surprise and delight, Bob Bushong. He prayed with us, and sat with us, and we will always be so thankful for the support, as well as the support of the whole congregation.
When we were hanging around the hospital, it dawned on us that there are parents and families of children sicker than Charlotte was--children who are hospitalized for weeks, months, and many of these families are struggling to stay afloat financially while going through what is probably for them, as it was for us, one of the hardest times in our lives.
To make a long story short, we felt compelled to give our donation to the Ronald McDonald house, and we are also going to be making a meal there for everyone who happens to be staying at the time, and we are going to take Charlotte, and be around to talk to them, so hopefully they will be lifted up by our "happy ending."
Thanks again to the entire congregation.
Sincerely,
Jonathan and Andrea Schwartzman
When our baby, Charlotte Schwartzman, was taken out of her father's arms to be wheeled into the operating room for her open heart surgery, we had never been so scared or helpless. We walked, tears streaming, down the hall to the waiting room, just the two of us, and knew there was nothing to do but wait. While sitting in the waiting room, we were surrounded by our loving family, and then, to our surprise and delight, Bob Bushong. He prayed with us, and sat with us, and we will always be so thankful for the support, as well as the support of the whole congregation.
When we were hanging around the hospital, it dawned on us that there are parents and families of children sicker than Charlotte was--children who are hospitalized for weeks, months, and many of these families are struggling to stay afloat financially while going through what is probably for them, as it was for us, one of the hardest times in our lives.
To make a long story short, we felt compelled to give our donation to the Ronald McDonald house, and we are also going to be making a meal there for everyone who happens to be staying at the time, and we are going to take Charlotte, and be around to talk to them, so hopefully they will be lifted up by our "happy ending."
Thanks again to the entire congregation.
Sincerely,
Jonathan and Andrea Schwartzman
“The $25 Blessing” ministry in which the church commissioned members to use to bless someone else has resulted in our being blessed in significant ways. A number of members who have donated the $25 they received from the church plus an additional amount from their own resources. Several families came together to help underwrite the costs of sending two children to a summer camp that would otherwise not been able to go. It is that kind of generosity, compassion and awareness of the needs of our community that make the church the single most powerful change agent for good in our community. On behalf of the residents we serve, our Board of Directors and our staff, I want to thank the entire congregation for your intentional and deliberate efforts in making a difference in the lives of those we serve and our community.”
Brent A. Trotter, President/CEO
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Brent A. Trotter, President/CEO
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Our family has prayed together since receiving the money on how we could best use it to bless someone or a family. It had been a week and 2 days and we hadn't received a sign from God yet.
On Tuesday, our landscapers were in the yard. The crew is led by a woman. She has expressed in the past her unfortunate circumstances with me. When I saw her Tuesday, I asked my daughter how she felt about "blessing" her with the money. She agreed it would be the right thing to do.
I gave her the money along with a Bible verse. I said "just wanted you to know that we feel you need a blessing today". Gretchen expressed her thanks by leaving a note in our mailbox - "Thanks ALOT for the blessing - it couldn't have come at a better time!"
Dennis, Lora, Jordan & Nicolette
On Tuesday, our landscapers were in the yard. The crew is led by a woman. She has expressed in the past her unfortunate circumstances with me. When I saw her Tuesday, I asked my daughter how she felt about "blessing" her with the money. She agreed it would be the right thing to do.
I gave her the money along with a Bible verse. I said "just wanted you to know that we feel you need a blessing today". Gretchen expressed her thanks by leaving a note in our mailbox - "Thanks ALOT for the blessing - it couldn't have come at a better time!"
Dennis, Lora, Jordan & Nicolette
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
My husband and I felt compelled to do two things with the $25 blessing: reach out to people in our community who are in need and stretch the gift as far as it could go. We decided to use the money to contribute to the Coalition for the Homeless' Women's Residential and Counseling Center. The center is in need of personal hygiene products for its clients. We used the $25 (stretched by coupons from the Sunday newspaper) and additional funds to buy toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, Kleenex, baby supplies and other products to help stock the center's shelves. We feel very blessed to have taken part in the $25 blessing and look forward to finding more ways to give to our community.
Beth Kassab and Grady Elwell
Beth Kassab and Grady Elwell
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Hello from Kimberly (18) and Ashley (17) Devitt!
After much discussion, our family of 6 decided to split up the $25 five ways... (our parents shared five dollars). Each child, in his or her own discretion, would use the blessing towards whomever they felt could use the gift.
After church this Sunday morning, the three of us (Mom, Kimberly and Ashley) went out to lunch. After befriending our waitress (let's call her Melinda for the sake of confidentiality), we learned that she is having a great deal of financial difficulties. She privately informed us that she's living with her parents, struggling to reimburse them for rent, while paying bills of her own. In these economic times, we were certainly able to empathize with Melinda. Her story touched us. As we wrapped up the meal, she arrived with the bill. In addition to the tip, the two of us, without the probing of our mom, decided we wanted to use our share of the $25 blessing to bless Melinda. Although it was only $10 on top of the bill, it was our small way of showing that we care. Not only was she surprised with the generosity of two teenagers that she had only met moments before, but we could also tell that Melinda was touched as well. :)
God bless,
Kimberly & Ashley Devitt
After much discussion, our family of 6 decided to split up the $25 five ways... (our parents shared five dollars). Each child, in his or her own discretion, would use the blessing towards whomever they felt could use the gift.
After church this Sunday morning, the three of us (Mom, Kimberly and Ashley) went out to lunch. After befriending our waitress (let's call her Melinda for the sake of confidentiality), we learned that she is having a great deal of financial difficulties. She privately informed us that she's living with her parents, struggling to reimburse them for rent, while paying bills of her own. In these economic times, we were certainly able to empathize with Melinda. Her story touched us. As we wrapped up the meal, she arrived with the bill. In addition to the tip, the two of us, without the probing of our mom, decided we wanted to use our share of the $25 blessing to bless Melinda. Although it was only $10 on top of the bill, it was our small way of showing that we care. Not only was she surprised with the generosity of two teenagers that she had only met moments before, but we could also tell that Melinda was touched as well. :)
God bless,
Kimberly & Ashley Devitt
I donated the $25.00 to Baby Bottle Campaign of the Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center.
Every good and perfect gift comes from above - James 1:17
The Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center exists to offer women alternatives to abortion by modeling the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate Lay-counseling and the resources to empower her to make life affirming decisions.
Services Provided:
Free pregnancy tests, free sonograms, maternity clothes, baby clothes & supplies, prenatal education, referrals for pregnancy related concerns, sexual integrity program, earn while you learn, post abortion healing, lay-counseling training, after hours hotline, moms learning together program.
Susan Wood
Every good and perfect gift comes from above - James 1:17
The Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center exists to offer women alternatives to abortion by modeling the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate Lay-counseling and the resources to empower her to make life affirming decisions.
Services Provided:
Free pregnancy tests, free sonograms, maternity clothes, baby clothes & supplies, prenatal education, referrals for pregnancy related concerns, sexual integrity program, earn while you learn, post abortion healing, lay-counseling training, after hours hotline, moms learning together program.
Susan Wood
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Since we received this money on Sunday, we have been thinking of ways to donate it. Today we received an invitation to participate in the "Run for Africa 5K". We were invited by a high school friend through Facebook. This inaugural race is to raise money for the "Children of the Nations" organization. This nonprofit aims to raise children who transform nations by caring and providing for orphaned and destitute children in Africa and the Dominican Republic. The money raised will go toward COTN's education ministries in each of its countries. We will cover our cost for the race so that the $25 goes directly to this cause. A blog has been posted in Facebook for the 500+ invited to read about our church's idea. Thank you for empowering us with this.
Alex and Jen Negron
Alex and Jen Negron
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My first thought was to purchase chickens or bees through Heifer International - a worthwhile project indeed, but one in which I would have no contact with people. I felt challenged to give something that would encourage some dialogue about the gift of the money. The answer came in the form of giving gifts purchased at the non-profit store, Ten Thousand Villages. One of theTen Thousand Villages stores is right in the church's neighborhood. The store is stocked with merchandise purchased at a fair trade value from artisans in impoverished regions throughout the world. Purchasing something through Ten Thousand Villages allows these artisans to improve on their condition with dignity. It gives villagers hope and helps families to put food on their table and provide education for their children. I was able to purchase six small gifts with my $25.00 which I will give along with some information about Ten Thousand Villages to people who are not currently involved in a church.
Jeanne Bushong
Jeanne Bushong
A 65 year Grandmother with 6 Grandchildren approached me at the Destiny Foundation campus for help with food, she said she had no food to feed her family. I was able to give her $25 and she was able to receive enough food to supply her family for a week. I will never forget the look of panic and fear leave her faced as it was replaced with gratitude and relief, it was the best $25 I could ever spend!
Scott George
Scott George
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The $25 blessing was used to help a former student of mine who is currently going through a tough time. This student was with me in my third grade class two years ago. He is currently in fifth grade and headed for middle school. He and his family struggle with having enough food to eat, clothes to wear, etc... We used the money to purchase food for this boy and his family. It will be greatly appreciated and welcomed.
Kirk and Valerie Allen
Kirk and Valerie Allen
Monday, June 1, 2009
What a wonderful blessing to be part of this community!!! After prayer and discussion, we felt very strongly that this unexpected gift of $25 was part of a collection which was to further the Lord's Work and therefore, it should remain for that purpose. We dream of an "ACTS 4 WORLD", where:
(Acts 4:32, 34-35) — All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
For all of the financial and time sacrifices our friends in the YAK Mission Group, led by Dr. Bob, have made, we are inspired. We are proud to know them and stand behind every deed YAK will carry out in Kenya. Not only did Jesus Lead our household to give the money back, but we were challenged to match it. Thank you for this experience in prayer.
Ryan Tacy & Jacqueline Boucher
(Acts 4:32, 34-35) — All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
For all of the financial and time sacrifices our friends in the YAK Mission Group, led by Dr. Bob, have made, we are inspired. We are proud to know them and stand behind every deed YAK will carry out in Kenya. Not only did Jesus Lead our household to give the money back, but we were challenged to match it. Thank you for this experience in prayer.
Ryan Tacy & Jacqueline Boucher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
