Well…I said today we were going to do something crazy (at least for us 
). Today we gave back to the church an average week’s offering. We stuffed envelopes full of cash ($5000) worth and asked the church to use the money to do something good (investment in the Kingdom of God) in our community. The rules were as follows:
1. This money can’t be spent on you (or your immediate family).
2. Invest it in our community (e.g., don’t send it to a televangelist).
3. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, just put it back in the tithes and offering trays when they come by.
We are following the honor code. But after the message about Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5) I’m sure no one will cheat . But now we want to hear about what happened with the money. Where did it go? How did it bless others? We invited people to either write their stories on the questionnaire (also in the envelope) or comment on this blog post. So…what’s the story?!
This is a big deal for us because as a church we live close to week-to-week (like most American families) and budget a full 52 weeks for the year. And now we just gave away one of those 52! We don’t have a savings account stockpiled full of cash. To give back even one week’s offerings for us is a step of faith in which we trust in the middle of an economic recession we are still called to a life of generosity. So…as we ask this of the Living Stoners…so we ask it of the Living Stones Church.
And really…it was just kind of fun.
So…be creative, strategic, and shrewd. You could combine your cash with other family and friends and do something bigger! Use the cash to buy someone groceries, maybe a coat, shoes, etc. Just bless someone with no strings attached!
On another topic…the kids were back in the building!! Hallelujah. The children’s wing still has a long way to go in regards to decor, but at least they were in the new space. None to soon. We had over 100 children present this morning (22 in the 3 & 4 year old’s class at our 11:30 service!!!). That is something for our modest sized-church!!!!
My wife and I were excited to see who God would lead us to help with the gift from Living Stones Church. As we sat down for our Sunday meal we prayed that God would lead us to one or two opportunities this week. We have only lived in this community for 6 weeks and have had little opportunity to meet anyone especially since everyone is cooped up in their houses.
Following our prayer we began our meal and someone was knocking on our front door. Considering the fact that only the Fed-Ex man and a neighbor have been the only people to knock on our front door it was a significant event. We met an unemployed middle-aged man from Indiana Ave who was trying to make some money by shoveling walks. Our son normally takes care of the snow shoveling duties and had taken care of all the snow except where the snow plow had plugged our drive in, but it was clear God had placed this man at our door before we even had hardly uttered words of prayer.
We allowed the man to clear out the end of the drive and he was done in a manner of just a few minutes. We passed along our Living Stones cash with the card that went with it and explained that we knew it was more than the agreed upon amount but that we wanted to help him. We told him “God Bless You” and he was off the next driveway.
We are waiting to see where else God leads us with the other half of our gift this week. Good is good.
By: JG on January 11, 2009
at 6:08 pm
The minute we were handed these envelopes I knew exactly how I wanted to invest this money and that is what I did. Not only did I take this money and spend it at a local grocery store for some food but that food went to a local family who has been struggling. It felt really good being in the store doing this for the family and the look on the face of the family when presented to them was great. I was told, “it is greatly needed and so appreciated.” My response was, “There are no strings attached, this was done because God loves you.” It felt really good knowing I was able to help this family, even if just a little and letting this family know that it was all because God loves them.
By: Tammy on January 11, 2009
at 6:12 pm
Darn, I wish I had been there to get some cash. (Kidding.)
What a great idea! I’ve never heard of a church doing this. May your church exemplify the kingdom of God through this act.
By: David Wilson on January 12, 2009
at 10:50 am
That is a great idea. I will have to bring that up at the next staff meeting at my church. I know I would have taken the money and gotten some much needed supplies for the nursing home I have been volunteering at. These places can always use things like hot chocolate, tea, crakers, books, puzzles and things like that if someone is struggling for an idea. Most nursing homes are always happy to get these kinds of donations.
By: Lori on January 12, 2009
at 4:09 pm
I just received a call at the church from a young lady who was at the 7-Eleven by IUSB. She told me that a gentleman paid for her coffee and donut and handed her a card with our name on it. She continued to say that she was having a bad day and that the small gesture of paying for her coffee and donut made a world of difference! At this point in the conversation she started to cry and continued on that she just wanted to call to say “thank you”.
I hope who ever did this act of kindness reads this and sees that he made a difference this morning in the life of one young lady at 7-Eleven. Way to go, keep investing in the kingdom!!
By: Ann on January 13, 2009
at 10:01 am
Anyone who finds he or she has a heart of this kind of thing should really consider joining the REEF ministry. Wally Last leads REEF and is more than happy to answer questions, as are any of us involved with REEF.
By: Melissa on January 13, 2009
at 11:10 am
We have had so much fun with this. We have paid for gas, paid for lunches, etc. Even the kids are getting into it. We want to do this every week.
By: Wallin's on January 13, 2009
at 2:00 pm
I was able to help an elderly lady who was counting out her change to see if she could afford another couple of pills from the pharmacy. The money was able to get her the rest of the months worth of her prescription. Praise God for leading me to this situation!
By: Heather N. on January 13, 2009
at 7:34 pm
I overheard one of my coworkers speaking with a family today. She was trying to help them find an assistance program to help them avoid getting their heat shut off. With the impending extreme cold and blizzard coming, I just can’t imagine how scary that would be for this family.
I grabbed the card and money from my purse and told my coworker to give it to the family. I realize it may not cover their gas bill completely, but I knew I had to do what I could to help them out. There is a member of the family that is disabled and taking some very important but expensive medications. The family has been struggling to keep up with the monthly expenses and the medications. They don’t qualify for any government programs, so they’re options are limited. I just pray that God blesses them in other ways, to make sure they stay warm and safe.
By: bernice770 on January 13, 2009
at 9:02 pm
Each morning on my way to work I pass the bus stop at the corner of Miami and Ridgedale. Each time I sit at that light I thank God for the luxury of my own transportation and pray for safe travel for those using the public system. On Sunday when I opened the envelope I knew just what I was suppose to do – so on Monday afternoon at about 3:30 I went to the Transpo depot and purchased 14 round trip bus passes. I went to the Miami stop loading area which was returning to the Southside and gave a pass to everyone waiting for their bus – I gave out five and got 4 God Bless you’s, one including a testimony about another Southside Church and a hearty “much appreciated”. My heart was overflowing as I walked back to my car. I returned to the depot today at about 4:00 and went to a different loading area for the Southside to give away the remaining passes – miracle of miracles – there were just the number of passes as there were passengers waiting. The broad smiles and return of “God bless you’s” made my day. I am considering making a weekly “bus stop ministry”! Thank you for the funds and for the inspiration to use my hands and feet for the good of the Kingdom. Walking back to my car these two days have been the best walks I have taken in a long time.
By: Carla on January 13, 2009
at 10:20 pm
Don’t let the name fool you. I DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL!! I am not politically correct. I work very hard to not be. I thought about all of the programs that are available to help different groups of people and I feel that men are on the bottom of the list. Due to pride or whatever they are often the last to ask for help. Hope ministries openly offers help for men and has for many years. They also offer Christ to some people who could benefit most from a relationship with Him. I added another $20.00 to the gift from Living Stones and explained what we are doing. I also intend to add an extra $20.00 to my church offering this week as a way of thanking Sam for giving me the jump start I needed in my generosity.
By: wiskey on January 14, 2009
at 5:35 pm
On Sunday after church my boyfriend Johnny went to pick up my sons from their grandmas house. My ex- mother in law works at a nursing home in the activities room and is always in need of supplies. Johnny gave her his $20.00 to assist in getting more supplies.
My daughter Kayla is a 4th grader at Hamilton School and her class was taking donations to give to the hospital for families with children with cancer. Kayla stood next to me in Church on Sunday and as soon as we were outside she asked me if she could give the money to her teacher to help out the children. I gave my daughter the envelope and she proudly walked into school with it.
By: Doreen on January 15, 2009
at 2:59 pm
Two tales. First, a car slid off the road on Ireland, right in front of Nic and Andy’s Marathon, stuck into a snowbank. I happened upon it and while we were hatching a plan (that my experience said was going to likely be a tow), a guy drove in with not only a 4X4 but also a tow strap. He offered to help. drove around and we had him pulled out of that snow in about two minutes.
I spoke to the driver, explained the purpose and gave him the card and $10.00. He said he did not need payment and I explained that it wasn’t a payment, but rather an investment in one person deciding to get involved and HELP rather than drive on by like so many others do. I told him if he still felt like nothing should come his way then he should pass it on when he sees the next act of generosity out of people helping other people.
The next one came when I stopped at Martin’s, bought a $10 gift card with the Church card inside. One of my long time friends is a cashier and I explained the idea. My request is when she sees the next “in need” family come through that may be struggling to please present the gift card (with Church card) for them to use to help their family out.
She graciously agreed to do her part to help me out and commented that she is seeing so many more families relying om food stamp/EBT assistance and, that while there are so many that use the FS cards as a “lifestyle” she can tell like the other cashiers do, who is relying on the cards as a means of family survival. She said she will make sure that the family who appears to be in the most need will reap the benefits of the Church’s generosity. I’ll get the report and share later.
I have to tell you, the Lord steered me to these decisions today after praying for guidance every day this week. And it felt right and good with each one.
By: Ed on January 16, 2009
at 11:02 pm
Well here goes. My ex-husband and I had a long conversation Friday night. He was telling me that his ex before me had a second withholding order issued for child support. That took his second jobs check and was leaving him with no way to eat. So I started praying that night asking God to show me how I could help him. Then on Sunday we got the envelope. Rob and I talked and put them together and went to the store to buy groceries for him. As this week has passed he found out his job is closing within the next 45 days for layoffs.
By: kristi on January 17, 2009
at 10:31 am
My girlfriend’s ex-husband is going to lose his job shortly, so we both decided to give him the money (since he’s an ex, I guess he is not immediate family). This man hates me because he believes I took his ex-wife and children away from him. I hope God will look into my and his heart and see I never meant to hurt this man and relay my sorrow to him.
By: Rob on January 17, 2009
at 11:28 am
As my wife and I were sitting eating lunch after church we had a great time in conversation about what we wanted to do with our $20.00. For me it was the opportunity after getting groceries at a local grocery store to tell the grocery bagger to take care of himself (doing the hidden handshake with cash in it – very smooth?!….) The first attempt was maybe a bit comical (at least to me) because I pulled out the cash but a receipt was wrapped around it from my previous hair cut next store. I had said to the guy something like “thanks” and realized I was about to give him my hair cut reciept. Doh! Anyway, the somewhat awkward moment resolved when I got the receipt unwrapped from the money, and gave it to the guy (with the card wrapped inside the money). Thank God that regardless of awkwardness, nobody really cares as long as the gift is from the heart. His smile spoke many words to me as we left. Thank you God, and thank you Living Stones Church for the opportunity to give.
By: Mark on January 17, 2009
at 12:22 pm
I sent the $20 to a friend in need. I just pray my unfortunate human nature doesn’t get in the way of whatever God has planned for him. Prayers for healing and God’s love in his life.
By: Jennipher on January 17, 2009
at 3:08 pm
I prayed that God would reveal to me what I should do with the $20 from LSC. As I drove to the hosptal to visit Betty Sunday night, I was more alert to those on the streets. Was one of these people who I was supposed to invest in? I didn’t have the feeling that was the thing to do, so I talked to Betty about it once I got there. She assured me I would reach the right decision. One of our aides at school is on a fixed income and takes Transpo to school everyday. Her husband has MS and has not been well lately. They struggle to make ends meet every month. He is in the hospital again, and she has not been at school this week. If she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid. I am giving her the money as soon as she comes back to school. She is a good Christian woman and I will be more than happy to let her know how much all of us and God love her! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
By: Sherri on January 17, 2009
at 3:42 pm
I gave mine to a Pizza Hut delivery man. He was so kind & out delivering pizzas on Friday night when it was -15. He surely would have rather been anywhere else. I felt so strongly that I do “the right thing” that I spent the better part of the week asking God to point me in the right direction. I feel that wherever it was given, was directly placed there by God….now we have to invest my husbands into the community….more to come.
By: Stacie Kensinger on January 17, 2009
at 3:46 pm
Today Shelbey and I traveled to the “South Side”. Our first stop was a store called Dents for Cents, I was hoping the owners might be there. They offer dened goods for sale to the public. Is a small grocery store. Plus if you buy $50 they give a box of groceries to you for free. Well they were not there so onward we went.
Our next stop was Target. The cart boy was outside gathering carts. I walked up to him and when trying to give him our gift he refused. So after a few more attempts I knew there was no changing his mind. His saying NO THANK YOU sent us to Martins.
At Martins Shelbey and I walked around the store and as I went around the corner by the pharmacy I knew!!!
There standing in front of us was an elderly couple paying for their medicines. I walked up to the wife, patted her on the back while reaching in front of her. I told her that I would like to help her pay for her percerpitions. I gave her the money and cards and then left.
When walking away I knew I had done a great thing.. and had come to the right place.
If you could have seen their smiles.
By: Susan and Shelbey on January 17, 2009
at 4:34 pm
The best thing about all of this is seeing where God leads people. I feel so blessed to be a part of a church that is truely investing in God-enomics. I can’t wait to see what Sam has to say this week and hear even more stories. God bless us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Lorinda on January 17, 2009
at 6:59 pm
i finally used up all of the money . we went to mcdonald’s for a birthday party and i paid for the meals for two people . i also paid for the person behind me at the drive thru this morning . i donated the change . i felt pretty good about helping other people out . i pray that the seeds we planted this week will take root for the Kingdom .
By: ed wallin on January 17, 2009
at 7:42 pm
As Curt and I were traveling to the South Side this morning, there was this older woman waiting for the bus on Miami, almost in the road. Although the weather was much warmer than yesterday, it was still cold at 10:00 am. She was dressed in a winter coat that wouldn’t zip up, she had sweat pants on and tennis shoes. It was way to cold to be standing out waiting for the bus, but there she was. We stopped and I got out and walked up to her and gave her the money and the card. She looked down, said she couldn’t take it, but I told her yes she could, she just stood there with a smile on her face and thanked me. I asked her if she was going anywhere near Donmoyer ,that we could take her, but she said she was fine and wished us a good day. I love doing things like that, especially when it’s so totally out of the norm.
It is awesome hearing all the stories of how the money is being invested in the Kingdom and in people’s lives!
By: Ann on January 17, 2009
at 8:40 pm
After getting the cash on Sunday I had many ideas going through my head. I was pretty sure that I would find out what the YWCA or Homeless Shelter were desperate for and spend it there. But with this weeks bad weather, I did not get a chance to get out with the kids and do this. So, I kept thinking that something would just “pop-up” and I would know this was what I was to do. On Friday night I still had nothing and just prayed that God my lead my heart somewhere.
On Friday I received news from a good friend that she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My 40 year old friend, mother of 2, will soon be undergoing aggressive chemo and surgery. This morning as I was driving home from an Upwards game, she popped in my mind and I knew that Sky and I would use the $40 to buy gift cards to a local restaurant and give them to her and her family. Then she can have one less meal to worry about during her treatment.
I really thought I would be led to use this cash towards someone “less fortunate.” But what does that really mean? Not only if my friend about to go through something most of us will never understand, she is also dealing with the impact of the RV industry. Her husband owns a business in the RV industry and recently took a 40% paycut just to stay afloat!
I will put the gift cards in the mail Monday and I’m sure she will be thankful.
Thanks for the opportunity to help our neighbors in need!
By: Angie on January 17, 2009
at 9:08 pm
We had a lot of fun with this project and realized how aware of needs we became with the extra $20 waiting to be given away. The majority of our money was given to the large group of kids behind us in line at the dollar theater. After paying for the group to get into the movie we learned that it was a group from the Family & Children’s Center. They were very gracious and gave a big group “thank you” as we walked in:) With $5 left we took it to the cashier at the Krogers gas station and paid that toward the next customer’s total.
By: Kyra on January 17, 2009
at 9:28 pm
The moment I got my envelope on Sunday I knew I was supposed to leave it for my server at wherever we ended up eating lunch on Sunday. So, at Logan’s, we filled out our credit card receipt with our normal tip and then left the $20 and card along with our credit card receipt. I did not see the girls reaction, but hope it was a small way to bless her day and let her know that all the church people who come in on Sundays are not the difficult type.
By: Amy O on January 17, 2009
at 11:10 pm
After receiving the envelope at church, my first instinct was “what am I going to do with this”, so graciously, I gave my envelope back to the church. My husband and I then took his envelope right after church to a store and bought a bunch of hats and gloves and took the hats and gloves to the homeless shelter. We figured the children at the shelter could use these items to help keep them warm.
By: Kristina on January 18, 2009
at 12:19 am
Dana and I had been praying how to use this money as a blessing. We happened to be in WalMart on Saturday and it was almost like a light came on a young woman and her two children. Dana and I went up to her and explained what we were doing in conjunction with our church and to please accept this money as a blessing from God. She couldn’t believe her eyes and I know she had a hard time looking through them with the tears she had welling up in them. She gave me a huge hug. And as we left I heard her tell her kids “I’ve never had someone come up to me and just give me money before!” Well, she has now.
By: Jim Ruth on January 18, 2009
at 1:48 am
As of yesterday I still had my $20. I knew I could always take it ot Hope Mission if I didn’t have an opportunity come up.
I was at the church yesterday and was just leaving. If I had left 30 seconds earlier, I would have been pulling out and missed it.
An old truck pulled into the parking lot and I thought it was the people that plowed the parking lot.
A very poorly dressed man got out and walked up to me and asked if the Pastor was here. His coat was ragged and he work tennis shoes. I told him he wasn’t, just a couple people working on some projects. (At this time, I started to mentally began thinking, this guy wants money, how am I going to get out of this).
He told me about what he was going through and he just needed to get a little help. He offered to do any work we had to do. Again, I’m thinking, how many times has he told this story today???
Finally it occured to me, hey, you wanted an opportunity and here it was.
I had left the money with Ann, so I told him to wait and I went back inside to get it.
I handed him the money and the card, he thanked me and shook my hand and left.
I don’t know what he did with the money, but I’m thinking even when Jesus helped someone he didn’t wonder if they were saints or if after he helped them they would live great lives, etc.
I guess I will have to trust in someone greater than myself to bring about good with what I do.
By: Curt on January 18, 2009
at 9:17 am
As of church service this morning, I thought I knew what I should do with the $20. I quickly found out after church that what I was thinking was not God’s plan.
While driving home I happened upon a man carrying a shovel. He was walking slowly with his head down. He looked sad. I stopped and asked if he was shoveling for money. His response was yes. He was recently laid off and getting behind in his bills and child support. I told him where I lived and asked if he would shovel my walks for $20. He agreed. My husband wouldn’t let him finish because doing the whole walk was worth more than $20. The snow was pretty deep. We gave him the money, the card and a better shovel (he bent his). He read the card and thanked me.
About 3 hours later he came back to our door. He had been all over the neighboorhood and couldn’t get anyone to hire him to shovel their walks. He asked if he could finish our walks for an additional $10. He need the money to get brakes for his car. Of course, I didn’t have it but I told him to go ahead and finish and I would search for more. Andrew had $5 left of his birthday money and I scraped up another $5. I opened the front door to pay him and he was gone. Andrew looked out the window to find him shoveling the driveway. When he finished I paid him and gave him a cup of hot chocolate in my Living Stones coffee mug. I thanked him for shoveling the drive and he said that he was greatful for the kindness and wanted to repay that kindness with kindness.
This man lives a couple of blocks from us and I’m sure this won’t be our last encounter.
God is good!
By: Tina D. on January 18, 2009
at 6:28 pm
If you are unfamiliar with the Peek living arrangement, let me quickly fill you in. Alex and I live in a house that has an upstairs apartment. In our backyard is a one-bedroom cottage and a three-stall garage with another apartment above IT. The whole property is owned by my father, who has had many trials with the whole thing.
We have two tenants right now – a man who works at the recycling plant for minimum wage who was divorced, and has had a long string of bad luck and a young man who was in a terrible car accident a year ago that crushed his hip so he can’t work. His mother pays his rent and drives him to Ivy Tech everyday for computer classes so that hopefully someday he will be able to have a job.
When we moved to our house, I knew that we were put there for reasons only known to God, and definitely for the support of the ministry.
Yesterday I felt like I was supposed to cook dinner for our tenants, but didn’t make any plans because I thought I was going to have to work today. When I found out that I don’t have to work until 3 today, I took it as confirmation of what I felt needed to be done with our money.
I went to the grocery store and got supplies to make chili and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
The total bill came to exactly $40.
Another confirmation that I was doing the right thing with our investment money.
So right now there is a giant pot of chili on our stove, boxes on the floor and a lot of tupperware containers spread around the kitchen. The finishing touches will be a handwritten note and the little cards that we got with the church address and phone number.
And yes, I make good chili.
By: Lindsey on January 19, 2009
at 2:08 pm
This took quite a lot of thought and prayer. I felt that God was telling that there were a couple of things that I could do with our money. Well yesterday morning He finally gave me the final word. I was talking to a family and asking how they were doing…in the conversation I was told that their gas had been shut off, right then I knew what I needed to do. I gave the family the money to help out with either getting an electric heater or getting the gas turned back on. It felt good knowing that they will be a little warmer!
By: Buffy on January 19, 2009
at 6:08 pm
I gave my money to two young boys in my neighborhood who need encouragement and who are open to God. They have been a great example of what a friend is to my son Nick.
By: Tikkri Knarr on January 20, 2009
at 2:37 pm
I gave my money to a woman at work. She is a single working woman raising her grandchild on her own. She recently had a car accident that totaled her paid off car. She now has a car payment that stretches her budget. Despite all of her problems she is always happy and is quite a great person.
By: anonymous on January 20, 2009
at 2:41 pm
I wasn’t going comment on what I did with the money, but I am so overwhelmed right now, I had to share:) I new what I wanted to do almost instantly. The Casie Center, in South Bend, has a little tree set up right inside their front door. On the tree are hats and gloves and on the floor around it are many stuffed animals. They are taking donations from the community until it warms up. The kids that they help are welcome to pick from the tree, anything that they need. I was able to pick what I wanted to get last week, but not able to make it there due to the weather, so I finally stopped in today. My donation was a stuffed dog and I also got a Target gift card and tied it around the dogs neck. I wasn’t looking for recoginition, I wasn’t even sure who it would be going to. I dropped in around lunch time and figured the women that work there would be in the back eating and that I would be able to sneak in and out without being noticed. I was so wrong. Several of the women that work there were standing up front when I walked in. As I put the dog in front of the tree the thanks and graditude they expressed was overwhelming, I was speachless. Thank you Sam for reminding me how wonderful it feels to give and that the little things make a difference! And also may God bless the women who work at the Casie Center, what they do for the kids in our community is amazing!!
By: Sara O. on January 20, 2009
at 2:42 pm
I blessed the girl that does my pedicures. She only makes half of what we pay for the service and whatever tips she gets. That day she did 2 people so for the whole day she made $30. She really semmed appreciative and didn’t want to take the money. She lives with her boyfriend, but wants to leave him, but doesn’t have the money to live on her own. Please pray for her.
By: Denise H. on January 20, 2009
at 2:43 pm
I decided since the Church was investing in the kingdom of God I could do the same, so I matched the amount. I was talking to a friend and she was telling me about one of her friends who has been out of work and struggling to feed her children. I got her address and mailed her the money.
By: Michelle H.. on January 20, 2009
at 2:44 pm
Unfortunately I was out of state on business all week long. So I didn’t have any opportunities locally except to give it back 5-fold to Living Stones Church where I know God will bless it and multiply it more to bless others. (PS-I’m keeping the original $20 wrapped around the L.S.C. card for an opportunity in the future)
By: Don K. on January 20, 2009
at 2:46 pm
We pulled all of it together, $60 and we spoke with a friend who works at the Center for the Homeless. She informed me of a single mother of two young children who was graduating out of the program this past Friday. Beginning her journey into looking for a job as well as a new program. We decided to not only bless her and help her with the $60 but we matched the $60 totaling $120. We also put the church card in with the money as well as a note to her. We know the struggles of starting fresh and we know this will make an impact on her and her family. God reaching in when you sometimes least expect it.
By: The Palmer Family on January 20, 2009
at 2:49 pm
I gave to a grandmother that is raising her granddaughter that is almost 3. A friend of mine told me the story after we delievered food to her building last weekend from GCC.
By: Vicki B. on January 20, 2009
at 2:51 pm
I bought dinner type of food and milk for a family whose father got laid off just before Christmas.
By: O.J. on January 20, 2009
at 2:52 pm
We combined our money together and gave it to a friend of ours. She had just told us a week before that she had bills to pay with no money to pay them. She’s unemployed and has been having financial problems, so she was quite surprised and thankful.
By: Joel & Sarah T. on January 20, 2009
at 2:53 pm
I added a little of my own money and gave the cash to a family from work. The husband has had his hours cut drastically, problems with unemployment checks and they have creditors calling. Hopefully they will see this money as a gift from God and come to know Him through it.
By: Brian P. on January 21, 2009
at 10:32 am
I bought a $20 gift card from Target. I also got (with my money because the $20 motivated me) a large stuffed dog. I tied the gift card around the dogs neck and dropped it off at the Casie Center. The donation will go to an abused child and their family.
By: Sara O. on January 21, 2009
at 10:34 am
I happily gave it to a young girl at my school who will be having a baby in a few months. It feels good knowing you helped someone in need. She was so grateful and didn’t want to accept the money. I’ve been praying for her for a while and this gave me an opportunity to invite her to church. I hope our relationship with each other and God will blossom from this experience.
By: Anonymous on January 21, 2009
at 10:37 am
We put our amounts together and put it towards a patient at my work. She was just diagnosed with brain cancer and was given 6 months to a year to live. She had a tooth extracted and when she went to pay her bill the credit card was denied. She set up a payment plan of $40 a month. She didn’t need the stress of the bill so we pitched in some and with the money from you and another person at my work got her bill down to $150 from $249. Thank you. We normally don’t get to help others out because of our money situation is very tight right now, but it felt good to help.
By: Jim & Jessica Z. on January 21, 2009
at 10:41 am
We gave our money to a grandmother to pay her water bill, she was going to try to borrow the money to pay her bill. She is raising her six grandchildren while their mother is in prision.
By: Cassandra & Dottie on January 21, 2009
at 10:43 am
I was able to purchase 20 stocking caps and drop them off at Hope Mission for those who needed a hat during the cold weather.
By: Anonymous on January 21, 2009
at 10:44 am
I gave the money to my neighbor for his wife and him. They are expecting their first child and he is out of work. Every little bit helps. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help out someone else.
By: Nick L. on January 21, 2009
at 10:45 am
This past summer my family came to know of a family in Goshen. They take in foster children and are unable to have their own kids. In December, in a move that can only be called faith, they took pretty much the clothes on their backs and moved to Colorado to care for the children of an incarscerated woman. These people are dear friends to us and it was to them I sent my $20.
By: Ed H. on January 21, 2009
at 10:48 am
I gave my money to a friend at work, who is caught between taking care of an elderly senile mother and her son, who needs surgery, but can’t work and has 5 kids.
By: Melissa H. on January 21, 2009
at 10:49 am
I was in a car accident, a woman hit me as I was waiting to turn. We were both ok, but when I talked to her she said one bad thing after another just kept happening. I mailed her this gift with a note saying to treat herself and that “God is in control and He loves you”.
By: Kris B. on January 21, 2009
at 10:51 am
I left the money in our South Bend Tribune box for our paper delivery man. He has a hard job and I have never given him a tip or anything during the holidays, he always gives us a Christmas card. I felt like he deserved the money and this may be the only job he can get.
By: Anonymous on January 21, 2009
at 10:53 am
[...] Kingdom Investments Update Ann Lynn just entered a bunch more stories on the Kingdom Investments post. If you haven’t checked it out in a few days…you should. See below or click here. [...]
By: Kingdom Investments Update « Sam I Am on January 21, 2009
at 11:02 am
I bought arts and crafts things for the nursing home that my mom was at. The residents have different activities planned during the week and to see them excited made me feel good. I volunteer there as well and even though my mom went to heaven, I still enjoy going when I can to visit the residents who are alone there. It was fun. Thank you for the opportunity to give back to the community. After doing all of this joyfully, I had the chance to be interviewd on Thursday for an activities aide at a nursing home, dealing with elderly people who have alzhimers and dimensia, I’m excpeting God’s wonderful blessings.
By: Anne S. on January 26, 2009
at 1:10 pm
We found a military that is going to be deployed back to Iraq. This was what we were looking for and they walked into my office – just like that – I gave them the $40 and they will use it for their FRG (family readiness group) to support many families on the South Side, plus I was the FRG leader for Herb’s unit when he went to Irag. This customer of mine is also the FRG leader and we built on that and will keep in touch during their deployment and continue to help.
By: JIll & Herb B. on January 26, 2009
at 1:14 pm
I gave the money to a lady with a physical handicap that works two jobs to support herself and her two sons, tears came to her eyes when she received it.
By: Anonymous on January 26, 2009
at 1:15 pm
I gave the money to my neighbor who has been out of work for about a year.
By: Janet S. on January 26, 2009
at 1:16 pm
We pooled our money and matched it with our own to send a check to Broadway Christian Parish. We directed them to use it where there is the greatest need, as they minister to the homelss and maintain a food pantry. We explained Living Stones’ desire to have an impact on the South side and to give generously during these tough economic times. We let them know that Pastor Sam had passed out the money to invest in our community. Thank you for this opportunity to shine Christ’s light and love!
By: Carolyn & Bryce C. on January 26, 2009
at 1:18 pm
I gave my money to a waitress at a nearby restaurant. It was a cold, snowy day, so I figured she could use the extra tip. I hope it blessed and brightened her day.
By: Anonymous on January 26, 2009
at 1:19 pm
Mike had decided to give his money to a local restaraunt owner (KJ’S on Main St) where he eats every day. He worries that her business is struggling, while she brings her child to work. It was MLK day & I left the $20 on the counter for him to take. My girlfriends & I met for lunch on the west side, I brought the bypass back, went to Walmart & decided it was time to get my January flowers from Stephens. When I came back to the car, a couple was walking throgh the parking lot with a gas can & asked me for money. I had no cash & told them that (honestly I usually find myself nervous around these requests) however, I realized that I would never had been at that flower shop if not for LSC so I searched the car & came up with the change & rolled down the window to give it to them. I had the chills…I knew I was there for a reason (I live all the way on the east side of Mishawaka). By the way KJ’s has great sandwich wraps & is next to AT&T if you would like to visit them for lunch~
By: Stacie & Michael Kensinger on January 28, 2009
at 10:18 am
I gave my money to a waitress on 1/18. She said it’s true “what goes around comes around”. Two days prior she gave her last $20 to a man in a dumpster. She said it was the last $20 she had, but she thought he needed it more. She was so happy to pretty much get a blessing back for blessing him!
By: Theresa L. on January 29, 2009
at 11:20 am
Had to share another Kingdom Investment tale. We have some money leftover that still has not been called upon its purpose, but last night while working I came across a car parked on Chapin, just a bit north of Sample with the flashers on as I turned the corner.
This is a way I usually don’t go, so I stopped to check on the car which I could see was occupied.
The female driver said she borrowed her daughters car and was on the way to go visit her at Holy Cross, coming from Walkerton and it ran out of gas. She said that someone was coming for her and that she was okay. I told her I would swing back by in a bit to check on her and she said that her rescue was coming from Warsaw. (her cell phone also died in the meantime.)
I knew then that I was being called upon to act. I told her I would be right back. I went to the station and as I expected, no gas can. I drove to the gas station at Main and Sample. There I bought a can and enough gas to fill it with the Kingdom Investment funds.
I drove back and after some difficulty in getting it filled, she fired it up, but it quickly died from being run dry and the battery could no longer start it. I went back to the station and grabbed our battery jumper box and returned to get her jump started too. All was well.
She gave me a very grateful hug (! VERY RARE!) and offered to pay me for the can and the gas. I told her that there was no need and that the Living Stones Church was taking care of this one, providing her with the Church card, and with my card. We talked about church briefly, as I could see when I was trying to start it she had been passing the time in the dark reading a bulletin from her church (St Pats in Walkerton).
After my recent readings about the importance of believers helping other believers especially, I knew God had called upon me being there and going the extra distance to ensure not only her safety but to get her on the way again after her setback. Yeah its my job to help others, but this one called upon me to do even more than we usually would, and the graciousness of the LSC allowed that to happen. I love this place!
By: Ed on February 1, 2009
at 12:58 pm
I gave my money to someone at the laundry mat on Ireland. The man thanked me and we went our separate ways.
By: Cynthia K. on February 3, 2009
at 12:52 pm
We gave our money to two young men that have been out of work for five months. They are doing odd jobs to pay their bills. We hired them to help us and we were touched by their hard work and desire to do whatever it takes to work through these hard times.
By: Randy & Linda T. on February 3, 2009
at 12:54 pm
I gave my money to a girl I know who is nine months pregnant. She is in a very bad financial situation, and I thought the money could help with gas to get her to her doctor’s appts or food for a week.
By: Sara B. on February 3, 2009
at 12:55 pm
I met a lady at the Food Bank while getting food. She had knee replacement surgery and is taking care of four grandchildren. I gave her the money and the card and she was very thankful. It felt really good to do this for her.
By: Dawn E. on February 3, 2009
at 12:57 pm
For a while we didn’t quite know what to do with the money. Both of us were on the lookout for a worth while place to invest, but nothing seemed to really touch us. We were at the Aldi’s on Ireland, normal shopping day for us. There was a couple in the store who caught my eye. They were in their early 40’s, relatively young. But what caught my eye was that the man’s speech was slurred, and his mouth hung a bit at the left corner. I found myself unconsciously listening in on their conversations, the husband telling his wife that he wished he could help more again. The conversation turned to grocery selections, and the amount of money that they could afford to spend. Dawn and I moved in a different direction in the store, and I lost track of the couple. As we were ready to check out, I realized that we had forgotten our grocery bags in the car, and I walked out to get them. There, in the handicap parking space, was the couple, trying to load their purchases into their mini-van. The husband was again apologizing to his wife, who was struggling to lift a box, about not being able to help. I went over and loaded their van for them, and made small talk as I did so. The husband had had a stroke, it was a “miracle” that he was able to function to the extent that he can, but still felt bad for how much his wife had to do now. As I completed the small task, I turned to the man, pulled the envelope out of my coat, and handed it to him. I told him to do something nice for his wife, shook his hand, and walked away.
I felt humbled… grateful, for my health, my family, and for the opportunity to do something like this.
By: Jeff and Dawn on February 6, 2009
at 11:24 am
I gave my money to a couple of our church family members. He’s only a greeter, working less than 1/2 week, their transmission took a dive, they needed money for gas to give his ride to work, so the Living Stones helped them. They were more than grateful, they were deserving.
By: Bradd W. on February 9, 2009
at 12:26 pm
I was in a car accident right after this happened and the woman who hit me was so distressed. I gave her the money and told her that GOd loved her and to spoil her self.
I received a thank you card today in the mail.
Paraphrased:”I am truely overwhelmed! What a tremendous gift this was to me, and I mean more for the spirit than the money. So much has happened in just a few months. You were a reminder of how God shows him/herself through one another. I’ve been so discouraged and you really made me stop and take store of the good things in life… and the good people.
I want you to know what I did. I had a mass said for a close relative who had recently passed away. The rest I gave to the women’s shelter and it felt good to be able to do that. I lit a candle for you and those you hold dear. Again thank you. You have no idea what a beautiful gesture that was.”
It does feel good to touch others and how funny that God used a car accident for this purpose! You never know where He is going to use you!
So blessed to be a part of this church!
By: Kris B on February 12, 2009
at 4:59 pm
Yesterday was Kailee’s 1st birthday party and we spent a majority of our time in the kitchen getting things ready for company. I didn’t really feel like being in the kitchen tonight and elected to head over to Pizza Hut instead.
We were the only people in there minus one guy sitting by himself, and of course in the booth right next to us. Thankfully our girls were on their best behavior! Yay girls! I took my envelope up to the counter and told our server that I wanted to pay for his bill and the tip. She took the mint off the bill tray and went to inform him that I was paying his bill and as I was walking back to my table I could see him mouth the word “why?”. I walked up to him and handed him the God Loves You card and said I just wanted to bless his evening. No strings.
He was very thankful and said he would gladly pay it forward. I then sat down and joined my table. As he was leaving, he stopped by and said he was a Christian. He also said he was stopping in to grab a bite to eat since his wife was in Chicago with their daughter and 2 grandkids. He also shared a funny story his wife had shared with him earlier. He said the 9 year old grandson was not really behaving during breakfast that morning and throwing his waffles in the air and stuff. The boy’s mom wasn’t really paying attention but grandma was getting perturbed and said to the grandson “were you born in a barn or something?”. Without missing a beat the grandson replied “Jesus was born in a barn”.
We all had a good laugh.
By: Dana on February 16, 2009
at 9:53 pm
I gave my money to a neighbor. I did not think he needed the money as much as he needed to know God loves him. Either way, he was moved and said he had been wanting to find a church to go to. He seems sincere in his desire for a relationship with God, but we are still working on getting him into church on a Sunday morning.
It felt strange to start a conversation about church with my neighbor, but I believe God had made it clear to me (everytime I prayed about what to do with the money this neighbor came to mind) I was to have this conversation. To my surprise, my neighbor was amazed that I had thought of him because he too had been thinking about finding a church.
By: Bill B. on March 3, 2009
at 10:51 am