Our human compassion is often times rooted in the emotions of empathy and sympathy. It is our ability to walk a mile in another's shoes. To see things from their perspective and feel for their circumstance. Please share with us your story of giving and compassion that you have experienced through serving others.
Here are some stories from this event...
Today’s sermon really hit home with me and I wanted to share my testimony. I have attended several churches over the years and I have financially given “a little here and there,” but I had never tithed a full ten percent of my income. This concept seemed too risky to me. How was I supposed to hand over an entire ten percent of my income?! What if I couldn’t pay a bill? What if I had an unexpected medical expense? What if my car broke down? For years I came up with all sorts of “logical” excuses to justify to myself why it was simply too foreign of a concept to hand over that much money to God. Several weeks ago I realized I could not ignore what God was asking me to do any longer. I knew his desire for a relationship with me was stronger than any hold that money could have over me. I knew in my heart that my paycheck was not “my” paycheck….it is God’s. He is the one who gave me the knowledge and skills to do the job that I do every day. And in return, all He asks that I give Him ten percent of the income I make with my job in order to help further His kingdom. So, I listened to God and for the first time I tithed ten percent. As soon as I placed the check in the offering bucket I wasn’t worried like I thought I would be, God filled me with a sense of peace and security that He would provide for me. The very next day at work I was given the opportunity to earn more money! Since that first check I wrote to Vinings Church, I have continued to faithfully tithe ten percent. And while it’s only been a few weeks, God has moved in a magnificent way in my life and in my finances. One of the most amazing things that has happened since I began tithing is how I have been able to inspire my family. I grew up in a Christian home and grew up watching my father tithe every Sunday. I guess I always assumed that he was giving ten percent. But, it wasn’t until I began sharing my recent experiences with him that he told me that he had always been afraid and reluctant to give ten percent. He told me that he was inspired by the things God was doing in my life and that he would begin tithing ten percent! I am excited to see what God has in store for me as I continue to faithfully tithe! It has certainly been an amazing journey so far!
Back in early December, my husband and I were staying at the hotel where your church is located, We heard the music and decided to join your service. You pastor gave back the offerings that week and I wanted to share what we did with it. We both received $5.00 now that's not much but I also was up on stage where the pastor asked me to trust in God and give him all of the money in my wallet. I had $183.00 which I gladly gave over. In return, I received what was in his pocket - $300.00. What a great lesson - trust in God by giving and he will reward you. I gave $150.00 (needed to give the $180 back to my husband) to a women in my church to help pay for her and her son to go on a mission trip to Haiti. They will both be serving the Lord and helping others to see his light!
Merry Christmas to all and have a Blessed New Year!
Diane C - Buffalo, NY
Ellen and I got to meet Joanna and the family last Friday evening. It was an enjoyable time. They are from Mexico, and the first 3 kids' father was deported to his country. The 4th child is Joanna's and Fernando's daughter. Fernando's business is not doing well so they haven't been able to pay their home mortgage for the past 3 months.The kids were very excited to open the gifts but mommy told them to wait until Christmas. Joanna prepared us a punch, traditionally Mexican, it was very delicious. We shared with them, especially with the kids, about Christmas and told them it is Jesus birthday and He loved us so much that we are the ones to receive gifts in His birthday. We finished with a prayer, and we left them curious about the love of God.
I was given cash from Vinings Church two weeks ago in our Sunday morning service. This gave us the opportunity to share the money in a way I felt would help others. I decided to combine the money with the donation our family gives yearly to ChildFund in combination with many other families in our neighborhood. ChildFund reported to us that our collective donation bought 216 chicks for eighteen indigent families. Each family will receive a brood of 12 chicks for food and/or economic opportunity. Praying that one day no child will go hungry.
