:: read stories ::
Read how people are blessing others in radical acts of love
Dean and Patti Frazier
Location: Rock
Hill, SC
Our story: After praying about it, we
decided to put our money together ($100) and help out some
friends who have been going through a tough time with health
issues and financial issues. In addition, they do not attend
church. We mailed them a couple of Forest Pointe shirts and
included the money in the box with a note that " someone at
Forest Pointe was praying for them and wanted to help them". We
are hoping that not only will the money help them, but that they
will see what a loving and caring church Forest Pointe is and
that maybe they will come to church with us sometime. Or at
least, they might realize that they need a church family.
July 27, 2009
Bill Carangelo
Location: Belmont, NC
My story: It took me an extra week but when my wife was
volunteering at Catherine's House in Belmont (a transitional
house for women and children who are homeless) she learned they
wanted to have a garden both for food and to teach the women and
children how to garden. I am both a master gardener and teacher
so my wife volunteered me. My $50+ was used to buy materials for
the garden we planted. Once or twice a week I go and work with
the families in the garden. I am so enjoying the ongoing
opportunity to work with these folks. This story was slow in
getting posted but we are already starting to feed the residents
with the fruits of the garden. Thanks for this opportunity!
July 6, 2009
Tom Cooper
Location: Atlanta to Africa
My story: This is an update to my story from June 9th
2009. Lydia was able to have one of many surgeries to cure her
from a crippling birth defect called Ricketts. The reverse
offering from Forest Pointe Church and many other donations have
enabled my friend Latoya to raise enough money to have all the
operations needed to help Lydia run and play with her friends.
Here is a quote from my friends web blog:
"I
tried to make phone calls this morning but I can't stop
crying.... Happy, Grateful, Joyful tears!!!!
Lydia came
out of surgery about 7:27 our time, 12:30 Cameroon time. The
surgery was a success and she is doing well. She is still
sleeping and in the recovery process but Thank God she made it
through! She told Simon yesterday that she was excited about the
surgery and soon she will be able to run faster than all of her
friends!!!!! I can't wait to get back to Africa and watch her
run.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who
donated and have kept her in prayer. Continue to lift her up as
she will have to learn to walk again and endure the painful
process of healing."
Thank you God and Forest Pointe
Church. Here is a website of some pictures of Lydia,
http://www.coopscorner.com/lydia/lydia.htm and here is
a link to my friends blog if you want to know about the lady
that accepted the donations, she is truly a special lady:
http://toyamac.myadventures.org/?filename=bio
Have a
blessed week
July 5, 2009
Deborah Geiger
Location: Belmont, NC
My story: I received $50 in my envelope. Each day individuals do not really even know
that they are angels of God on earth as they travel among us.
They live God's word without even thinking about it. They simply
possess the Holy Spirit genuinely and innately or were fortunate
to have models in their lives to nurture these inner qualities.
Each time I enter this one retail establishment and see this one
person working hard at her usual post, I realize some may call
her plain wearing the same outfit every time but to others who
pass her register would disagree for they see radiance. I am one
of those who are humbled and respect her kindness to all she
sees. Like the wish of God, this fine young woman shows kindness
to everyone that passes with her smiles, good wishes, stories
and interest in them. She holds no secrets of her life for her
life is an open book. I love her stories such as how she was to
meet her companion of a year now with her sister (internet) in
the parking lot and the beautiful stoned initial of his name.
Life for her is perfect, and she wants that for all of us. When
we received the money, I knew exactly who I wanted to share it
with. While in my eyes, she was a woman who had everything -
happiness due to her outlook on life (or is it that she
possessed God's outlook on life). I just wanted to be nice to
someone who was nice. Then, of course, the thought, "Did I
choose the person meant to have this church's monetary
blessing?" Before I gave it to her, I walked up to her register,
I noticed her foot in a therapeutic boot. She shared that her
friend was coming to put in a window air conditioner for her
this weekend. Yes, indeed, God talks to us if we open our eyes
and ears for I had received my answer. And she had received the
church's gift. And perhaps her life was happier as all those who
pass her register are happier by her gift (modeling and making
us smile) to us AND HER GIFT TO US DOESN'T EVEN INVOLVE MONEY.
Now here is the question: Was this exercise of giving to others
helpful to her or to me?
June 25,
2009
Bonnie & Robbie Smith
Location: Mt. Holly
and Dallas, NC
Our story: When we received our money
at church, I had no idea what I was going to do. I kept my eyes
open for someone in need, but never felt like the people I was
coming across were the "right people." I got to talking to my
sister, who is a Senior at North Gaston, and she told me that
there was a little kid that went to the elementary school that
could use it. As it turns out, this child's family lost their
home to a fire. There are at least 3 kids that I know of. The
family is in the process of rebuilding their home, but for the
mean time they are living in a building in their back yard. So I
planned on taking my $100 and my husband's $10 and adding $40 to
the bunch and getting a gift card for them. The day that I was
going to go buy the gift card, my mother called me. She said
that the mother of the family came into my parent's business
(they own a feed store) and the mother told her that all that
they wanted to get was the grass in their yard to grow, because
the children were playing in mud and ruining what little bit of
clothes they did have. So my mother gave her what she needed and
told her whatever else she needed, that it would be taken care
of. So I gave my mom $140 of the $150. I felt like I needed to
keep the other $10 for someone else.
The other day a girl
that I work with lost her father to cancer and we were taking up
a collection at work. I remembered I had the $10 so I added it
to my donation for her and her mother.
June 19, 2009
Shannon
Location: Stanley, NC
My
story: A couple weeks ago when the church handed out
the money I got a $100 in my envelope. At first I had no idea
what to do with it but then I prayed about it just like the card
said and I just felt like God was pointing me towards my
grandparents. Lately they have had a really tough time because
my grandpa had to have back surgery and is now put out of work
and my grandma only works part time as a florist. So they've had
a hard time making ends meet. I decided to take the money I was
given and I paid part of their rent. After I did it I felt great
that I was able to help them by showing God's love.
June 13, 2009
Tom Cooper
Location: From Charlotte to
Atlanta to Africa
My story: I have been praying for
God to let me know where I should give the money I received from
Forest Pointe on Mother's Day. It seemed like there were not any
answers and I was beginning to wonder if maybe I just didn't
hear Him or maybe I was looking for someone I wanted to give the
money to. Here is what happened with the $100.00 I received from
God to help out others in need. God laid it on a friend of mines
heart to give me a bible. His church is handing out bibles so he
gave me one to give with the money.
We have another
friend that has given up everything to do God's work as a
missionary. She recently went to Africa where she met a little
girl named Lydia that has a bone disease called Ricketts. My
wife went to meet Latoya Sunday morning to get some of her
things for us to store or keep. I had known about Latoya
collecting money for this little girl's operation but it didn't
hit me until Sunday morning. I told my wife to get the $100.00
and bible from my brief case and give it to her for the child's
operation.
Latoya wrote me an email to explain exactly
how the money was used and I am going to copy and paste it here
for everyone to read. Latoya has a regular blog and she was
referring to that as it being sent out earlier.
Tom,
Below is a message that I sent out a little while ago. It will
explain more about where the money went. From the message below,
a friend responded that she would be sending a check. She forgot
and when I reminded her she asked to mail the check directly to
me while I was in Charlotte. Well I gave her the wrong address
to my friend's house and she didn't mail another check. We were
going to be short the amount of money needed for Lydia's
surgery. Your $100 donation made up for the shortfall and put us
over a bit. The amount over is the amount of the fee to wire the
money to Africa so we are back at the exact amount needed for
the surgery!!! In a nutshell the money from you is going for an
operation for a 4 year old child in Africa. Her legs are
severely bowed from Ricketts and they will be straightened so
that she can walk properly. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
Additionally this donation helped me in my own struggles as a
missionary. Living by faith and trusting God to meet all of my
needs and the needs of the people around me has been quite
interesting. I have been trying to raise this money since I came
home from Africa. It wasn't coming in as fast as I thought it
should and I was wondering if I heard God clearly. If I made a
mistake, I would be letting a lot of people down. This was my
reminder that I do hear from God, I am NOT in control, He is. I
always say, What God orders He pays for. He won't give vision
without provision. We just have to trust and wait on Him. There
is an old song that says, He may not come when you want Him but
He's right on time! This was certainly right on time as Lydia
will be going to the hospital today to have her legs checked
again and to schedule the surgery. All in all this money isn't
just paying for the surgery. It's helped spur me on to continue
to be obedient at all costs. Even when I can't see what God is
doing and I don't understand, I need to go in the direction He's
leading me. You will never know what this has done for my own
faith, much less the faith of Lydia and her family. I can't stop
crying thinking about how good God is. Thank you for being
obedient as well Tom and please thank your church family for
their obedience in listening to the Lord. I am sure Latoya will
give us updates and progress reports. Thank you GOD and Thank
You Forest Pointe Church, God Bless and Thank You, Latoya
Here is a picture of Lydia, now she can have her operations.
http://www.coopscorner.com/lydia/lydia.htm
June 9, 2009
Derek and Katie Reed
Location: Gastonia,
NC --> Buffalo, NY
Our story: Derek and I received a
combined $30 for the Love Greater challenge. Having just moved
to NC from PA, we didn't really know anyone here who was
considered "needy." I read all of the great stories on this site
and wanted to have a great story too, and I found myself looking
for that person who could be "our story". The problem was,
however, that we were looking more then praying. In my
desperation I even went to Wal-Mart to find "our story". It
finally dawned on us that "our way" wasn't working, this wasn't
supposed to be "our story"; it was supposed to be God's story.
Go figure, about 20 minutes after asking for God's wisdom, we
got a phone call from Derek's brother from Buffalo. He called to
ask if it would be possible for him, his wife, and their 5 yr.
old daughter to come visit for Memorial Day. They were
definitely the ones that God had chosen to bless; all we had to
do was give them the money. Easy task right? God always has a
plan, see Derek's brother had a history of being hurt by his
"church" and has grown up skeptical of the institution, and so
would they reject this gift? Would they reject us and our
intentions? It was definitely a challenge for us to step out of
our comfort zone. We had a great visit, and after some
persuasion, Derek's brother agreed to attend church with us. God
definitely spoke to him (and us) through Ray's message on the
radical home. That evening, Derek asked if we could speak to his
brother and sister-in-law, he explained to them the Love Greater
challenge and how it was obvious that the money was to go to
them, but then something amazing happened, we spent the next
hour discussing Jesus, church, family, and relationships. We
discovered things about them we never knew and grew in ways that
we never imagined we would. God is good, who would have thought
that $30 could bring a family closer together.
June 5, 2009
Brent Prunty
Location: Uptown Charlotte
NC
My story: I received $50.00 dollars in my
envelope and started to think what to do with it. My first
thought was to buy groceries for the Mt Holly CRO. I remembered
about a friend that runs a ministry called One Seven for poverty
stricken children in Charlotte. They meet every Thursday night
to help them with homework, feed them dinner, and to minister to
them. I asked my fiend John what I could do to help them out. He
said buying dinner would be nice, but I wanted to do something
that I thought would have a lasting memory for these kids. John
said that these kids really enjoyed reading the bible, so at
church I asked Joshua Whetstine how many bibles I could get for
these kids. He said that he had some Invitation bibles that
would be great. I was able to buy 100 bibles for my friend's
ministry. John said that he would make a special service to give
these bibles, hope I can attend. I feel really blessed to be
able to serve God in a practical way.
June 5, 2009
Bob DeMain
Location: Indian Land, SC
My story: As I prayed about where to share the money,
nothing came to mind. Several days went by without a clue. Then
on a little "getaway" to the mountains, my wife and I checked
into our motel late one afternoon, and I noticed an elderly lady
whom I figured was on the housekeeping staff. She looked worn
out as she sat on a chair in the corner rubbing her tired legs.
I thought about her during the night, and decided if she was
there the next morning, I would give the money to her. I
described her to the desk clerk, and she took us to where she
was cleaning a room. As I presented the money and told the
story, she gratefully said that she was a Christian too and
would use the money for transportation to and from work. We may
never know what impact that gesture had on her or on the desk
clerk who witnessed it, but we know that the love of Christ was
shared, and He is pleased. Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to be blessed as well.
June 5, 2009
Robin
My story: The service on
Mother's Day was particularly difficult for me since I lost my
Mom last summer to lung cancer and this was my first Mother's
Day without her. I also recently lost an elementary school
friend to brain cancer. So I decided that I wanted to split the
money I received from Forest Pointe and give half to the Brain
Cancer Foundation and the other half to the Lung Association.
While I know that this does not specifically help/assist one
person per se, so many lives are touched by cancer that I felt
that contributing to research, education and support, in this
way, would be a good means of sharing the money.
June 5, 2009
Sandy Garrison
Location: Lowell, NC
My
story: I do believe that this act of love that Forest
Pointe has done will be one that we will speak of for many years
to come. To my surprise I received $50. A person immediately
come into thought. However, I waited a day to make sure that I
did not miss the mark and give it to her right when God wanted
me to. Her family struggles financially and I felt that this
would really help her. However, what I did not know was that she
actually was having physical problems but could not afford to go
to the doctor. This money paid for her doctor bill and her
medicine. To God be the glory.
But in addition, during
the service I immediately thought to myself that I wished my
girls would not have missed service that day because this would
have been such a wonderful act of love that I wanted them to be
a part of. They both were serving in the Children's area(s) and
served both services. However as we were tearing down, Mike
Howard came to Bekah and asked if anyone had missed both
services. Of course, Bekah brought Jalee and Sydney up. Later on
that week, they both received $20 apiece and immediately gave it
to who they felt God led them to. I was so proud to not only
witness with my own gift, but the girls also. I am so proud to
be a part of such a church that strives to press toward God.
Keep pressing, I do believe we are making an impression.
June 3, 2009
Libby Early
Location: Huntersville, NC
My story: Dale and I were tardy in giving away our $30
received in our offering. I prayed, and watched people in the
stores, on the street, or in restaurants, and ask God, "How
about this person, or do you think this person needs help?"
"Just wait," he was telling me. "Soon."
I came to work
this morning and was talking with a co-worker. She was telling
me her husband had a heart attack last week, and she was
suffering from severe gall bladder problems, and was having a
hard time. They have money issues due to her husband's
disability, and she has to go on medical leave. Then it hit
me....God says "OK, Now this is what you have been waiting for".
I called her in my office and handed her a check for $100. I
touched her face, as the tears ran down her cheeks, and told her
this is from God, and this is what he has led me to do. She was
speechless and continued to cry as she walked out my door.
If God doesn't answer your prayers in the time you think he
should, there is a good reason. Today was a special blessing.
How great is our God, and how blessed we are to be a member of
Forest Pointe Church.
June 3, 2009
Audrey Rhinehart
Location: Boaz, Alabama
My story: I know I held on to my money longer than I
was suppose to but I had not come in contact with anyone in need
and I know that sounds strange but my week usually consist of
going to work in Charlotte and coming straight home with few or
no detours. I have been looking and praying for God to let me
know who to give my $50 to. My husband had already given his $10
to a homeless Veteran the he had seen at Lowe's which would have
been a great opportunity for me since I had met him at Lowe's,
but chose another route home which meant that I did not go past
that person. Well my opportunity came today with one phone call
that I received. It was from one of my company's Managers that
works out of our Alabama office. He explained that a wife and
employee has died suddenly from surgery complications and that
her husband (also an employee) was struggling financially. I
knew at that moment what to do. I had a sympathy card.
Immediately addressed it to this person, wrote a little note
about how God loved him and was with him and got it into the
morning mail which by the way ran a little late this morning.
All you have to do is just ask God and he will lead you, love
you and bless you.
June 3, 2009
Tonda Benton
Location: Charlotte, NC
My story: When I received this money, I was not sure
what I could do with it! I prayed about it and God laid on my
heart a man that I usually see 3-4 times a week at the corner of
Alexandriana and Eastfield. He is on a bike and is asking for
work....not just money. Well after we received the money, I
carried it in the envelope and was waiting until I saw him. He
was not there for the next week and a half, and I prayed and
asked God was I supposed to do something else with the money,
but every time this man came to my mind. On the Thursday before
the 2 weeks were up....there he was.....I had to fight traffic
to get to him, but I did and had a great conversation with him
about our wonderful church and how God is so good. He is between
benefits....disability and SS and is an electrician, but has
knee trouble and can't do a lot of climbing. I told him we would
keep him in our prayers, his name is Al. Thank you Lord for a
church like Forest Pointe who has leaders with such insight!!!
June 2, 2009
Ken, Brenda, Stephanie Rushing
Location:
Mt. Holly, NC
Our story: Immediately God started
speaking to our hearts about what to do with the love gift. As
we drove out of the parking lot, Stephanie spoke up and said I
know what we should do with the money. She mentioned a family
that was having some financial stress and suggested we give it
to them. We all agreed not knowing at the time how much each had
received. After revealing our amounts, Ken said we must each add
half of what we received and put it all together and that is
what we will give. This happened to be a unique amount - after
we figured out what direction he was going with this and doing
the math correctly!
Stephanie and I received $10 each and
Ken received $20. So half of each added would bring the total to
$60. This just happened to be the amount that the friend lost
recently. We prayed and put it in God's because we were unsure
how this would be received.
Ken just gave her the money
and told her how we received it. He told her that we were to
give it to someone and her family came to our mind. Initially
there was skepticism about the friend sharing private family
information but after explaining our mission from Forest Pointe
they were very appreciative and thankful.
From this we
pray this will be one of the many seeds being planted to this
family that will eventually lead them to Christ. They are
unchurched and we do not know their faith. Please pray that God
will continue to use us and others to reveal Himself and draw
them to Him. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to show
Christ in such a unique way.
June
1, 2009
Jane H. Green
Locations: Lincolnton, NC &
Charleston, SC
My story: Danny received $50.00. We
discussed what to do with the money and then....I gave it to an
eighth grade boy that I mentor. His father lost his job. His
mother is struggling to keep the family going. His older
brothers got in trouble and almost got him in trouble with them
(went to juvenile court). This young man was failing in school,
and had a "don't care" attitude. Due to the encouragement of
some great teachers, the advice of his father (who is working on
his GED), this young man has turned around and is making mostly
A's now. I let him know he could use the money as needed and I
had faith in him to use it wisely. He was beaming, and thanked
me over and over. He is a wonderful kid, and I believe he will
go far in life.
Mike Howard found out that I stayed in
the nursery for both services due to a need that Sunday. He
mailed an envelope to me at home. It was right before a trip to
Charleston. It contained $10.00, and I gave it as a tip to a
very hard working young girl that was cleaning the rooms at the
hotel where we stayed. I left it with the card that said how to
use it. I didn't have any other cards to leave with it and I
wanted her to know that she was receiving it as a gift from God.
This was a fun thing for our church to do. Danny and I are glad
to be going to a church that does things like this!
June 1, 2009
The Carruthers Family
Location: Gastonia,
NC
Our story: Just like everyone else we were in awe
of what the Church had given our family to share. We have been
going through some serious health problems of our own and
wondered if this was a blessing for ourselves. We prayed nightly
about what to do with the money, but never had a clear answer.
Obviously we had ideas but were they what God wanted? We took
more than the suggested 2 weeks to distribute the money, but
when we did we knew it was right. Recently we traveled to Ohio
to see family for the first time since we received our news
about life changing health problems. We shared an incredible
weekend with our families and celebrated our daughters 3rd
birthday. On our way back to Gastonia we hit one of the most
severe thunderstorms I have seen in a long time. The money the
church had given us was the furthest thing from our minds, we
just wanted to get home safely. At that moment through the
sheets of rain we saw a family standing at the exit. They were
without job, shelter, food or money. My wife turned to me and
said I wish there was something we could do, my response, do you
have the money from Church? As we pulled up I extended the
Forest Pointe blessing. Their look was one of disbelief and
thanks. Thanks to Forest Pointe Church we were able to provide
shelter and food for a family in need. What an incredible
feeling!!
May 31, 2009
The Hall Family
Location: Mount Holly, NC
Our story: The Sunday that Forest Pointe gave the
offering was the day our daughter was dedicated so we had family
in from out-of-state. They all left their money with us to help
in our community. The combined total was $130.00. We had come up
with an avenue to distribute the money but had not had the time
to make it happen. Then, this past Tuesday, we learned that our
daughter's daycare teacher had to take an unplanned leave of
absence from work to care for her husband. Her husband has been
battling cancer but just learned that the cancer had spread to
his brain. We then decided that the daycare teacher needed this
money to help out while she is out of work. We were then led to
give this money to her. We put the $130.00 in a card that said,
"Sending a little sunshine your way." In the card we wrote that
this was a gift from God and that she and her husband are in our
thoughts and prayers and left it anonymously at the daycare for
her to pick up with her last paycheck. She received it
yesterday. This experience has truly been a blessing. What an
awesome way to spread God's love throughout our community.
May 29, 2009
Brian and Chelsea Wolfcale
Location:
Davison, Michigan
Our story: Brian and I decided to
give the money to my brother, Casey, and wife Lynn. He has
recently started coming to church, and being the spiritual
leader of his household. For the last year Casey and Lynn have
been going to court to try to get custody of his little girl,
MacKenzie. She lives with her mother, and in very unstable
conditions. The situation gets so frustrating and seems so
hopeless at times. We thought that giving the money would be a
good way to remind him that God is in control of everything, He
is with them everyday, in every situation. So we wrote a note,
folded the money into it, and left it in his front door handle.
May 28, 2009
Betty and Lynn Adams
Location: Charlotte,
NC
Our story: Our story is a little different. My
mother Mildred Starnes had $50.00 in her envelope and she said
God told her immediately to give this money to Lynn and myself
to buy supplies for our mission trip to Ecuador. I told her to
wait and pray about it for the two weeks. After the two weeks,
she still said this is what God told her to do. Lynn and I had a
combined $30.00. We have used the total $80.00 and bought
supplies to take to the people in Ecuador. We are so blessed to
be a part of Forest Pointe!!!!
May
26, 2009
Jennifer Lewis
Location: Charlotte, NC
My story: As a new attendee at Forest Point, this has
been an amazing experience. Although as I chronicled previously,
I have already donated all the money given plus some, I believe
this experience has shown me the love of God and the great joy
that is experienced in showing that to others. Just yesterday, I
had another such revelational experience. At the gas station
where prices are now rising again, I met a man who was out of
gas. He asked me if I could help him out. Luckily, I (who seldom
carry cash) had a couple of dollars and was able to provide him
with a means of getting home. It was not his gratitude that made
this such a revelation but the chance to help another human
being during a time of need. It reminded me of Deuteronomy 8:18
- "Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the
ability to produce wealth." Ultimately, money is something that
we have only because God allows us to be healthy enough to work.
Without God's grace, we would not have such luxuries. How can we
not share what we have with others in their time of need? Is it
not God's goal that those who have share with those who are
without? Those questions usually are abstract, but this
experience has made them practical examples of God's grace and
abiding love. Many thanks to Forest Pointe (Belmont, NC) for
allowing me to gain this valuable insight.
May 26, 2009
Rita Haas
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: I have read and reread all the stories on here,
and GOD's Love just overwhelms me. I prayed and prayed for two
weeks asking GOD where he wanted me to put this money, who did
HE want me to give it to. I would see someone in a line at a
store and ask, is this the one? But no answer came to me. I
would see someone in a parking lot and ask is this the one? No
answer again. I carried the $20 bill around and just waited. In
my business with AVON I come in contact with a lot of people on
the street, in places of business, and in their homes.
I
signed up one young mother to sell Avon, but she didn't have the
$10 to pay me, I told her, that was ok, she could pay me when
she made her first sale. I asked GOD is this where you want me
to use the money? No answer.
Well, yesterday was my day
to lead the First Impressions team in church. And I stood in the
back for both services. And the $20 was not on my mind, it was
on "Do I have every position covered, would everything go
smoothly during both services." And as I was listening to Ray
give his sermon, GOD touched me. HE told me she is here and she
is the one. At first I didn't know what HE was telling me. Again
HE said she is the one!
One of our members was in my
sight. And as I watched her during the service, I knew what HE
was telling me. She needs the money, and so after the service I
asked her to follow me and I told her that GOD spoke to me
during the service and told me HE wanted her to have the $20
that I had been carrying around with me for 2 weeks, She seemed
to have tears in her eyes as she told me, she was sure someone
else needed it worse than she did. But I said, no, GOD told me
YOU need it so here it is.
It gave me such a great
feeling to give it to her, and as I walked away, I heard her say
to me "GOD IS TRULY GOING TO BLESS YOU RITA". But she doesn't
know that HE did that already, the moment I looked into her eyes
when she took the money. FOREST POINT, I AM TRULY BLESSED TO
HAVE FOUND YOU 7 YEARS AGO, and I hope to show GOD'S love every
day to everyone I meet. Thank you for showing ME GOD'S LOVE by
teaching me about him.
May 25, 2009
Jennifer Lewis
Location: Charlotte, NC
My story: I shared three different ways. Two were
homeless men, who were down on their luck. One I met at a gas
station on Billy Graham. He asked me if I could get him
something to eat. I went in the gas station, and I bought him a
sandwich along with a dessert/muffin. I took them back to him,
and he was very glad. He said, "Thank you so much, Ma'am." I
told him no problem, and I told him to take care of himself, and
that I will be praying for him. It was a very positive
experience, as I then knew he had eaten for the night.
The other gentleman I met was on Brookshire Freeway. He was
standing there looking forlorn. I called him over to me, and I
gave him money to buy a meal. He was so grateful that he said,
"I love you folks", as after I gave him money others followed
suit. There were so many of us helping him that we missed the
stoplight twice :).
The remainder of the money I was
compelled to donate to a charity drive spearheaded by breast
cancer survivor and WCNC reporter, Anne Sherridan, who is
raising money for low income women to have breast cancer
screenings. I was watching the news which I seldom see when this
appeared. The story chronicled how a local driver is putting an
emblem on his car for Saturday night's race that has Ms.
Sherridan's name because he wants to make a difference after
being touched by her plight. Since early prevention is the key
to saving lives, this donation works toward a big impact among
low income women, their children and spouses who will otherwise
suffer for lack of their mothers if they become a victim of
breast cancer.
May 24, 2009
Beth Pryor
Location: in Mt. Holly
with Otis
My story: His name is Otis and anyone who
lives in Mt. Holly probably has seen him walking the streets
with a pronounced limp. His morning routine is to "walk" up to
the Handy Pantry and visit, then to the Knife and Fork where he
gets a few cups of coffee, he never pays but leaves a small tip,
then he "walks" to Charlie's Drug Store to have his daily
chit-chat with the folks there. He "walks" everywhere he goes.
He often wears the same clothes for weeks at a time and these
clothes always support Jesus or God. Otis loves the Lord and
always wishes me a "blessed day". Without a thought, I knew
where my money would go and I explained how the Lord wanted Otis
to have the money. He said thank you Beth and have a "blessed
day".
May 24, 2009
Carol Byars
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: I gave my money away on Friday, May 8th. A
coworker tearfully confided in me that she was out of money, gas
and food for the weekend. She had made several desperate phone
calls to agencies across the county but was told that they could
do nothing for her until Monday. She was facing a weekend with
no hope of feeding herself and young daughter. I was able to
give her not only the $50 I received that Sunday but a gas card
that was conveniently sent to me by Forest Pointe just that very
morning.
But the big story was not helping my coworker
but the change that having the means to help did in me. I
started looking at my world more closely....my eyes and ears
were tuned in to the needs of others like never before. Even
after the money was gone I was into "giving mode" and found that
there are lots of people who send signals out everyday that they
are in need of something that I could give....whether it be a
hug of assurance, a helping hand or a word of encouragement. I'm
sure they have always been there, but now I had the eyes to see.
This was life changing....I will never be the same! Thank you,
God and thank you, Forest Pointe Church.
May 24, 2009
Ruby Young
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: First of all, I would like to say that I am so
glad to be a part of this church. I was born Greek Orthodox and
went to a Catholic school in Bethlehem. Never have I felt the
passion of being a Christian until I started attending this
church.
I decide to split the $50.00 I received between
two people. I bought tennis shoes for a man that is struggling
with money and gave the rest to a lady that has no medical
insurance to pay for her medicine.
May 24, 2009
Jared Howard
Location: Gastonia NC
My
story: My name is Jared and I am 10 years old. I shared
the money I got with my neighbor named Matthew who is my age. He
had pneumonia and was in the hospital. When he came home I
bought him a baseball magazine (he loves baseball) and a big bag
of M&M's. I also bought his little sister a big Hershey bar so
she would not feel left out. I hope he felt God's love through
my gift to him.
May 23, 2009
Christa and Tim Pratt
Location: Gaston
County, NC
Our story: First, let me say that we
serve an awesome God! We had discussed ways to use the money we
received and decided on a plan. Because of busy schedules, I had
not been able to execute the plan. So today Anna and I left to
go to the grocery store. "By chance", I noticed that a favorite
store was having a sale. "By chance" I walked by as one employee
was asking another if she would like a drink, to which the
employee responded that she only wanted ice. She finally said
she did not have the money to purchase a drink. Immediately, I
grabbed my purse and paid for the drink. She shared that she had
been injured and had to miss work for a period of time. I
shopped for a bit and as I was leaving, I made a comment about
church and she said "I knew you were a Christian." Thank God for
a moment of obedience! As I drove away I heard that still small
voice say to give her the money. This was not in the plan and I
did not have the money with me. I was on my way to Lifeway so I
stopped there and picked up Beth Moore's Hope scripture cards
and a bookmark to add to the money. "By chance" Tim walked in
after seeing my van in the parking lot. I told him what God had
led me to do and "by chance" he had his money with him and
enough to cover mine as well. So "by chance" we rode as a family
back to the store where I found the employee alone in a corner
of the store. When I explained what we were doing and where the
money came from she said "I am not worthy." I smiled and told
her "Neither am I. I am not worthy of God's grace but he gives
it anyway." She teared up. She said that she was not supposed to
be at work today but, "by chance" had agreed to cover for
someone, we got there just before she left for the day ("by
chance") and she was able to go right out and tell her husband
who was waiting in the parking lot ("by chance") that she wanted
to go to church tomorrow because we had been such a blessing to
her today. Sorry this is long, but I could not help but share
the details as they so clearly demonstrate the amazing grace and
love of our God for each of us. He knew both the giver and the
recipient needed to be reminded of how much he loves us. I told
her that God sent her a kiss today but I think he really kissed
me. Another reason I love Him so.
May 23, 2009
Diane and Gene Pegram
Location:
Charlotte, NC
Our story: This money couldn't have
came at a better time. Gene has been a member of the West
Mecklenburg Optimist Club for many years. This month, the club
is accepting donations for Kids with Cancer foundation. We have
been posted at the Sam's Club in Gastonia for the past few
weekends, collecting money. In today's economy, we have not
received as much money for this charity as we have in years
past. So, we took the $30 we received and added some more with
it to make a donation to the Kids with Cancer foundation.
Perfect timing!
May 23, 2009
Heather Pegram and Gary Gaskins
Location:
Charlotte, NC
Our story: After debating what to do
with the $60 we received at church, we finally made a decision
on who to help. Although there are lots of people in our
community that need financial help, we decided to give back to
the animals that are often forgotten in times of need. I saw an
ad last week in the Mt. Island Monitor newspaper asking for
donations of dog and cat food for the Second Harvest Food Bank.
As people come to pick up their much needed food, they also can
pick up food for their pets. I called and asked what they needed
and then made a trip to PetSmart. It was like PetSmart knew
exactly why I was there. Dog and cat food bags were $2 off,
which allowed us to purchase more than what we were planning on.
We added some of our own money to our $60 and bought 12 bags of
dog and cat food. We feel good knowing that people in our
community are being helped and that their pets are also being
fed.
May 23, 2009
The Cook Family
Location: Charlotte, NC
Our story: We had received $10 in our envelope on
Sunday. David and I were at Aldi's getting groceries the
following week. There was a girl, around 13, in front of us
checking out. She had several loaves of bread, bottles of water
and a few other small items. I had already decided to pay for
her grocery trip with the money, but it ended up only being $6.
She moved over to pack up her items and we checked out. I went
ahead to the parking lot when we finished in order to meet her
coming out. I told her that I wanted to give her this ($10) and
for her to use it for whatever she may need. I also explained
that our church didn't take up an offering this past Sunday, but
gave money to us to share Christ's love. God wanted her to have
this money to know that He loves her and so do we. She humbly
said thank you, not really sure what it was all about, but I
know it went to the person God intended. He will continue to
work in her, from just $10.
As we were walking off,
David asked "Who's that?". I explained to him what and why we
are doing what we are doing. I am sure being almost 3, he didn't
understand it all, but that $10 also planted a seed in his
little heart and mind. The look in his eyes told me that he was
thinking and processing what we just did to share God's love.
We headed onto Wal-mart to pick up a few other things.
He fell asleep in the car, so I took advantage of the time to do
some reading while he slept. I came across something I wrote
down over a year ago. I am not sure where I heard or read it
from, but it reminded me of why we do, what we do for people at
Forest Pointe. I hope it touches you as well...
"We say
we have nothing to give, God says, "Your right, but I have
something to give through you."
May
22, 2009
Stacey Vincent
Location: Gaston County, NC
My story: I was in shock when I opened my envelope and
found $1000. My initial feelings???? Shock, disbelief......then
as we were home later that day it temporarily became a burden
because I was feeling so overwhelmed by what to do with it. It
is so important to me that the right person or people get this
money.
May 16 - At Bob Evans I gave our waitress a $100
tip. She followed me out to the front and hugged me and thanked
me over and over. It gave me chills. $900 remains going into the
second week......
May 19 - Now into the second week.... I
gave away $520 in one day! Wow! I started out in the morning
giving $100 to an older couple in Bi-Lo. The husband was in a
motorized grocery cart and the wife was doing most of the
shopping and seemed to be spending a lot of time deciding what
to put in the basket. I felt led to them and when I gave her the
$100 she said, "God Bless you".... I told her that it had
nothing to do with me but everything to do with God. Then at
Lowes Food I had the cashier pay for part of a woman's groceries
and watched as the woman tried to figure out how her bill was
$100 less than it should have been! That night at City Cafe I
was able to give the floor manager who is also our friend $200
to help with her sister's doctor bills and she cried. Then I
gave our waitress $100 and asked her to pay for customer's bills
tonight until it ran out plus I gave her a $20 tip (for this I
used Mark's $20 that he received)! What an awesome day! I
realized something today when I secretly paid for the lady's
groceries in front of me, when she was getting ready to leave
and was still trying to figure out who had paid $100 toward her
bill, she said, "I don't need to have my groceries paid for.
They should have helped someone who needed it. This has never
happened to me." I told her that God is completely in control of
her receiving this gift. I realized at that point that it is not
all about the money but this women looked a bit lonely,
expressionless before I paid for her bill.....what she may have
needed was to know about God loving her.
May 20 - I gave
away the last $400. I decided to give it to two amazing ladies
who I am blessed to work with. They both for different reasons
have had severe financial struggles this past year and I wanted
to help in some small way so they each received a card with $200
each in the envelope. One cried openly and told me how much she
needed to know that God was still there and that she is loved
and the other held her composure determined not to cry but I
know how much it meant.
I am at peace with all of the
ways that I have shared this money bestowed on me and have
completely trusted God in sharing it with the right people. I
thank you Forest Pointe for giving me the opportunity to share
God's love in such a huge way! As Greg Talton would say, "you
rock!"
May 21, 2009
Robin Teahl
Location: Arizona
My
story: A couple of years ago, a church in Charlotte had
also done a "reverse offering" and I was a lucky recipient of
one of those envelopes. My friend flew me to a training seminar
in TX and gave me the rest to help pay my rent since I was newly
separated from my now ex-husband. I felt lucky to have been able
to be a part of that. So then we get our envelopes in church,
and I immediately started thinking of who could use it the most,
or do I split it up and buy lunch for strangers, etc. When I
left church that day, God blessed me again. He let all the
children ride with my sister to her house so I got to have some
peace and quiet. Hehe. But as many people also know, I lost my
aunt to cancer a month ago. It's been a very difficult time for
everyone involved. However, her daughter has flown from AZ to
CLT too many times to remember along with bringing her husband
and 3 kids. She spent money, time, and she sacrificed her family
time to be by her mom's side during the last 6 months. I had $50
in my envelope, so I decided to send it to her so that she and
her husband could go out to a nice dinner and have some time for
themselves. But I also added an extra $50 so that they could
afford to get a babysitter and so that they didn't have to worry
about the cost of even going to dinner. I also wrote her a
letter telling her what it was all about and I gave her this
website so she could check it out for herself. I strongly
believe that the foundation of a great family starts with a
great marriage first. I just hope it helps her, even if in just
some small way.
May 21, 2009
The Burns Family
Location: Belmont, NC
Our story: Our family received $100 through FPC's
offering two weeks ago. At dinner we read the enclosed card to
the kids explaining what we were to do and asked everyone's
opinion . There were lots of good ideas that night but we
decided to wait and pray about it during the week.The previous
week my daughter's teacher had sent home a note asking each
student to send in a few dollars to purchase a gift for the high
school student intern who had been helping out in their
classroom. She was graduating and heading off to college. After
talking to our daughter we learned that she had had a difficult
road and rather unstable home life. I decided to talk to her
teacher to find out more info. She was able to tell me that this
student had lost her mother and her father was not in her life
and was living with other family members. When we heard this we
knew what to do! We wrote a note and explained about FPC and the
offering and wanted her to accept the gift as a reminder of
God's love for her and to purchase things she would need for
college in the fall. My daughter told me she was stunned when
she saw the $100 ! We also received a beautiful note from her
teacher telling us how touched she was and thanking us for
blessing her and her class : "it is so wonderful to know how God
can work in our lives and in the lives of people we touch".
May 21, 2009
Cynthia McGowan
Location: Belmont, NC
My story: When we got the reverse offering I wanted to
pray about what we were to do with the money. Butch my husband
knew immediately what he wanted to do with his money. I told him
he needed to pray about it, but he said no, he wanted to give it
to the BCO in Belmont because they had helped us several times.
So in the end we put our money together and gave it all to the
BCO. Thank you for letting us be part of the Love Greater Great
Give Away and bless the community.
May 21, 2009
Ken, Teresa & Brittany Jamison
Location:
Charlotte, NC
Our story: Ken, Brittany and I
received $40 dollars together. We decided to add to the money we
received and donated $300 to KidsPath in the name of Jesus
Christ. KidsPath is a division of Hospice and our family was so
greatly blessed by this organization during Kayla's illness, her
passing and the grieving process. These people never asked for
any money from our family and we had the support of nurses,
physicians, social workers and their Chaplain. The Chaplain came
to our home weekly for over a year and they truly held our
hearts as well as our hands through the worst time of our lives.
This is an organization that is in need of donations during this
economic downturn and it is such a blessing to the families that
are dealing with losing a child. I have really felt a strong
calling to help KidsPath in any way possible.
May 21, 2009
Vickie & C.B. Martin
Location: Charlotte,
NC
Our story: For over a week C.B. and I pondered
over who we would bless with our $50.00 each from Forest Pointe.
I knew on Monday a.m. at the doctor's office. I was waiting for
my appointment when I witnessed a patient who had recently had
surgery, but told the receptionist that she could not make a
payment on her account until her "check" comes next month. I
instantly felt she was to be the recipient. I came home and
talked with C.B. about this and we agreed that our money should
be combined to make an anonymous payment on her account. Today I
had a private conversation with one of the girls in the doctor's
office to explain what we wanted to do. She explained that this
lady is very deserving of this help and will be very moved to
know that people care so much. They worked with me to apply the
money to this lady's account without telling her our names. I
had them include a receipt in a Get Well card to the lady,
explaining our mission from Forest Pointe and reminding her that
people do care and Jesus loves her. Through this mission of
Forest Pointe we were able to witness not just to the recipient
but to the office personnel also.
May 20, 2009
Jimmy Greene
Location: Gastonia, NC
My
story: I had twenty dollars to give. I gave it to an
elderly couple who regularly and frequently eat at Golden Corral
in Gastonia. Mrs. martin is a amputee and is wheelchair bound.
Mr. Martin seems to be a good helpmate. She recently had a long
term stay in the hospital. They maximize their visits to Golden
Corral by staying for a couple of hours on each visit which is
two or three times per week. Tears were in both of our eyes as I
explained to him what my church was doing, that God loved them,
and that I loved them also. He thanked me and Forest Pointe
several times before they left.
May 20, 2009
Ronnie & Becky Hallman
Location: Gastonia
NC
Our story: We pooled our money ($30) and then
prayed for God's guidance. Several days went by and we had not
felt an opportunity to give this gift of love. Friday morning I
went to Fords Seed Store and while I was downtown, decided to
check my p.o. box. It is very seldom that I go to the post
office on a Friday. As I was going in I noticed a man sitting on
the wall. He looked down & out and had a disappointed look on
his face. I checked my mail and as I was returning to my car, I
noticed the man was still sitting on the wall. I walked up to
him and introduced myself. He said his name was "Doug". He was
waiting and hoping his boss would come by to pick him up for
some work that day. I told him about the service and the money
that was given to us and the card telling us what to do. I gave
him the money and told him that God loved him and that I hoped
this money would help. With tears in his eyes he thanked me. I
asked him if he knew Christ as his Savior and he said he did. He
shared with me some scripture that meant a lot to him. We talked
some more and I put my arm around him and told him that I would
pray for him. There is no doubt that God meant for me to there
at the post office, on an unusual Friday, to meet "Doug". Thanks
Forest Pointe, for opening our eyes up to people and situations
that we may not always see. We praise God for giving us this
opportunity to learn to meet the "Dougs" we come face to face
with in our daily lives.
May 19,
2009
Levacy Smith
Location: Jacksonville, NC
My story: When I heard Ray's message about Love Greater
and was given my envelope with $20 in it, I immediately prayed
and asked God to reveal to me who I should "love" with that
money. The first thing that came to my mind was the Anderson
family. This family lives in Jacksonville, NC and has recently
adopted two older boys from Ethiopia to add to their family of
two girls already. For any family who accepts the call to adopt
an orphan, it is a true leap of faith. In the Andersons' case,
it was an even greater leap of faith as both of their boys are
deaf. This family felt especially led to adopt deaf children
because the mother teaches sign language and the entire family
can sign. I have dealt with other families who have adopted
orphans, but I believe that God brought them to my mind this
week because the father is a marine and he has just been
deployed to Afghanistan this week until December. I know that
raising a family of four children is tough-financially,
emotionally and physically and I really felt God leading me to
send the money to this family. Twenty dollars is not much, but
any little bit helps and I wanted this family to know that God
is always going to take care of them, no matter what.
May 19, 2009
Jerri Hager
Location: Charlotte, NC
My
story: Hi, my name is Jerri. I chose to bless a 15 year
old teenager named David Lillie, who is going on a mission trip
to Guatemala on June 15th and will be returning June 24th.
Please pray for David and The Branch Family Church. They will be
based out of Quetzaltenango and will be teaming up with Living
Waters Teaching. They will be going to schools and other
organizations ministering to children about Jesus' love through
drama. Thank you GOD and Forest Point!!!!!
May 19, 2009
James and Ginger Moore
Location:
Gastonia, NC
Our story: I work for the Gastonia Fire
Dept. and on the Friday before the Church handed out money I was
at the city garage having tires put on my city vehicle. As the
guy was working on the car he started sharing some of his
personal problems with me. I knew his wife had cancer so I asked
about her. He said that she had died in October after over
thirty years of marriage. He was now trying to raise his
Grandson alone on a small salary that wasn't enough to pay his
bills and the funeral costs of his wife. I left there feeling I
needed to do something. I shared this story with someone at the
station on Friday afternoon. On Sunday morning at Church the
Lord gave me the answer I needed. Ginger and I combined the
money we received and I went back to the city garage on Monday.
When he saw me, he thought I had tire problems again. I gave him
the money and explained it was a gift from JESUS CHRIST through
the Christians at Forest Pointe Church. He had tears in his eyes
as he shook my hand and said GOD BLESS. That is also what I
would like to say to the people of Forest Pointe Church: God
Bless you for caring about hurting people.
May 19, 2009
Leann Williamson
Location: Mt. Holly, NC
My story: I received $10.00 in my envelope. I really
didn't think that I could do much with this amount but prayed
for the Lord to show me. This past Sunday, my kids & I went to
lunch after church & I ran into a lady who shared with me about
her 30 year old daughter who is fighting cancer. The daughter
has 3 young kids & this lady has quit her job to help out with
the grandchildren while the daughter goes through chemo. She was
by herself & I asked her how SHE was doing with all that was
going on. She told me financially she is devastated but holding
on & trusting God. I paid her tab anonymously...it wasn't much
but hope it lifted her spirits that someone cared enough to
think of her.
May 18, 2009
Vivian and David Hall
Location: Gastonia,
NC
Our story: We came to Forest Pointe Church May
10th to see our grand-daughter's dedication ceremony. In our
envelopes we had $10 and $20 dollars which we have never heard
of this before, so we gave it to our Sunday school teacher at
Sandy Plains Baptist Church to give to the Gastonia Street
Mission. We also gave them the card to let them know who donated
the money.
May 18, 2009
David Glover Family
Location: Fundraiser
for cancer patient
Our story: We as a family
discussed after Sunday how we were each going to distribute our
money. My Son decided he wanted to give his money to a fellow
student recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. His name is
Chance Lewis. (17 year old student at Ashbrook). He is currently
taking treatments at Duke. Once my son said this, we all decided
as a family that is what we will do with our money. ($130.00
altogether) It really made me proud that my son thought of such
a useful purpose for the money. We then found out there will be
a fundraiser fishfry at the end of the month. We plan to give
our money then and hope to give a little extra. We also plan to
buy plenty of fish plates that day as well. After our decision,
we found out that the father of this boy has recently lost his
job so we felt like this was a really good cause for the money.
Thank you!
May 18, 2009
Lacey Westover
Location: Gastonia, NC
My story: I'm writing this before I physically give the
gift because I do not have a computer and I'm at my parent's
house in Pennsylvania that do :) I met a young girl named
Tiffany at school this week. Her hair was a flaming shade of
orange mixed with mahogany so as I spent five hours trying to
make her blond, I got to hear the challenges she's going through
in life right now. She has an eight month old little girl and
was just literally kicked out of her boyfriend's apartment
without a stable place to go. I'm currently trying to help her
get a job at Taco Bell (I know the manager) and helping her to
remain positive in this trying time with words of encouragement
when everyone close to her puts her down. I have told her about
my faith in the Lord and Forest Point Church!!!! I hope she will
be my guest in the near future!! Tomorrow is May 18th and I plan
to give the gift to her at school and share with her the meaning
of practical love!
May 17, 2009
Bill Egeln
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: I spent a week trying to decide what to do with
$500. I knew that I didn't want to break it up...I wanted to use
it all at once to help someone who has an immediate need. I also
wanted it to be anonymous so 100% of the focus would be on Jesus
and His church. In church this morning, I knelt and prayed to
the Lord to show me what to do. So...
After church, my
wife, Laura, and our girls went to an event and learned of a
single mother whose girls would not make the event because her
car broke down and she could not afford to get it fixed.
Knowing I was waiting for God to show me what to do, Laura came
right home to tell me. I knew this was it. Laura got in touch
with a friend who knows the woman and asked the friend to
deliver the money to keep it anonymous. We added a note with the
money that simply said..."Please know that Jesus loves you. He
is always with you." She did that this evening and the woman was
overwhelmed. She said, "Now I can get my car fixed and not have
to keep asking for help."
This was incredible and it
didn't just show Jesus' love to the recipient. Laura's friend
who delivered the money and my family was also able to
experience the joy of giving. Our daughter, Emily, asked why I
didn't want the woman to know it was us. I told her that it
isn't about us, it is about Jesus. This was a great lesson for
her. Thank you Jesus for your love and the lessons you taught
all of us.
May 17, 2009
Justin and Amy Hauck
Location: Mount
Holly, NC
Our story: We pooled our money together
and added some of our own to sponsor a co-worker who is
participating in the World Race. Its an 11 month mission trip to
11 countries where participants share the Good News!
kendrabaird.theworldrace.org
May 17, 2009
Blythe & Dorothy Sanders
Location:
Mooresville, NC
Our story: We sent our gift to help
with medical costs for Preston Loyd, a four year old child who
is currently at CMC after suffering life threatening injuries
after being backed over by a lawn mower that his grandfather was
driving. His story is on The Caring Bridge Website and it is
truly inspirational. Please pray for the recovery of this little
boy and also for his grandfather and the rest of his family.
Right now, the biggest concern is that the doctors do not know
what his brain function will be when they start waking him up.
May 17, 2009
Wayne Brown
Location: Belmont NC
My
story: I was going to give the $50.00 that I recieved
on May 10, 2009 to a charity in Belmont on Monday May 18, 2009
but during a trip to Walmart on Sunday May 17, 2009, I overheard
an older man in the waiting room of the Walmart Automotive area
tell about how when he walked to his car on Sunday morning to go
to Church that he found somone had cut 3 tires on his SUV. He
was having 4 new tires put on his SUV. I talked with him and he
told me his story and I knew that this was what God wanted me to
do with this money. I told him about what Forest Pointe Church
had done last week and asked him to use the money on his tires.
He smiled and thanked me and accepted the money.
May 17, 2009
Joanna Carangelo
Location: Gastonia, NC
My story: As I delivered meals on wheels I knew one of
the clients would be THE one. They were not. On my way back I
passed the laundry in Stanley there was one car, one man inside.
THIS WAS THE ONE. I went in and shared the story of where the
money came from and it was to share God's love. He nicely said
he didn't need the money-give it to someone that did! Boy was I
confused. A few days later in a Gastonia Wal-Mart (we had never
been in before) our check out clerk was a young pregnant woman,
with two small children at home. I gave her the money and told
her to share God's love with her baby. She smiled and thanked
me. I am thankful for the gift of having new eyes to be open to
seeing how I may share God's love with everyone and anyone He
puts in my path. THANK YOU Forest Pointe leaders! The blessing
was mine.
May 17, 2009
Donna Flint
Location: Charlotte, NC
My
story: Last Sunday my envelope had $10.00 in it and my
husband, Ken, got $50.00 in his. On the way home from church we
talked about what to do with our money. We decided to feed the
people that sleep under the 10th Street bridge, downtown
Charlotte. We always see them going to bed and getting up in the
mornings as we go to and from work. Well, I happen to talk to a
police officer yesterday and told him what we were doing. He
told us that he would rather us spend our money somewhere else,
that these people ate better than he did, with the churches and
the men's shelter feeding them. He said that he wishes he ate as
good. So, we had to change direction. So, on the way home I
prayed for God to put someone in my path who would need the
money.
Tonight, I went to Wal-Mart on Mt.
Holly-Huntersville Road about 8:00pm. I just did not want to
have to go to Wal-Mart tomorrow. I needed to get a birthday gift
for a party tomorrow afternoon. So as usual, everyone's buggy
was full and the checkouts were long and slow. I got in such a
line and was waiting my turn to checkout. I looked back and I
saw a lady behind me with just a twelve pack of Pepsi and a DVD.
So, I asked her if she would like to get in front of me. She
jumped at the offer. She started telling me what an awful day
she had that day. She had just left Blockbuster, after being
there for 45 minutes and left without the DVD she wanted to
rent. She had lost her Blockbuster card and they made her fill
out another application and then, after that her debit/credit
card would not work. Well, her debit/card card did not work at
Wal-Mart either. So, you know what happened! I happen to think
about the $10.00 I had received from the church. I paid for her
things and of course she told me that I did not have to do that.
Her eyes got red and she thanked me and was off. I did get a
chance to tell her about the money that I had received from my
church last Sunday to give away to someone in the community.
But, I also got to tell the cashier about the money given out at
church last Sunday and that is what I paid for the lady's things
with. She said, " Boy I need to go to that church!". So, I got
to witness to two people with only $10.00. Plus, I told the lady
in need that I hoped the rest of her day would be better. On my
way home at 10:00pm, I thanked God for what he did through my
church and me! Just think, we still have $50.00 to share with
others in the name of Him! Oh! What a God we serve!
May 16, 2009
Bruce McGuinness
Location: Charlotte, NC
My story: Both Vernessa and I have been wondering how
to minister to our next door neighbors. They have been
troublesome to say the least, yet we know God loves them. They
have taken advantage of nearly every one around us, so most are
reluctant to offer any help any more. But still, the conviction
has been there. There has been suspected drug dealings, drug
use, people in and out at all hours, children in and out, a
disabled homeowner who cannot really control her situation and
cannot afford to maintain the house. It appears to be a health
hazard so she couldn't sell it if she wanted to. It has been a
constant concern - how to help and show love without enabling a
bad situation, how to minister without being used and used up.
As we discussed and prayed where to share, there really was no
other choice. A simple gift of love in the form of grocery store
gift card was all God wanted us to do right now. Knowing that
they really didn't DESERVE the gift made it so abundantly clear
that we really don't DESERVE God's eternal gift!!
May 16, 2009
Vernessa McGuinness
Location: Charlotte,
NC
My story: I have a lovely Christian lady who
cleans my house every other week. Since I work from home, it is
a blessing to have her come. With the economic situation now,
she has lost several of her clients and actually thanked me for
letting her come! She has a bad back and her husband and son
also have health problems. I had been praying about where to
share and there were several tugs at my heart, but as I saw her
working so hard in my home and knowing her struggles, it became
clear. I tried to give her the money that Bruce and I both
received, but she would only accept part - and then said she
would share with her sister who had come to help! She wanted to
clean my office in return, but I told her no - that God had
given to me to share His and my love! We were both blessed!
May 16, 2009
Amy and Jason Jefferies
Location:
Belmont, NC
Our story: God truly works in mysterious
ways! At the service, my wife received $10 and I received $20.
We both prayed that God would lead us in finding a person to
give His blessing to. How it was revealed to us is amazing! One
month ago I had gone on a fishing trip and I had some fresh fish
left over. I took a bag of the fillets to my neighbor's house
and told her that if she liked them I would give her more. A few
weeks passed and I had not heard anything from her. I began
wondering if my neighbor had even liked the fish. One day while
she was speaking with us in our yard, she got teary eyed and
told my wife and me that she was sorry, but she did not eat the
fish I had given her. She said she felt guilty because she had
given it away, but did not know how to tell me. She began
telling a story of a co-worker of hers that had fallen on tough
times and barely had enough money to even buy groceries, so she
gave the fish to her co-worker. Immediately we knew who to help.
We put the money in an envelope along with a gift card from
McDonald's. We had the gift card for over a month and not used
it. I believe that God gave it to us to hold for this person! We
took the envelope with the money, the gift card, and a letter to
the woman's workplace and anonymously left it for her. In the
letter we told her of Forest Pointe Church and explained that we
wanted to remain anonymous so that she would not thank us, but
thank God for His blessings. After all, we were only doing His
will. When my wife and I looked back over the past month and saw
how God's plan worked through many different circumstances, we
were amazed at the way God works through us even when we are not
aware of it!
May 15, 2009
Ashley Jarvis
Location: Bessemer City, NC
My story: I received $20 in the offering at church on
Sunday. I thought to myself, I don't know anyone who I could
possibly give this money to so I just prayed that God would lead
me to the right person. I am a hairstylist at a salon in
Bessemer City and today one of my regular customers came in and
started telling me about the mission trip to Africa that she and
her husband are going on in July. She told me the cost and said
that they still needed $2,700 for the trip, and I just knew that
God had sent her to sit in my chair and tell me this story so I
could give her this wonderful gift. She proceeded to tell me
that one week earlier she had sent out letters to different
churches asking for there help and our church was one of them!
Isn't it wonderful how the Lord works in mysterious ways!!
May 14, 2009
Marsha Griffin
Location: Gastonia, NC
My story: I had received a forwarded e-mail from
Tiffany Pate on May 7, 2009, informing folks about the
assistance that Cancer Services of Gaston County had provided
for Tiffany and her family during the past year. The e-mail
concluded by Tiffany requesting us to pray about supporting the
agency in any way that we could. Since my husband is a cancer
survivor since 2000 and my great aunt is a three-time cancer
survivor since 1960, I wanted to send a personal contribution to
Cancer Services of Gaston County in an effort to help others
battling cancer. (Pause...I had to answer the phone...it was
Pastor Ray calling to remind me to share my story). When I
received the offering last Sunday at church, my envelope
contained $10.00. In remembering my husband's 1999 kidney cancer
diagnosis and the surgery in 2000, I remembered receiving cards
from our co-workers that contained modest amounts of money. This
was such a blessing to us, knowing that those dear friends had
reached into the very depths of their hearts and given that
money to us with much love. I also knew that the $10.00 I had
received at church would be given to Cancer Services of Gaston
County for their work with cancer patients. Today I had the
opportunity to personally deliver the contributions. I explained
about the offering given to each of us on Sunday and gave the
accompanying card to them. They were grateful to receive the
cash contribution. It was only $10.00, but we know that little
is much when God is in it.
May 14,
2009
Pamela Browne
Location: Bessemer City, NC
My story: At the Surf and Turf Restaurant we had a
mother's day get together, and we truly enjoyed it. I felt led
to give the $50.00 to a group of four to five people for their
meal, I left the card in the envelope. I was waiting for our
group to get there and I heard a group of older ladies, with one
man, saying we may just have to wash dishes and they laughed. I
went to look for the couple and one of the ladies was talking to
one of the waitresses and when she left I asked the waitress to
please hand the envelope to the group of people that she was
just talked with. After they ate she did as I requested and they
thanked the waitress and asked her to thank the person who gave
them the blessing, and she came to me and thanked me. It was a
great and wonderful feeling to bless others through our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
May 14, 2009
Wendy Gregory
Location: Mount Holly, NC
My story: I received $20 in the offering envelope at
Forest Point Church in Belmont, NC. I knew right away what I
would do with the money. I know two friends of mine who are a
married couple. There names are Don and Sindy Burgess. They are
in the process of looking for a building to open a new church
for Don to be the pastor. I knew that the money would be greatly
appreciated for The Table Ministries. They were so thankful and
they went on to say that if you help other people like this that
it will come back to you. Their new church will one day be named
The Table.
May 14, 2009
Jennifer Cameron
Location: Charlotte, NC
My story: Over the past week, I have prayed that God
would put someone in my path that was in need. Today on my way
to work, as I exited the interstate, I saw a woman standing on
the side of the road who appeared to be in need. At 8:12 AM, I
pulled over and asked if she needed help. The woman indicated
she needed a ride to the local DMV to attend a hearing at 8:30
AM to get her license back. I asked her to please get in my car
and I would take her. (this would be a first for me). During our
short ride, the woman revealed her name was Brenda and she was
52 years old. She is currently living with a friend and sleeping
on the floor. I listened to her story until we arrived at the
DMV at 8:25 AM. After our arrival, I reached into my purse and
pulled out my envelope with my $10 bill in it. I shared with
Brenda the story of how I recevied the money from my church and
how I had prayed that God would put someone in my path and here
she was. I shared with her how much God loved her and handed her
the money. As Brenda exited my car, beaming with joy and
blessing me, she stated this would help her get home on the bus
so she wouldn't have to walk. Words seem so small when trying to
describe the emotions that rushed through me. I have been
blessed today.
May 14, 2009
Pauline Bond
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: This lady that lives in my apartment complex
came to my mind as soon as I opened the envelope last Sunday.
Her income is only about $300.00 a month, and she has a lot of
health problems. After she pays her utilities she has no money
left to get her through the month. She gets Food Stamps and gets
Medicaid, but she has no other help. She is planning a trip to
visit a daughter out of town and I thought that this would help
her to either buy a new outfit or have some spending money on
her trip and I know she did not have any money. In my envelope
was $50.00 and I talked with a friend Sunday about my friend and
she had received $20.00. So she gave that to me and we gave this
lady $70.00. She was so happy and blessed. She hugged me and
thanked me. She was speechless. I told her not to tell anyone
here about this. This really blessed my heart to be able to help
her.
May 13, 2009
Sylvia Lovingood
Location: Belmont, NC
My
story: After church I went to a restaurant that I go to
often on Sunday. The regular waitress had just returned on
Sunday from knee surgery. I hugged her and told her how glad I
was she was able to return to work because I had missed her hugs
and smiles. She told me she was doing fine from the surgery but
wanted me to pray for her and her husband because he was told on
Friday that he no longer had a job. I knew immediately what God
wanted me to do with my money. I gave her the envelope with the
card and told her that the money was from our church to show
love to someone in need. She began to cry, then she told the
owner of the restaurant what I had done. So not only did the
waitress know about where the money came from, but the owners
also learned about Forest Pointe Church and their gift of love.
This is what the church is all about.....not only was I able to
help someone, I cannot tell you just how wonderful and blessed I
felt being the bearer of God's Love.....Thank you church.
May 13, 2009
Crystal Abernathy
Location: Belmont, NC
My story: I was making one of my many trips to Wal-Mart
for a few things and was in the bread aisle and noticed two
women standing, both wearing tattered clothing. One women was
calculating how much she had spent and you could just tell that
they could only afford just the basics. I realized that these
two ladies were the ones that God had led me to. I have prayed
about this since leaving the service Sunday morning. I went on
to check out and get a gift card to give to these women. After
searching the store I finally found them. I walked up and asked
if I could speak to them. I told them that I feel God had led me
to them and I gave them a gift card for $50. I explained to them
about our service last Sunday and they couldn't believe that
someone would actually do something like this. They were so
thrilled that they would be able to get some clothes. I told
them that this was for the Love of Christ. After many tears &
hugs I left them knowing that I have made a difference not only
in their lives but in mine as well!
May 13, 2009
Kelley Morgan
Location: Gastonia, NC
My story: My boys and I were enjoying lunch Mother's
Day at O'Charley's and were discussing how we wanted to share
our "love." The waitress was running around feverishly and
extremely busy, but took the time to talk to us and make sure we
were taken care of. She had to work at that restaurant from 0830
until she left to go to her second job at Applebee's where she
had to work until close-still having to keep a smile on her
face. My oldest son said, "mom, can we give her the money?" I
said that would be a great idea. We paid our bill and my
youngest son gave her the $20.00. She asked if we needed change
and I told her "no, it's for you-to help you get through the day
with a smile on your face-to show you that God loves you." She
had a tear as she hugged me and the boys and told us to have a
very blessed day.
May 12, 2009
Ray McKay Hardee
Location: From Belmont,
NC to the Ukraine
My story: John is an atheist...
and he's my friend. Occasionally, he attends FPC as he did last
Sunday where he heard a challenge to go and love the people of
the world in Jesus' name. After expressing what looked like a
pleasant shock that we should do such a thing, he wondered aloud
to me, "However are you going to build a church this way by
giving away money?!"
I said, "We ARE building the church
TODAY. It's not about the building. As a matter of fact, THE
CHURCH has left the building. THEY just left to go love the
world in Jesus' name.
I asked John how much he received.
He said, "$50." And he quickly followed with, "And I already
know what I am going to do with it." "What's that?" I asked
"I am leaving for the Ukraine next week and I understand
that there are little girls who come up with flowers for no
apparent reason except to show kindness to strangers and
travelers. I'm going to give each of them a little money when
they give me the flower."
How about that? God BLOWS ME
away! Before everyone has even made it to the car in the parking
lot on Sunday, a self-proclaimed ATHEIST (and my dear friend)
had decided to take money from a church of Christ-followers to
the other side of the world and to tell little girls that he is
doing THEM a kindness in Jesus' name!
God is so AMAZING
and I cannot wait to see what He is going to do next as people
pray, give, go, and LOVE GREATER!
May 11, 2009
Tammi Cooper
Location: Gastonia, NC
My
story: Leaving an AA speaker meeting, a gentleman asked
if we were going to Mount Holly and could he have a ride home.
We told him we were not going that way but we would give him a
ride. On the way he told us of chronic back problems and
permanent disability unable to work. Problems within the family.
He had been off drugs and alcohol for awhile and living one day
at a time. I looked at Tom in the rearview and we both nodded. I
told the man named Chris about that morning's service and gave
him the $20 in God's name. When he thanked me I asked him to
thank God for that's where the money came from. The look on his
face made both of us grateful. He told us he was absolutely
broke, now he would take his Mom to Dairy Queen for Mother's
Day. What a feeling, what a blessing. Thank you God.
May 11, 2009
Joshua Rutty
Location: Flint, Michigan
My story: My name is Josh.
I'm 8 years old. My Grandma has been really struggling with
money. I have been wanting to help her but I didn't know how. On
Sunday I got an envelope with 100.00 dollars in it. I knew right
away what I was going to do. I'm sending it to Nanna. I can't
wait until she gets it! God always takes care of us. He will
take care of her too.
May 11, 2009
Teresa
Location: Charlotte, NC
My
story: As soon as Ray said that the money was for
someone else, I knew exactly who I would give it to. A
co-worker's wife was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Their
medical bills will be great even with Insurance. A friend and I
had visited her in the hospital on Thursday and took her a
basket of various items, one which was a devotion book. They
have no church family so we are trying to plant some seeds in
their lives. We had already taken up some money with other
coworkers but it did not seem to be enough to help. I added the
money that my husband and I had received at church to what we
had collected and it made the amount seem much better.
Hopefully...to buy some groceries, pay a bill, or whatever will
be best for them.
May 11, 2009
Roger Edwards
Location:
Belmont, NC
My story: I was in line
at Food Lion getting dessert for our small group cookout. I was
late already and was growing impatient because the man in front
of me was carrying on a long conversation with the check out
girl. But rather than get angry, I started to listen to the
conversation. He was distraught because he had recently lost his
daughter to a drug overdose. She had left behind 2 young sons
(2,1). He was getting food but also had a case of beer. He said
he hadn't drank in 17 years but was trying to numb his pain.
After I was rung up I waited outside to talk to him. I gave him
the money and told him about the challenge Pastor Ray gave us. I
told him that God loved him and there were people who could help
him through this tough time. He was crying and he told me how
thankful he was. I told him to use that money for those two
grandkids however he seemed fit. I invited him to church but I
told him that wasn't why I gave him the money. He said that
something like this reminded him that God would be there for
him.
May 11, 2009
Michelle
Location: TBA
My story: I just had to share this. I was so
touched during the sermon that I wrote my check for my offering
$100.00 above what I usually give. Also during the sermon, I was
thinking of things that I could do. I thought, my goddaughter is
in church now so when she gets out I will give her $10.00 and
tell her to spend $9.00 and give $1.00 to church (oops forgot to
mention savings). I then thought that I should give something to
my two special great nieces and tell them to tithe. All of this
was before the ending of the sermon. I was thinking I want to do
more. I want to love more. Then Pastor Ray said keep your tithes
and offering (after I had written my check) and use the money
that was given to us to help someone else. I was so touched and
blessed by this that I called my family and friends as soon as I
got to the car to tell them what happened.
Then I
thought, what message was God sending me? Here I was ready to
give above my normal offering only to be told to not give. I am
praying that God will reveal to me what He wants me to do with
the $20.00 I received today. I know that I have a student that
really needs it but I don't know which one(s). I pray that God
will reveal this to me this week. I just want to say that God is
awesome. He really knows how to bless you and give you what you
need when you need it.
This was the first Mother's Day
that I haven't cried about missing my mother. I was so consumed
with telling as many piople as I could about what happened at
church and trying to decide what I could do to love greater that
I realized that God has some work in store for me. My mother
would have been very proud of me today. To be continued
...
May 10, 2009
Tracy & Barry Pomeroy
Location: Inside the YMCA this morning
Our
story: This Sunday we were having a Red Team meeting
before the early service. Trisha has so graciously yielded to
God's calling to go to Ethiopia on the scouting trip in July of
this year. She also shared about driving the bus to "Miss
Dixie's" on Friday. She was assigned the task of going to the
Salvation Army to pick up some women for a party at the
facility. She immediately noticed a young woman who said she did
not want to go. Trish would not relent and encouraged her to get
on the bus. This young lady had a story of family death, losing
a child, and poor choices regarding partners.
This young
lady was at church today, she is actively seeking employment and
enrolled at Gaston College to be a nurse. Trisha is also
contining to mentor her-----go Trisha! There are lots of
financial needs and we felt led to share our monies with her.
"To the least of these...."
May 10, 2009
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