Are God's faithful doing all they can to meet the provisions of those in need? Some are.
Life costs money. Food. Medicine. Healthcare. Clothing. Utilities. Transportation. So very often I've heard through the years we spent in ministry, "The Lord will provide." With a heart filled with confidence in the Lord, I have often uttered those words. At times it was only a mustard-seed's worth of faith that literally delivered to our door, two chicken legs and a couple of potatoes to feed us one more day. God does provide. It's so very hard for people to ask for help when they need it. You who are ministers know all too well the people in your congregation who go without, rather than ask for help. Some folks will call it pride. And well it might be. Why would we ask when we are suppose to have faith that God is providing?
Just a couple of years ago, I began to search for ways to make ends meet. I planned to shut off our phone-line, eliminate internet, and anything that did not necessitate life. My husband's heart attack left us with only his social security check to exist. It was through the internet connection that I'd made relationships with strangers who came to my aid. I was sent 60-dollars in the mail which allowed me to stay connected one more month and continue my writing ministry. Then out of the blue, we heard from Sagemont Church of Houston. They'd heard of my husband's physical problems and financial needs and began sending him regular assistance. We've been so grateful for their help.
GUIDE STONE MAGAZINE reported this month that "Sagemont Church of Houston was recognized as the first church in the Southern Baptist Convention to reach the $1 Million mark in contributions to Guide-Stone's Mission:Dignity ministry." O.S. Hawkins, President of GuideStone said, "We are on a mission at GuideStone to bring dignity to these precious servants of the Lord in their declining years. We are especially grateful for individuals and churches, like Sagemont, that support this vital ministry."
John Morgan, Sagemont's senior pastor for more than 40 years, has always had a heart for pastors and their families across the Southern Baptist Convention. And what touches his heart most is the plight of retired ministers and widows who live near the poverty line.
"There's nothing we do here that motivates our people to give to the Lord more than the Mission:Dignity ministry," Morgan said. "I believe that what makes a church a great church is loving God and loving people. When a church shows love to those in need, God will pour out a blessing."
This is lived out in the life of Sagemont as I have testified above. My husband and I had never even heard of Sagemont until we received their benevolent gift to us. I truly do not know how we would have made it had it not been for their generosity. I know that they help support over 179retired ministers. I know that God is blessing their church immensely. To read about their continued love and outreach through GuideStone's Mission:Dignity, thrills my heart. I pray you will all look up that ministry on line and read what you can do to support it, and how it may benefit someone you know who is struggling. Thank you GuideStone. Thank you, Sagemont. Thank you everyone who finds this ministry one worth supporting. selahV
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