However you serve, whomever you serve, the real challenge is in learning to be led by the Holy Spirit and to see people the way God sees them. Maybe then we'll start noticing opportunities we've never seen before.
Pathway people, tell us your story--how did you use your $10? What are your thoughts on the experience? Post your comments here.
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35 comments:
I am super excited about this!!
I recently joined a site online for Alumni of my high school. Through this I was reconnected with a gal I went to school with, but did not know very well.
She was reading my page and then linked to my blog. (I had just blogged that day about missing my family in Illinois and Fasting.)
Long story short, she read my blog, expressed that she too had moved away from her family and missed them. In addition, she said that she has never been one to care about religion before. However, recently she has felt a "spark" for it. She said my blog on Fasting was inspiring and she hoped that we could talk more about it! PTL!
The next day she messaged me and said she noticed that on my page I said I was currently reading "The Power of a Praying Woman." She said she would like to read it as well.
I messaged her after church today, asked her for her address, and told her I would like to send her a copy of the book. (Using my $10 to pay for it)
I will keep you posted!! :)
After visiting Pathway today,we took the challeng of the power of 10.We stopped at the convenience store across the street.A young couple ahead of us in line, couldn't get approval of their credit card for a purchase of eggs and gatorade. They were told to go to the ATM machine, they were also having trouble there. Bill went over to them and gave them the $10 to make their purchase,they were reluctant, but Bill said God loves you. They didn't know what to say! Thanks for the challenge to be open to those around us.
Update:
This morning I opened up my email and there was a message from the highschool classmate I told you about earlier. She included her address and a personal note. :)
So, I get on christianbooks.com to order the book for her and guess how much the book is?
$9.99! Ha!! God is awesome!
Thanks for sharing!!! Keep the stories coming...
Scott
So this morning I arrive at college in elkhart to start class and i get here and its canceled. It was a not cool because i could have slept another hour. But not ten minutes after the class was originally supposed to start. I see two homeless people looking in dumpsters for aluminum cans. First thing that came to my mind was "I hope that lady doesn't hit my car with that shopping cart."(as brainless as it sounds) and then, like immediately, my heart sank. I have been keeping the Ten Dollars in my car and i just felt i needed to give it to them. So they had already passed my up by the time i got out of my car so I had to walk after them for a bit and call them. They stop and i gave them the ten dollars told them a little bit about it. And we went our ways because i wanted to come back to mu car and read my bible. So i went back to my car and realized that the night before(in small groups) we were talking about practical things we could do for Christ. I am a huge fan of talking to people anywhere. And alot of the time they are strangers. God just showed my that i have been watching different homeless people pass my car while im reading for class or the bible or talking on the phone. When i could do what i love to do and stand in front of my car and listen/talk to the people who need it the most. All this time the people who need christ are passing right in front of my face and i never stopped to talk to them. I really thing some kind of ministry can be birth in this. im pretty excited just because this is all God.
brannon
I was teaching at school on Wednesday when one of my students came up to me and said that she didn't need her lunch card and handed it back to me. I asked her, "Why?" The reason she didn't need her lunch card was because she didn't have any money in her account. God quickly reminded me that I had the $10 in my pocket that morning that Pastor Scott gave us this past Sunday. I got the strong impression that I should put it in my pocket because someone was going to need that $10. We got to provide lunch for a hungry student for a couple of weeks. It was neat to really be aware of what God might want to do through us, and at the same time be willing to hear what He says!
I love it...thanks for the note Sara...
Scott
Bridgette and I attended the service for the first time last week in memory of my brother Shaun Bradley. When the opportunity of the $10 project was givin to us, we felt the need to participate. After the service we talked about what needed to be done with our money and concluded that before we were to pray on it we needed to repent and get right with God first. I feel that the service we attended really set te tne for our future relationship with God.
When Bridgette and I prayed about the best way to handle this project, it reminded us of a friend who had made mistakes in his past and now is incarcerated. When we prayed to God about this person we both felt that God had pointed us in that direction. When I went to visit him during the week, I put my ten and Bridgette's ten on his books.
During our conversation I described the church service and told him how God had influenced me to not only help his life anyway that I could, but to also help my own life as well. To my amazement I learned that in the beginning of the week he had started to attend bible study in jail and that something told him that he needed to make a change in his life. when he told me this I felt like it was God answering our prayers and gave me motivation to continue to build a relationship with him.
Thanks Pathway for everthing you have done for my family and the support that we have received.
Dustin Bradley and Bridgette Hill
I gave my $10 to my friend who can't afford proper school clothes and has trouble affording food.
Hello friends in Christ Jesus, Ten dollars to some is a drop in a bucket, ten dollars to another is a matter of getting gas enought to get to your job. To the one I gave the ten dollars to is a mother who is alone trying to raise her children on her own. This women is a coworker of mine and heard me tell the story of the ten dollars as we and other coworkers prepared meals for the children in the middle school. A few days ago I offered the ten to a lady I had just met and she graciousely told me of another in our group of co workers who she thought might need it more. What grace this needy lady demonstrated, for she too was raising a child on her own after the death of her own husband. It took a day to find the right moment to offer the other women the gift of ten dollars. The opportunity came when we were in a large cooler getting juice ready for the children and there is where I offered her the money. Her face lit up like a child who has never celebrated Christmas before. She threw her arms around me and we both hugged. The temperature of the huge cooler was no longer noticible. All was warm and well. Gods love can warm the heart no matter where we begin.
One of our neighbors is a young man who comes from an Amish family. A week ago he broke his ankle playing sports and can't work his job. Wednesday he finds out if he will need surgery to repair it. He has NO health insurance! His parents live 5 hours away. He basically has nothing if he can't work. Our whole family has been so moved to "adopt" him, that we've given him all three of our $10 bills. But beyond that, we've taken him groceries, kitchen utensils, home-cooked food, and tonight we had him over for dinner and also let him take care of some business online. We've assured him that no matter how tough things get, we won't let him starve, and we care about what happens to him. He commented that most people don't realize how important "little things" are to the person receiving the help. His roommate was one of those laid off from Pilgrim. There will be more to this story, I'm sure.
(Just a side note, this young man repairs mowers and 2-cycle engines, and also has cabinet shop experience. If anyone knows of a job he can do that doesn't require standing, please let us know! Thanks!)
Last Monday morning I woke up thinkng about the $10 I was given and praying about who I should bless with it. I was reminded of an appointment I had that day with a hairdresser that I have been witnessing to for over a year. I knew she was the one. I decided to make an early stop and used the money to purchase some fresh baked pastries for her and her co-workers. Turns out she had missed breakfast that morning and was thrilled at the thoughtfulness.
It is my first year in school, even though I'm not in kingergarden because I've been homeschooled up untill this year. I know a handful of people but do not have any classes with anyone I know. I've been praying that God uses me in this oppertunity to just be in contact with so many people, eventhough I don't know anyone. I met someone when voentearing at the boys and girls club last spring. She struggles with many things, but has started to change so much after comming to 365 and the MANY conversations we have had; not just about God, but why I believe what I do. One stuggle she has is not enough money and not eating (habit). Monday when she came into school, as most days I asked when she had last eaten. She said she would eat lunch if she could pay for it. Well um since God "happend" to give me $10 through church, and I "happend" to have this conversation with her, thats were I sowed. I love how God "happends" to do things. ~Becca Balmer
I have a fantasy football league that I participate in with some guys from the plant(Chore-Time Brock). Some good buddies of mine who are not saved and are pretty "hard" guys. I've been praying for one of them for quite a while...for his salvation and that God would somehow use me to reach him. Among our group he is a leader and very well known and I have just had this feeling for a long time, that if he became saved and had this fire for God, he could literally change dozens of lives because of his influence. Unfortunately his influence right now isn't good.
So I have no doubt in my mind that this $10 bill is for him. The Lord laid it on my heart to buy a Hacienda gift card and write a note to him telling him that God loves him and that God has put him on my heart for several months now, that I'm praying for him and I would just like to bless him. I cannot wait to see what kind of impact this has!! Just think...$10 could potentially bring hundreds of people to Christ!!!
Heather Painter
October 16th
Matt and I went out to dinner last night, in Mishawaka, without the kids.On the way we had talked about the 10 dollars. It had been almost two weeks and neither of us had felt led to give it to anyone. We decided not to put a time on it, but to let the holy spirit lead us.We got to restaurant and I was starving, so we decided to eat at the bar instead of waiting an hour for a table. There was an older gentleman sitting to my right that moved next to me to make room for others. I turned and said hello. He later told me that he was surprised that I said hello. He lives in Montana and people are very friendly, but when he comes to the mid-west people tend to keep to themselves. To make a long story short, by the end of sharing a meal with this man, I felt led to give him the money. Oddly, he owns a modular home company in Middelbury and is surprised that he is still in business. He is still working and sacrificing alot to keep his 400 employees employed. He seemed to be a wealthy man, but I didn't feel like I was giving him the money because he needed it,which I struggled with. I kept asking God "Is this really who you want me to give the $10 to" The emotions just got stronger about giving it to him and I knew I didn't want to miss Gods purpose. Mostly I wanted to let him know the story of the $10 and that the Lord loves him. I also invited him to visit our church if he is ever in town. He was very choked up and asked what he should do with it. I told him to let the lord lead him or maybe just spend it on himself.He told me he does a lot of cherity and one of his favoites is the boys and girls club in Montana. Unbeknownst to me, Matt had been praying that the money would multiply 10 fold. Just before he left the restaurant he said good-bye to us and told us that he would turn the money 100 fold. God is awsome! I think he could feel Gods love and was ready to love others. You never realize you can find a friend in a stranger. We really enjoyed his company. Who knows how may prayers were answered that night.
I love it...each idea is different, and fits the person who you are "targeting"...keep the stories coming...
Scott
I combined my money with my parent's for a total amount of $30, and we gave it to our neighbor for gas money. He just broke his ankle and can't do his job, so he started to drive people to work for extra money. He is living with a friend in a house that is being rennovated, and he doesn't have much extra money to pay for the gas needed to do his job. He was almost reluctant about accepting the money, but he thanked us profusely afterward.
I was on 33 from Goshen to Elkhart when I had this urge to go to the Goodwill store - I ignored it, ut a mile past it, I was led to turn around. I browsed the store and found a bargain of my own, but I noticed families shopping, and how Jan the head cashier was being helpful and friendly. A young woman, her child and her mother were being totaled up for their clothes choices. The had a coupon for $5 off and I noticed Jan helping with choices. I was next in line and paid for my item and told Jan that she was so helpful that she was more qualified tha I was to find someone who needs help. I said I was blessed by Pathway to provide $10 to someone I felt needed it and that I was passing the gift to her to continue to pass it forward and bless someone in needs as well. She smiled and thanked me and said she would be happy to help me help others.
Terri and I both had the same person in mind that we wanted to use the money on. We just didn't know what to do for her.
Our neighbor is having a really tough time making ends meet. She works two jobs and the guy she lives with gives her little or no help. Recently they had their utilities turned off.
So, we got her a $20 gas card and gave her an invitation to an evening at our house some night when she isn't working. When we gave it to her, she immediately began to cry. She agreed as well to come over some evening for dinner. Our prayer is that we can continue to build off this open door.
Thanks for investing in our neighborhood, Pathway!
Chad and Terri
Well while Scott was talking about the $10 just before he passed it out I got the feeling that I should bless someone at Rulli's, my part time job. At that point I wasn't sure who, because I knew of several people who could definately benefit from it, finacially and on a spiritual level. So...that is why it took me almost the 2 weeks to pray decide who it would be. One of the girls I work with on Friday nights came to mind. Her husband and herself both work in the RV industry, his job has already been affected by cutting hours and a possibility of being laid off, she has had all her overtime taken away and her hours cut on top of that. So finances are tight. They have a child who is just over 1 yrs. old, she made a comment a few weeks ago that she was considering getting another job, that would make 3, at target or something just to get a discount on diapers. So just so happened to be coupon cutting and came across diaper coupons and cut them out and gave them along with the $10 and a note letting her know how much I appreciate her hard work and that God will reward her for all the hard work she does for her family. She was so thankful and I'm hoping that a seed has been planted in her spirit and our relationship will continue to grow and affect the other girls we work with.
I gave my money to a girl in my gym class I wasn't sure if I was supposed to or not but I gave it to her anyway. And after I did I thought about my friend at school who was on the free lunch program and for some reason she stopped getting it so for the past couple of days she just wasn't eating lunch.
My mom has also been wondering who to give her money to so after I told her about my friend at school she told me to give her $10. So today at lunch I did and and at first she didn't want it, but eventually she gave in and took it. I'm surprised how many of these revolve around school lunches!
The Thursday after receiving the $10 challenge, is when it happened for me. I had prayed on it so hard but really it was right in front of my face. You see, I had to go out of town for a couple nites for my job but we didn't have the money for a hotel room. My husband and I had stopped in this workplace of his Aunt's, we thought we could do lunch. We haven't seen her since Shaun's funeral. Well, we were telling her about me working in Warsaw for the week and the hours I'd be working and we couldn't afford a room. She right away called her neice and asked if I could crash on her couch a couple nites and she called me to confirm. Now, I've never met this family ever. The first morning I woke up in their home, was awesome. Long story short- I gave them the $10 and a Thank you card, sharing that God Blessed me and brought us together. We had GREAT conversations about the Lord and she had made a huge impact in my life. I knew that that $10 needed to go to her because who takes a stranger in thier home for 2 nites? Someone who has God on thier side, thats who! I thrive on challenges like this! The outcomes are AWESOME when you feel the guideance of the Lord in your Heart. Thank you Pathway.
Chris Griffin
Last Tuesday, my friend Joe called to say Danny was in the hospital. Danny is in 70's and has pastored his entire life. Last Sunday was his last Sunday at the church he worked with. For a number of reasons, the last few months with the church were difficult and caused him much stress which led to his hospitalization. Joe and I stopped at the hospital gift store and spent the 10 dollars on a few items Danny really needed. (Coloring book and Crayons, Women's Day, and Candy Bars.) These gag gifts brought joy to his face and brightened his day. (until a nurse showed up with a needle.)
I was't at church the Sunday the $10.00 was given out but I heard about it and I started thinking about what I could do.
A girl who works in my office(she started working here about a month ago) is going through a really rough time. She has three young children and is going through a really rough divorce. I had been trying to think about something I could do for her for awhile now, because I had been through a similar situation and I really wanted to help her.
I decided to give her $10.00. I told her that I knew it was'nt much, but I just really wanted to bless her. I also told her about what our church was doing and the God loved her and I was praying for her. We both started crying and talked for a really long time. It was a great experience.
At the job I work in we work with a lot of hurting people everyday and we hear all kinds of horrible and awefull things that go on in peoples lives. It's really easy to get focused on the negative, but it was great to do something positive for someone.
Long story short, I felt like I ought to give mine to 2 different people that I see on a regular basis. So, I went out and bought 2 of those Ghirardelli carmel square bag things at CVS.
I gave one to the lady who cuts my hair, and has cut my hair for the past 34 years! I just handed it to her and said I appreciated what she does to make the best with what I've got left up top!
The other bag I gave to the ladies at the drive up window at the bank. I know they change from day to day, but I wanted them to know that I appreciate how they help me on a regular basis. All I usually say to them is something to the effect of "can I have a deposit ticket please" or "yes, I have 2 kids in the back, and they like cherry flavored suckers." I handed the bag of chocolate stuff to one of the tellers inside, so they could deliver them for me. Didn't want to clog up the tube things in the drive through.
As I was pulling out of the bank parking lot, I saw the ladies in the drive through window waiving in thanks.
I am reminded of how something as small as a bag of chocolates can really make such an impact!
WOW..."good stuff"
Well, last Saturday night my wife and I were invited to go over to our neighbors house for a bon fire. Our neighbors sister in law was there. We knew her because I graduated with their daughter and Sara graduated with their son.
This ladies husband has MS and has had it for about 10 years. That day (Saturday) they had to take him to Greencroft for at least a week to try and do physical therapy and help him gain strength. She was telling me that every day she would have to go home at lunch to take care of him, then rush to make it back to work on time. When she gets home she would have to help care for him as well. I was exhausted just listening to the list of what she did. It brought back a lot of memories of when my mom cared for my dad and worked full time for nearly 2 years as he fought with cancer. I knew the toll it took on her and could see the same in this lady.
I knew the Lord was telling me to bless her with the $10. I waited for the right time to give it to her. When I did she of course said I didn't need to and that they were doing "OK" with money. I told her it wasn't about the money. That she needed a well deserved break and to treat herself to a lunch without rushing! With tears in her eyes she took it. I know the Lord had His hand in it..we'll see what else may come of it.
While in a line at the Taco Bell drive through, I noticed a Lady behind me in a beat up mini-van packed with little kids. I got to the cash window and told the worker to give this $10 to the lady behind me and tell her "Jesus loves you". His response was "Cool" (must have been a Christian)
While I was at the next window waiting for my tacos, I was able to watch this Lady's reaction. Needless to say she was surprised and blessed.
I am an assistant director for the kitchen staff at an area school. The school system contracts out their kitchen staff to an outside company. With times as they are, the amount of students in the student body that is on free and reduced lunches is amazing and growing daily. Grateful that the state has found the funding to help these children out. However, it just amazes me the number of parents who seem to proud to fill out the paper work, leaving their children to suffer and fend for themselves to provide lunch. We have some parents that filled out the forms and they qualified for reduced lunch and then told their children they did that much, now the child has to fend for themselves on the rest. This is not just high school level, this is also elementary.
Anyways, long story short, I split my $10 with 2 kids that we left to fend for themselves. Both students have done complete turn arounds with their attitude since last year spite their home enviroment. I felt that they needed to know that it was noticed and that they dont have to go thru life alone.
Thank-you for the opportunity to do so.
"Aunt Chrissy"
So, I had a sick kid and didn't get in on the $10 deal but I do have a story. First, God led us several weeks ago to begin helping a family for several months. We have started that and it is anonymous, so they just get this help without knowing anything else about it. It is kind of fun!
Second, this story may or may not involve a "Pathwayite" but it's way cool. Today, a coworker shared that she was in line at the store when she "witnessed a random act of kindness." An elderly woman in a wheelchair with a little cowboy hat on, was two people in front of my coworker, Sharon. The cashier informed her she was $10 short on her groceries, so the lady told her to take some of the items off. However, the man right in front of Sharon stepped up and said, "No, I will cover it." Sharon was so blessed by it she couldn't wait to share with us at work. It gave me the opportunity to once again share Christ with Sharon.
So, whatever your "divine appointment" a.k.a. "random act of kindness,"
know that it may not only be the one giving/receiving but also those catching you in the act. If it this person was a "Pathwayite" thanks for being another example to my coworker.
Lori Green
I must say that sharing this 10 dollars was harder than it sounded. In my flesh i continually tried to determine who deserved it. I had to remind myself over and over that no one is deserving of God's Love it is given to us unconditional and it was in this spirit we were suppose to help someone.
Well I thought the opprutunity would never come but in tragedy I was able to share with people the story of the 10 dollars and gave it to a grieving family
I used the 10.00 to buy a co worker lunch and try to open up a relationship. He was single, and quiet. Prompted at the checkout, I picked up his tab too, and since he has started to open up more and be friendly in the rather harshe working conditions we work in.
I also had a portion left over. I saw my daughter using her own money to buy someone else something to eat when they had nothing, and I took the remaining 3.00 and gave it to her to contibute.
It was a blessing to be able to bless someone else, especially when you don't have anything to bless anyone else with normally.
I think that I was "over spiritualizing" this as I heard the pastor say. Last Friday I was in one of our production buildings and felt compelled to tell one of our very good employees how much I appreciated his attitude and willingness to do whatever we ask of him. My mind was totally in "business mode" not thinking spiritually. As I walked away from the encounter, I felt God say, give him the ten dollars. As with a lot of the stories I read, I thought, "ten dollars is really not going to make a difference in this guy's life". But I obeyed and presented him with the money and told him to spend it one his wife (who not long ago was released from jail after serving time for a drug charge) and that I would be praying for them.
The look on his face was worth it. It was just a simple act of kindness and I could tell he really appreciated it.
I was at a meeting after work and had to partner up with someone I didn't know. Well i really didn't want to do that because I didnt want to be at the meeting and i would enjoy the meeting better if i was laughing with someone i knew. So I partnered up with someone that I see a lot at work but didn't know her name. (I was a little sneaky...I know :( ). So as I was talking to this lady I just felt the Holy Spirit telling me that I was to use the money on her. I just felt that she didn't think highly of herself and just felt down. So I went to walmart and bought her flowers and a card and just told her how special i thought she was and that I knew that God would bring her dreams that she was telling me about true. She told me how much that meant to her. Her family has been going through a rough time. But more importantly this has made our friendship grow. I found out that she was raised in the Assemblies of God and her dad is a pastor and went to CBC college. Which is the same as me! We now take 3 days out of the week and walk and talk around the school for a half hour. So that $10 went a long way...but not in a material way but in building a friendship and challenging each other. God is so awesome! And I felt so good...that God would use me! When I gave her the flowers that was the first time I ever saw her smile and she smiled all day long!
As Scott was telling us about the "Power of 10" God brought one of my co-workers to mind. That week we were working beside each other (we rotate positions every few days, so I don't always get a chance to talk with her), and she started sharing some things with me. I felt God telling me to give her a specific book. I bought the book, and gave it to her the next day. I wasn't sure how she would respond, but she was really excited about it! Since then she has not only come in excited about what she's reading, but told me her mother wants to read it when she's done, and another co-worker has asked me where I got the book, so she can go get it. What's cool is not only is this book about the issues she's dealing with in her family, but it clearly shows the plan of salvation and there are scriptures thoughout.
Tracy
I'm rather late in writing about how I got to bless someone, but it was very simple and fun to do, and it's about time I share about it!
I have a friend in Michigan named Jody whom I hadn't heard from in several years. She and I had met at the University of Michigan Hospital 10 years ago when we were both young mothers experiencing similar health challenges, and where we each received a heart transplant, a few months apart. We had kept in contact for quite a while, but slowly lost touch. In mid-September I received an email from my old friend telling me that she was going to have to go back to the U of M hospital because she needed a new heart transplant and now also needed a kidney transplant!!! Wow.
I started corresponding with her by email and cell phone (she has her computer and phone with her there), and have of course tried to encourage her and assure her of my prayers. She is a believer, but I found that she does not attend church because of concerns about her immune system (though she does have a pastor whom she talks about and receives encouragement from), so I want to be sure I can be the kind of support to her that she needs from the body of Christ.
Here's the problem I had: my friend kept insisting that all she wanted from me was prayer. She didn't need stuff, just prayer. :o] Well, I certainly understood that, but I had this $10 that I had to spend!! Flowers are okay, but I wanted her to have something small, something tangible, to remind her of Jesus' love for her while she is walking through this challenging time in her life. Being alone in a hospital for an extended, unknown period of time without family (hers lives over 2 hours away) is NOT easy, so she truly needs to feel the love and presence of Jesus!
So what could I do to remind her she is loved by God? It turned out to be the simplest little thing. I remembered how she expressed really missing her little dog (besides her family, of course), so I bought her a little stuffed dachund that resembled her puppy and sent it off to her. When I got an email thanking me for it with a picture of the real puppy cuddling up to it (the hospital let him come visit), I sent one back explaining about what our church was doing and what the purpose of the little gift was. She responded later that she had written a lonnng response, but it had gotten erased somehow before she could send it, so she wanted to talk about it when I come visit.
Well, to finish this "book" up, I get to go see my friend next week, and I am asking the Lord to show me more ways to bless and encourage her. I just found out that her husband was just laid off a couple of weeks ago, so there is one more challenge for her and her family to face. Please be praying for them.
I enjoyed reading these "Comments". This experience has been a great reminder for us that we should always have stuff like this going on in our lives. Thanks Pathway.
Laura Sommer
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