Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.--Acts 4:32, 34-35
God has been doing some amazing things lately. Earlier this week, He told me to go to IHOP, even though I didn't want to. I wanted to just stay in the hotel room and take a nap, but I decided to listen to the Spirit and go. I ate there and read the book of Acts for awhile. Nothing else really happened, so I paid my check and got ready to leave, wondering why God had me brought there. Just as I was about to leave, a man in the booth next to me noticed my Bible and asked about it. I thought it was going to be an opportunity to share my faith with him, but it turned out that he and his fiance are already Christians. They had moved to Florida to start their life together, and they had just recently found out that they are pregnant.
But then Andrew (the guy) told me a very disturbing story. He was pumping gas one night when he suddenly had a gun pointed at his head. He was robbed, then the guys knocked him out. They took his car (which had all their money in it, plus a few other valuable possessions) and left him there. So he and Melissa had no money or a car. The hotel they were at kicked them out because they couldn't pay for it. So they were practically homeless.
The worst part of it all was that they called 10 or so churches asking for help. Andrew even offered to work at the churched to earn the money. A couple of the churches simply didn't have the funds, but most of them said no just because Andrew and Melissa weren't "members" of their church. [Incoming Soapbox] That pretty much ticks me off. The church is supposed to help all in need, not just the people on their member list. Read the verse I quoted above to see how the church is really supposed to be when it comes to helping people.
Anyway, God then put it in my heart to take them to our SOP meeting and see if we could raise money to get them bus tickets back to Arizona where their family is. So I took them there and I got up in front of everyone and told them the story and asked them to give as the Lord led them to. After everyone had left, we had all the money needed to pay for the tickets and then some. God provided in such an amazingly awesome way. It blew my mind. Andrew and Melissa were both practically in tears. Melissa's mom even called to thank us for what we did. It was so amazing. I'm so thankful for all of the students at SOP who were willing to give, but ultimately it was all God's doing. To God be the glory!
But then Andrew (the guy) told me a very disturbing story. He was pumping gas one night when he suddenly had a gun pointed at his head. He was robbed, then the guys knocked him out. They took his car (which had all their money in it, plus a few other valuable possessions) and left him there. So he and Melissa had no money or a car. The hotel they were at kicked them out because they couldn't pay for it. So they were practically homeless.
The worst part of it all was that they called 10 or so churches asking for help. Andrew even offered to work at the churched to earn the money. A couple of the churches simply didn't have the funds, but most of them said no just because Andrew and Melissa weren't "members" of their church. [Incoming Soapbox] That pretty much ticks me off. The church is supposed to help all in need, not just the people on their member list. Read the verse I quoted above to see how the church is really supposed to be when it comes to helping people.
Anyway, God then put it in my heart to take them to our SOP meeting and see if we could raise money to get them bus tickets back to Arizona where their family is. So I took them there and I got up in front of everyone and told them the story and asked them to give as the Lord led them to. After everyone had left, we had all the money needed to pay for the tickets and then some. God provided in such an amazingly awesome way. It blew my mind. Andrew and Melissa were both practically in tears. Melissa's mom even called to thank us for what we did. It was so amazing. I'm so thankful for all of the students at SOP who were willing to give, but ultimately it was all God's doing. To God be the glory!
Give love to the ones who can't love at all
Give hope to the ones who've got no hope at all
Stand up for the ones who can't stand at all--Jon Foreman
In other news, things have been going pretty well in my life. God has been teaching me so much here at the SOP. I asked God to give me a good foundation for BCOM, and He has done that and more. I've made some great friends, and I'm continually growing in my faith. God never ceases to amaze me.
And finally, I have the most amazing lady ever. Holly is so awesome. She's such an encouragement to me. I thank God daily for her. Once again, to God be the glory! Amen!
And finally, I have the most amazing lady ever. Holly is so awesome. She's such an encouragement to me. I thank God daily for her. Once again, to God be the glory! Amen!
1 comments:
Okay, so I thought I left a comment on this one when I read it the first time, but apparently I didn't. haha
I love God! It makes my heart smile when I hear about what He is doing in your life. You are such an amazing man. To God be the glory for that (and for giving you great parents to raise such a wonderful son ;-P). Seriously though, I am truly blessed.