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Our StoriesIn late March, 2008 our pastor gave out envelopes with money in them. The money had $5, $10, $15, or $20 in them. The assignment was to spend the money so that Jesus might be better known in our community. Below are some of the stories that were returned from that event. And there are also stories that have been posted by folks in our church community about how God is working in their lives. We believe that God is always trying to help us put our stories in THE BIG STORY of God's redeeming work in the world. We hope you enjoy these stories. And we hope you find a way to share your own story. If you want to share your story on this website you can e-mail it to: therockumc@austin.rr.com and we'll get it posted. Who Knew It Was So Hard To Give Money Away? This story was one of the 'envelope stories' it was given to us by J.U. Several weeks ago, we were assigned to give away anywhere from $5 to $20, so that Christ could be known outside the church. I was finally able to do so, I gave $10 assistance to a staff member at our school because some students destroyed her glasses. You couldn't imagine all the rejections I got trying to give $10 away. Whether paying for someone's meal or trying to give it away, people didn't want help. So finally finding someone willing to accept the help (and the help of others) felt...fullfilling. Books and Hope This story was one of the 'envelope stories' it was given to us by Nancy L. I took 'my' $10 to CC Mason Elementary School on Tuesday morning. This past week was Literacy Night and a wonderful book fair. I told Ms. C, the assistant principal about our project and asked if she might know a student who would love to purchase a book but wouldn't be able to afford one. The love of her students filled her eyes with tears and she directed, and then followed, me to the school librarian for help in finding a student. I'm sure some child is enjoying a book this weekend thanks to The Rock! The staff at CC Mason shows the love that Jesus taught everyday in all that they do. WE are fortunate to have such wonderful influences in our community to teach our children. Seriously, Giving Money Away Can Be Hard. This story was one of the 'envelope stories' it was given to us by Gaby H. I found giving money away to strangers along with giving them the love of Jesus somewhat difficult. I gave the first $10 to an older woman, standing on the freeway on 182 S. holding a sign "It's better than stealing and I need money to eat." I stopped to tell her that Jesus wants her to live abundantly and that this $10 was just a small example. I gave her a card and invited her to RUMC, but she said she has not transportation. I still invited her. I also work downtown, I have a coworker that has been having car problems and has been riding the bus; I gave him $10 and offered him a ride home. While riding home I invited him to church. He went off on a whole speech about how is is a Buddhist and didn't want to accept the money as part of my "proselytizing." He made me take it back even though I wouldn't, he left it under the seat. I would like to try to give the remaining $10 to someone else :) I promise not to give up! If at First You Don't Succeed, Pray This was one of the 'envelope stories' it was told to Pastor T. by Terri D. Terri received $15 in church that day and prayed and decided that part of her call was to multiply that amount by 10 and give away $150 instead of $15. Having recently successfully adopted a baby, and feeling called to help others who were looking to adopt she cruised the Internet looking for folks that might be mobility impaired and looking to adopt. She found two different couples and sent them a note explaining the church assignment and asking them how she might send $150 to help support them in their adoption journey. Neither of the couples wrote her back. She decided to pray again and ask what God might be asking her to do next. The next week she got a call from her pastor about a sibling of a church member who had just received in their home two little foster kids -- one an infant and one two years old. This family had instantly gone from 2 to 4! And there usually isn't the same support for foster parents as there is for parents to be. She decided to send Jesus' money that way. Sometime the Attention is more Important than the Money This was one of the 'envelope stories' it was told to Pastor T. by Mandy S. Mandy got $10 in her envelope. When her family was out to dinner one night a former student was their waitress. Mandy gratefully and enthusiastically acknowledged this former student, affirmed her as a person, talked to her about the church's summer mission camp (RAMP CAMP this year from July 6 - 13). Mandy's comment was the former student seemed surprised that a former teacher would remember her and then regard her with the respect of a fellow adult traveler on this road of life. Mandy left the $10 along with their tip as a reminder that sometimes our lives give us more than we expect -- in a good way. |