I love being a part of a church that is built on the value of generosity. We challenged Seacoaster's a few weeks ago to get good at being rich (generous), and have you ever responded!
- Hundreds of families took the generosity challenge and are honoring God with the first part of their income to the local church.
- Over 120 families gave out of their "margin" to create an Acts 4 Fund to help families in our church through the current economic challenge.
- Thousands of meals were served during the holidays through the North Charleston Dream Center.
- Hundreds of volunteers gave and distributed thousands of toys through the Dream Center.
- We receive weekly reports of small groups involved in community transformation projects.
- Because of the generosity of one of our partners in ministry, we were able to be generous to a church in the Northwest who had to close their doors during recent snow and ice storms. Their staff was not going to receive paychecks during the holidays. You can read the response of their pastor here. (He thinks I'm a good guy and says some nice things…please don't tell him any different : )
IT"S FUN TO BE RICH!
Hey,
Just wanted to share this with you. We have a single mom at our campus who is really struggling. Last weekend we were able to give her and her family about 100 pounds of food items. We just dropped them off at her door. She was overwhelmed! This weekend she shared with us that she came across someone this week who was in need and she gave her a large portion of the food that we had given her. Her comment was “I felt so rich to be able to do that, it felt great.” Awesome.
Comment by brett — December 24, 2008 @ 10:22 am
As a member of the Northwest Church, THANK-YOU….
Comment by Jeanne — December 24, 2008 @ 8:58 am
As part of the staff here at the Northwest Church, I am truly grateful for your generous gift.
Thank you! Merry Christmas!!
Comment by Ginger — December 24, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
I got tears in my eyes, and am SO full of gratitude that there are other churches that are so into God, and REALLY doing what Christ called us to. May the Lord bless you as He promised, for giving so gererously!
Eddy ~~~
Comment by Edward — December 24, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Again, THANKS from "that Northwest Church"!!
Comment by Trish — December 24, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Thank you so much for your loving donation to our church. The northwest "falls apart" with this amount of snow and your generous support will help a bunch!
Comment by Troy and Lynn — December 24, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
Looks like a bunch of us Northwesters are here already – THANK YOU for your kindness and thoughtfulness in getting the word out, and a huge thank you to the donor. I’m not on staff, but I belong to the church (praise GOD) and it really warms my heart that someone was able and WILLING to step up like that. As Dr. McGee says, “May God richly bless you, my beloved.”
Comment by Lisa — December 24, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Thank you for sharing your blessings with us, "that Northwest church." Glory to God!
Comment by Julie — December 24, 2008 @ 9:00 pm
As the snow continues to fall on this Christmas morning I want to say God Bless you from the Northwest Church.
Comment by Debbie — December 25, 2008 @ 9:34 am
The kingdom advances as we see with an eternal perspective, your gift was a huge blessing to our church but your Love for the Lord and for advancing unity in Jesus are what mark SeaCoast as a prevailing church in our country. Keep advancing and reaching out to the communities around your campuses as well as to the church in the world. We rejoice with you as we see our Father's blessings on you all. Your gift is a perfect example of what Christmas is all about. A gift given from a loving heart that is looking for nothing in return. May we all be motivated by the love of Christ this Christmas and as a lifestyle. Thanks for modeling this in word and deed!!
Comment by Duane — December 25, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Thank you, members of Seacoast! I am on staff at a snowed-in church in the Pacific Northwest and I want to tell you what your generous gift meant to us.
In this tough economy, our church stepped up to help those in need and reached out to tell the Good News of the season. Many people came to Christ on the one night we were able to have our Christmas production before the weather shut things down.
But we want to do more – to continue our mission to reach those people who might never come to a "normal" church; or those who have been hurt by religion.
Your gift allowed us to keep that dream alive, and gave our staff a wonderful Christmas with our families. We humbly and gratefully thank you!
Comment by Marlette — December 25, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your gift to my NW Church. This is what being part of the body of Christ means! Your generosity is inspiring on so many levels. Can't wait to see in Heaven how your gift affected the direct beneficiaries, and those who will be blessed by the 'pay it forward' acts of kindness.
May God richly bless your church!
Comment by barb — December 27, 2008 @ 5:48 am
I am so proud to learn that the leadership of my church did this! It brings me to tears to hear of this and continues to inspire me to be a contributing member of a functional New Testament Church! I’ve seen tremendous acts of generosity within our church this season and lives changed as a result. How cool is it that we are truly living as “One Church”!
Comment by angelapeterson — January 7, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
I am so blessed to be a part of Seacoast where we are not just hearers of the Word but doers as well.
Comment by Janet Martineau — January 8, 2009 @ 7:09 am