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You are probably on this blog because you have been entrusted with $20, $50, or $100 to unleash your generosity on a family in need.
When you receive one of these cards, 1) add whatever dollar amount you can to the gift you have been given, 2) identify a family in need, 3) meet their need by unleashing your generosity, and 4) share your story.
Your story will inspire others to also unleash generosity.
If you need help identifying a family in need contact...
Jayda Roberts :: 703-887-5776 @ The Good Shepherd Alliance
Linda Keefer :: :: 703-430-7048 :: LINK
Then check back in to see your story.
Take a moment to read the first of many awesome stories.
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The card that was so generously provided to Sterling Elementary was used for our Project Santa program. Contrary to its name, assistance is really given not only at holiday time, but sometimes throughout the year. I am the chairperson for this project. The gift card was used for one of our families to help with daily needs. We appreciate your help!
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Unleashing generosity to a community in need through acts of faith & God's resources one family at a time still remains strong...
Last month, our Calvert's Glen neighbor was displaced by an electrical fire. Three beloved dogs perished and now the family resides in temporary housing. The community went door to door collecting financial contributions. Thank you Restore Community Church for your gift card that helped the efforts of extending extreme generosity to those in need.
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Below is an email from my next door neighbor. Her husband is an ER doc that also travels a lot to different hospitals. After the snowfall, I shoveled our drive/walkway, and debated on whether I should maybe do hers, because I did not know if her husband was around or not…man was I glad I decided to go ahead and do it. Her response to me just blew me away. When you let Him, man God really knows how to use us. I guess the most important thing to take away from this, is if you have an opportunity to help, do it! Here is the email I got from my neighbor…
I am so very grateful for your help with the shoveling of the snow. I cannot thank you enough. It was truly an answer to prayer.
That day I had some unpleasant news from the doctor regarding my bone mass. Its a bit complicated but suffice it to say I am at total risk if I should fall on my left side. I am very energetic and love the outdoors. I was really looking forward to the shoveling until I received that new information about my health.
God is so amazing. He sends us angels when we least expect it.
Thank you for being my snow angel.
Blessings,
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Last week, I attended a Celebrate Recovery meeting and met a woman who's hurting emotionally, financially and mentally. Her husband walked out on her without notice. She came home to see a moving truck sitting in the driveway and the next day it was gone and so were all the things in the house. She came home to a completely empty house. Shortly afterward, she lost her house, her job and her everything she and her kids have grown accustomed to through the years. To make matter worst, she found out the day before that her husband's involved with another person and the new gf is wearing and using things that belonged to her and her husband refused to give it back to her. Apparently he packed up everything in the house - including her clothes with him when he left.
While she was sharing, I felt the Spirit prompting me to to give her the debit card and a lil something extra from my purse. I recently went to the bank to withdrew some money to pay my bills and told myself that the money's been called for, however, I felt a strong nudge of the Holi spirit to jsut do it and not worry about how I am going to make up the difference if I give it to her. So I took out some of the money and wrapped it around the debit card and "secretely handed to her and quietly whispered in her ears " This is a little gift from my new church called Restore CC in Sterling and a lil blessing from God." Upon recvg it, and without seeing how much it was, she started to cry and hugged me as if her life was dependent on it. She said " Oh my Gosh! I can't believe this. I don't even have a penny left to my name and prior to coming her I was thinking I shouldn't have come because I don't have enough gas in my car to make it home if I went but you have changed all that. I can't believe how good God is and what a blessing it is that he's blessed you in my life. You have really made my day I can't thank you enough." I told her it's all God's doing, I had nothing to do with it. I am only doing what God asked me to do and is to be a blessing to you today. =0)
But, the most amazing this is not what God did for that woman that day, it's what followed that blows my mind...Well, the day after I gave my money away, I got an email from a dear friend of mine telling me that a substantial amount of money was deposited into my account because my friend knew that I was still unemployed and could not afford to pay for repairs on a my car that my sponsor has given me over the summer. I was hoping to fix it up so my son will have a car to drive to college this fall. I rcvd enough money to pay for the repairs and a little extra left over for registration and insurance for him.
From this experience, I have learned so much about the God I serve and I am able to better see how awesome He is and feel how much he does love me and that He is a Keeper of promises - and most of all, I am able to see how true Jeremiah 29:11 is - which states "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I hope you will this testimony will inspire you and encourage you to do what God has called you to do in the NOVA area and to let you know how you and your vision of spreading God's love and generosity has touched and transformed so many lives - mine included. I and my family have been so sincerely blessed by you and Restore these past months and I look forward to being a part of Restore family for years to come. I pray that God will continue to give you His special annointings, wisdom and protection and to bless you and your family abundantly as you are carrying out His will in your life.
God is good! ALL the Time!
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I was given the opportunity and pure honor to be able to help deliver over 110 meals to needy families in my neighborhood last weekend. I'm not saying that to be boastful, other than to be able to take pride in knowing I helped to truly make a difference in other people's lives. My neighbor's lives. When the food was delivered, people were honestly grateful. To see on their faces the sheer relief, the pure happiness, and the weight lift from their shoulders is something you never forget. One man thought I was kidding when I stopped at his house. "That's for me? Are you sure?" One mom gave us a thank-you card, written in broken English. It was incredibly sweet, honest, and from the heart. It was real.
I delivered meals in my neighborhood with my son. People were amazing. Some were completely shocked I didn't want anything in return. Others didn't want to food for themselves-they immediately asked if they could pass it on to a friend they knew in greater need. Kids were even happy to receive the food, understanding even in their innocence what a gift it was. One gentleman who lives down the street from us was walking up to his door. Zach looked at him funny, because he was smoking and looked young. He looked like maybe a senior in high school or just college age. I called out to him.
"Hey! Would you like a free Thanksgiving dinner for you and your family?"
"What? Why?"
"No reason-my church is giving meals away. It's a whole Thanksgiving meal, enough for 8 people or so. You interested?"
"Yo, yes!" "Do I have to pay?"
"No, man, it's on us. Just enjoy the food."
"Wow, thanks so much. This will make my mom so happy!"
He ran inside with the box like it was Christmas morning.
His homies were watching from a car, waiting for him to come back outside. As he got in the car, I overhead one of them say, "Dude, that was so cool. I can't believe she just gave that to you, dog."
Zach and I continued through the neighborhood, knocking on every door, anxious to give the boxes away. It was Saturday afternoon, so a lot of people weren't home. Zach was getting frustrated. "Man, you can't give away food in this neighborhood! Where is everybody?"
Another man came to the door. I could tell he had been drinking. That didn't bother me. What bothered me was that he had on an old undershirt full of stains and holes. His pants were the same way-old, worn, and full of holes and rips. I wasn't sure if this was his usual attire or if I just caught him on a day when he was working around the house or something. His house wasn't too badly dilapidated, but needed some work. He's an older gentleman, and I was wondering if he couldn't do labor-type work any longer. It still made me sad. He couldn't believe he didn't have to pay for the food. His eyes lit up like he hadn't received anything in a very long time. I was glad to surprise him and make his day.
As we were finishing up and heading back down the block towards our house, Zach said, "Mom, that was so cool. Do you have anymore boxes? We have a ton more neighbors." He was actually disappointed when I told him we had given away all I had.
Generosity is cool. Very cool. _____________________________________________________________
This Saturday morning was unlike any other typical Saturday morning for me. I had the privelage of sitting in with the Pastor of Restore Church, Sterling, VA. for a Breakfast invitation in which he unleashed genorosity of a hot meal, caring ears, and spiritual advice. I am a struggling single parent fortunate to be gainfully employed with all of the other basic amenities of life. In the short time of this meeting I was able to unload 2/3 of my life, and 1/2 of my trials with this Pastor. I want to share with this Church that I find the name "Restore" truly appropiate in my time of need. That need is "Restoration". I find the vision of this Church to be humbling, and Christ-like in all respects. In closing, I wish to share what I was blessed with this morning. from the book of Romans 11:1 I say then, God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham of the tribe of Benjamin. In assurance of this, I will believe in Romans 11:29, For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Thank you Restore Church and Pastor Ron for a clearer, new-found direction towards my Restoration and a relationship with Christ.
In return of your blessings this morning, I was able to bless a young family of six, ages 12, 10,9, 7, 5, and 2 with your gift card. This 29 year old mother works 3 jobs trying to hold things together. Upon presenting this gift, I told her I was ashamed that I could not provide additionally to her as a father and additionally to her children as a grandfather. Again, I was blessed by her words, " Don't worry about it Dad, all I really want is Peace & Joy for you and my sister. WOW
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I had received one of the prepaid cards after meeting one of the members of this congregation. Originally taking it in case of my own or my family’s needs, but the lords blessings are with us and we had been able to make ends meet, so the card went unused, virtually unremembered. Then a friend of mine told me that her boyfriend (Also a close friend of mine) had lost his job recently, in pursuit of a job he was in the area and visited me and related in me the same bad news. In that moment I remembered the card.
Generosity given to me benefiting another person: Even if it only means they can eat that week the most basic of needs that is a concern to everyone, I feel blessed in that I was even able to help, and I thank this congregation for serving me so that I might serve another’s persons needs.
God bless you, those who refresh others.
Thank you
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I received a $20 gift card at the church's grand opening. That week, I called LINK to see if they could put me in touch with a family in need. They referred me to a single mother with a 13-year old son, so I called her to find out what they needed. She told me that they had no food in the house and the only meals her son was getting were breakfast and lunch at school. That day, I took my 2 kids to Giant and we purchased $100 in gift cards, plus a few extra groceries, and took them to this family. They were truly grateful. Thank you for helping us to help a family in our community.
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A friend I teach with asked me to pray for her cousin who has a son that is sick. In 2006, her son was having trouble in Sports because he couldn't breath. They took him to the doctor and found out that he needed a lung transplant. The family didn't have much money but put everything they made into their sons health bills. They have been in and out of the hospital for 3 years. They are stretched financially and have been living in a hotel in Pittsburgh away from their family and friends. The boy got his lungs a few weeks ago but is still not 100%. My husband and I have been praying for the family and trying to find another way to help. After coming to Restore and getting the $20 card, we knew who to give it to almost immediately. We were able to turn the $20 card into $120. We are excited to follow Dakota's story and continue to give what God has given us. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dakotafalls
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I am recently unemployed and facing foreclosure. My wife received the debit card on Sunday.
After praying about it we decided to send the card to some equally as needy.
Within 24 hours of mailing the debit card, we received a check, out of the blue, for $1000 from a person we know but have been out of touch with. This person heard about our situation and just felt moved to send the money.
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I received $5 at the stop light on Rt 7 from you church members. I applaud your efforts to seed generosity. I added money of my own with others and bought gift cards from Giant to donate to the Interfaith Food Bank. The $5 turned into $40 in food cards to feed hungry families.
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For several months now my neighbor has been looking to move into a less expensive home to lower his monthy rent and increase his cash flow in order to stop working one of his two full-time jobs so he can give more time to his family. Two weeks ago, he found a home that will lower his monthly expenses by $600 per month, but he needed $3000 to cover first and last months rent. Since then he has worked extra jobs and asked family to give him the money. My wife and I determined last night that we would give him $500 to help empower his move. So today, I called him and asked him how much more money he needed for his deposit. He said $500. That's God. I am so excited for my neighbor and his family. They are making wise decisions that are based on right values. We are also going to give him the $20 Restore debit card we received so he and his family can pass on God's extreme generosity to help another family in need.
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I called Seneca Ridge Middle School this afternoon to see if they could identify a needy family. God's timing is perfect. They are having a "New Beginnings" meeting tomorrow evening and inviting all the "at risk" families with children at the school to attend.
The gift card I was given by Restore Community Church on Sunday will be donated to one of those needy families.
I would like to encourage anybody else who does not have a plan for his or her card to contact Liz Diamond at 571 434 4420. She is the 8th grade counselor.
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Today I put $100.00 in the mail to the great people who work at LAWS. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by government and foundation grants, the United Way, and private donations. It has a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the local community. This organization is close to my heart!! I moved to the Northern Virginia area one year ago, not by choice, but by necessity. I was abducted and raped at gun point by a stranger in my previous city. At this point of my life, I was so low and questioning every aspect of my life, including my spirituality and I was angry at GOD. Why??? Why did he allow this to happen to me? After being lead to LAWS, by what I now I believe to be divine intervention by God, I was able to begin to forgive and forget. I did lots and lots of praying and was encouraged my counselor to continue to lean on my heavenly father. After 8 months of free , yes FREE, one on one and group counseling, I did it....well, with lots of help from God, I did it. I was able to forgive my attacker and I now actually pray for him every night. My attacker has never been caught, and I pray every night that he is able to allow the holy spirit to enter into his life, and change him. So, your church gave me a $20.00 gift card on Sunday, and my finance and I turned that $20.00 into $100.00, and gave it to the LAWS organization, so that they could continue to help lost and confused women, just like me. So, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. It is truly a blessing and God's work. Thank you! Thank you!
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A woman came to Sanctity of Life Ministries today where I work—a client whom we had seen before. She is a single mother of six—2 of them twin toddlers—and had come to the center to pick up diapers for the two little ones. We were very low on diaper donations in the size needed, so I gave her the $20.00 Gift Card and a matched check so she could purchase some diapers locally. She is a wonderful woman and mother, a follower of Jesus Christ, and has faithfully held the same job for years--it was such a pleasure to ‘make her day!’
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I attended the launch day of Restore as a church planter and felt reluctant to take a debit card. At the moment, I am sitting in a room with 7 other church planters. One of them is from New Jersey. He is just about to get off the ground. As he shared his story, a couple needs arose for the next steps. And so I gave the Restore Community Church $20 gift card to him and another church planter gave $30 to purchase a key church planting manual. And another guys gave $219.00 to buy a demographic study all at the same time. The $20 turned into $279.00. Generosity was unleased and seeds were planted with Restore's money in a future church plant.
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Today, I saw a sign in front of a neighbors home that read "Family in Need" and then their phone number. Having just received $10 to unleash generosity, I called this neighbor who I had never met. It turns out he and his family were being evicted because they couldn't pay rent. I helped him load all his remaining belongs into his two cars and then gave him the $10 I had just received along with 50 more dollars of my own for him to put gas in his car and buy food for his family. The generosity of Restore helped me see the need of my neighbor and I met that need.
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wow .... God is amazing .... we just took in two teenage boys ... adding to our own two ... their mom ( single) has been commuting an hour and a half each way every day to get them to school. We really felt she needed them to be close to school so she could actively search for a job ... we gave the boys money for lunch this is a true pay it forward moment for us.
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