KINGDOM ASSIGNMENTS

LYNN, ARLAN, & AINSLEY VENNEFRON

As Pastor Greg waved 25 $100 bills in the air, we knew we were game to use one to honor God and to show his love to our community. Recently we read an article and learned that each year in the US 20,000 to 30,000 adoption eligible foster children turn 18 and ‘age out’ of foster care. Their ‘graduation gift’ from foster care is $200 cash and a wish for good luck – not much of a send off for kids who’ve often had a rough start to begin with.

Statistics are wrenching for this group of teens. Most encounter one or more of the following: homelessness, suicide, encounters with law, no high school diploma, early parenthood, and no marketable skills. These teenagers must now fend for themselves with no guidance, no support, and no family to fall back on. This subject has had our hearts since learning this and as we prayed, we felt confirmation to move forward with a contribution that would benefit these kids.

We found an agency that targets 14 to 18 year olds in Oakland and McComb counties that are likely to ‘age out’, giving them needed life-skills to succeed on their own. We learned that this program is unfunded and Judson Center, the sponsoring agency, must write grants or eek dollars out of their tight administrative budget to fund it each year.

As we prayed and spoke with others about the $100 from CCC, we witnessed our (actually His) funds double and then triple. We still have some requests to community businesses that are pending and we expect that additional money or gifts will continue to come in. This experience has been a blessing to us and a fun teaching tool for us to use with our daughter. It was exciting and a bit daunting to understand that we wanted to grow the $100 into something bigger and not know how to begin to do that…as always God provides in far better ways than we can imagine.


CHERYL HARSHMAN

When Pastor Greg told the congregation about the Kingdom Assignment, I immediately nudged Ed to go up and get one of the $100 bills. Of course he wouldn’t do it, so I had to, but either way I knew what I wanted to do with that money. The kids who live next door to my mom, Ashley-19, Brandy-11, and Zachary-7 had lost their mother six days before and I knew that there just had to be something we could do for them.

These kids had lived a rough life. They had been physically and emotionally abused, and got screamed at every day. For years they watched their parents get drunk and high and beat up on each other. When their dad went to prison five years ago, their mom started doing and selling drugs. Strangers came and went from their house at all hours of the day and night. And their mom got worse and worse.

When their dad got out, he cleaned up his act and got a job but she continued with the drugs. Over the two years before her death, their mom OD’d three times and was put into rehab and every time she got out, she went right back to it. On February 2, 2008, however, she didn’t go to rehab after her overdose, she died.

A week or so after getting the money we asked their dad what we could do to help them out and, surprisingly, he said there was nothing they needed. He said that they were now better off financially than they had ever been when she was alive. He told us the kids missed her, but they seemed to be almost happier and that losing their mom was probably the best thing for them.
I was glad to hear they were financially better, but I still felt God wanted us to help them in some way. Unsure what to do, I talked to Pastor Bonnie and she suggested that since Easter was coming, we do something fun and put together baskets for them. So I bought chocolate eggs from our youth group, a bunch of other candy, toys, a stuffed animal, even more candy, and silly string. I wanted to include something faith related but I thought that if I gave them just a regular Bible they probably wouldn’t read it. So to Ashley I gave a devotional journal and a “3:16” bracelet. I wrote the verse on a card & explained that the verse describes just how much God loves us and why we believe what we believe. Brandy received a “cool girl” Bible that has real life situations and descriptions of how scripture relates to those problems. I knew that for Zachary I wanted something fun, so I gave him the Veggie Tales “Little Joe” DVD. It tells the story of Joseph and how that, even though bad things happen to us, God is watching over us and has a plan for our lives.

Their dad gave them the baskets Easter morning. My mom heard a bunch of noise outside that morning and when she looked, she saw the kids running around spraying each other with silly string. They were laughing and having a great time. A few days later Ashley and her dad came to my mom and asked her to thank me for the baskets, saying that they meant a lot and they really enjoyed them.

Before doing the baskets, in an attempt to increase our $100 to do good things in the community, our girls and I sold homemade chocolate chip cookies at church. I would like to say that the Men’s Ministry really knows how to give!! We sold them in packages of two cookies for 25¢ and those guys were giving $1.00 for the pack. Thanks to them, and all the people who bought them at All Stars and on Sunday, we doubled our money!

The money left over after the baskets was donated to the Independence Township Senior Center for a woman who has lost her eyesight to Macular Degeneration and has to rely on their ride service for all her travel to and from doctors and shopping. Each one-way ride costs $2 and we were able to donate $60 specifically for her, giving her 15 round-trip rides.

This was an amazing project and my family and I were so blessed to have been a part of it. I can only hope and pray that this will someday lead Ashley, Brandy, Zachary and their dad to Christ, and that the woman who needs the rides will be blessed as well. Thank you so much for letting us be of service to the church and to God.


MELISSA F. EUBANKS

My husband, Joshua, and I wanted to share how we used the Kingdom Money ($100) you so graciously provided. Although the following story is tragic, I’m glad we could be there and inspire so many to help this family in need. The afternoon of March 3, 2008, I received a phone call from my husband, Joshua. My Husband is a recruiter for Lee’s Contracting in Pontiac, MI and he recently hired a gentleman named John Stevens (21) to work for their team. John’s three-month old daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition; she became very ill the week of February 25, and was scheduled for surgery. After the surgery, the doctor said everything was great, his daughter was doing well and they could bring her home. Unfortunately on Saturday evening (March 1, 2008) their daughter took a turn for the worse, and while at work John received a call from his wife that his first-born child of three months had passed away. After hearing this, my husband and his boss discussed taking up an offering to help John and his wife pay for their daughter’s funeral and any additional expenses they may have during this hard and unexpected time. Joshua walked around to the managers in the office and asked for their kind donations. Joshua’s boss (Jason) did the same. When Joshua and I spoke we immediately thought of the Kingdom money. We donated the $100 and to date the Stevens family has received $1,200 (the collection is still in progress.) Although I know this will not bring their daughter back, I hope these offerings will help them with any financial need they may have. We continue to pray for the Stevens family; may God help sooth their pain.


RENEE DAVID

It took me a lot of prayer (about a month’s worth) to figure out how I was going to use the $100 from the kingdom assignment. One day I was reading the Clarkston News and there was an article about a local woman who was going to have a Community Baby Show for single moms in the area. As soon as I read the article, I just knew that this was what I was meant to do with my Kingdom Assignment money. I immediately gave her a call to discuss additional details and to see what help was needed.

I then sent an email to all the CCC members that I had an email for and asked them to participate by bringing in new and gently used baby items to the WIGS table. The response was amazing. Below is a summary of what the church was able to give both in merchandise and labor to the event:

1) I estimate that we gavel over $500 worth of merchandise (bottles, diapers, wipers, used and new clothes etc).
2) A $500 gift from Cheri Paul who runs a foundation.
3) The $100 Kingdom Assignment money plus an additional donation of $60 was used to pay for the dinner that fed the ladies the night of the event.
4) Our youth donated 36 homemade baby blankets as well as their time. They went over to the church where it was going to be held and spent 3 hours cleaning toys and cribs.
5) Total hours of time donated was approx. 90 hours

Overall we ended up helping 35 single mothers who really needed this support. One lady that I spoke with stated that her house had just burned down about two weeks before, and she had lost everything. Everyone that I spoke with at the event was very appreciative of everything that they received.
I truly believe that God made this my Kingdom Assignment to ensure that the event was a success so that we could help these young ladies. I would have to say that Beverly who was running the event had a good heart but was not very organized and did not have a lot of help. Without the support of the people from our church that dedicated their time, I do not believe that the shower would have been a success. God is good!


PAT PHELPS

First off, I would like to thank those individuals that assisted in making the $100 Kingdom Assignment money grow into $600. This was accomplished through the assistance and generosity of various people. Monetary gifts were not only given by members of the Clarkston Community Church, but also others that are not even affiliated with a church family.

I am very privileged to know a young couple, who truly understands the meaning of the words blessings, miracles, faith and hope. They were “blessed” with two children born prematurely. The births of both of these children were definitely true “miracles.” Their daughter now 6, was born 6 weeks early at the weight of 2 lbs. 8oz. and their son now 3, was born 3 months early at the weight of 1lb. 15 oz. The babies’ miracle births did not come without numerous complications and ongoing trials. Each of them has had numerous surgeries, countless hours of physical, occupational and speech therapy to treat the developmental delays of a very early birth. Additionally, glasses for both children were needed. If all this wasn’t enough, both children have recently been diagnosed with a moderate hearing loss in both ears, requiring hearing aids.

Anyone with children can agree that raising them can be challenging in the best of situations. Complicate day-to-day life with ongoing health issues, and worries about financial pressures, well let’s just say it takes a lot of “faith” and strength to stay positive. Though this couple has excellent health insurance, they have found themselves with monumental bills resulting in the various health care issues that are needed for their family. Like any young couple, they also experience other daily challenges, like major car repairs, and a leaky roof. They were thrilled to be given the surprise monetary gift and could not have been more thankful!

Dad and Mom are very hard working individuals. With the various health issues, doctor’s appointments, etc. that are needed for the kids, Mom has been unable to work full time. Yet, she actively participates as the Mission Volunteer Coordinator for the March of Dimes. Their goal is to raise money for March for Babies, which supports research to save the lives of premature babies. Despite all of their own personal challenges, this young family demonstrates and lives by the meaning of the word “hope.” Instead of wondering why us, this family is using their personal experiences to benefit others by promoting public awareness for continuous research that would assist in improving the health of babies. They have “hope” that other families might be spared some of the experiences that they have endured.

To summarize my Kingdom Assignment experience, I personally reflected on how God works in us and through us, sometimes during the most difficult times in our lives. I, too, had a premature daughter, born 3 month early, 19 years ago. I truly understand the joys and concerns that go along with raising a premature baby. At the time, God placed a wonderful family in our paths. They assisted with the care of my family, supported us and loved us with all of their hearts. They had a daughter who was in high school at the time, and she was like a sister to my children. She is now grown, and a mother herself with two adorable children. Who would have known at the time that years later she herself would have been blessed with two premature babies?

Each of us struggle at times during our life. The Kingdom Assignment for me initiated a conversation with my 22-year-old son. As he put it, “Mom it shouldn’t take a church project to help others. Remember when we went thru some very difficult times? People just showed up in our lives and helped in various ways. That’s what it’s all about!”

Thanks for this great opportunity. I learned so much!


JERRY AND AMY BACHMAN

The blessings that this project has given are immeasurable. We took the $100 and added $50 of our own. We gave a gift card to a grocery store and for gas for a person with current financial struggles. We also gave $25 toward a transportation fund at work for dialysis patients that didn’t have a ride back home after their treatment. We also took $25 and bought papers and stickers to make birthday cards to give to the dialysis patients where I work. God has opened our eyes to many of the ways we can be a blessing to others. We are so grateful to all who have helped us and we look forward to blessing others in the years to come.


JACKIE VANICELLI

I had wanted to do something creative and possible make this money really stretch. However, my life has been filled with other needs. So I did pray that I could find a good place to place this money. I opened my eyes to my pile of mail. On top was a letter from the Leukemia Foundation which I do donate to. So I sat and thought for a moment and realized this would be a great opportunity to share with the Clarkston church family. I had to include “Make-A-Wish” so with the $100 I decided to give $50 to the Leukemia Foundation and $50 to “Make-A-Wish.” My reason for these two organizations is I lived their giving. I was numb and in disbelief when my son was given the horrible news that he had cancer. A social worker and Make-A-Wish representative comforted and talked with me; 10 years later she is still their hugging and loving my family. Also, when my son was feeling well, Make-A-Wish flooded him with Tiger tickets, Lion tickets and a Red Wings VIP ticket. We went on the ice, sat on their bench and met all the players. These are just a few things that brought real joy to the family. The Leukemia Foundation did things like helping with gas to and from the hospital, housing while my son was in treatment. They even sent huge boxes of gifts for the family at Christmas time. When you are going through such a hard time, it’s so nice to have people step up and east the pain. Clarkston Community Church can be proud that they have given to these 2 great organizations.


DEANNA TROSZAK

To help spread God’s love with the Kingdom Assignment money, I wanted to incorporate community outreach and charitable giving. We invited young people from our neighborhood (who do not attend CCC) for an evening of what they were told would be “fun, fellowship, and work for charity sponsored by Clarkston Community Church.”

We “multiplied” our money by a match from my husband and me as well a generating 36 “man hours” (12 kids/3 hours each) of work to accomplish our task. With these resources we were able to by material and make 5 fleece blankets to donate to Hospice of Michigan, which will be used in our local area. We were also able to make a cash gift toward Hospice’s flower program.

I know that Hospice provides great support and comfort to many patients and their families during a very difficult time. Often this is a crucial time in people’s lives when they are in great need (and many times willing to receive) the message of God’s goodness and grace. During this evening of “working to help others in need receive some comfort,” we had some very thought-provoking conversation (as frequently happens during conversation with teens!). There were some complaints of sore backs and painful hands, but even with this, the kids were happy to be doing this project to help others who are in significantly more discomfort. I’m hoping to see some of those kids attend our church in the near future. Thank you for helping us accomplish a very rewarding activity of spreading the great love of God!


GREG AND MELISSA THAYER

We used the money to purchase baby items for the Community Baby Shower with Renee David.


LINDA AND GEORGE DRALLOS

God stirred our hearts to help Dan Burke with the Kingdom Assignment money. However, we knew God wanted us to plan on growing the initial $100. Dan Burke is the 26-year-old father of one (soon to be two) who suffered a massive stroke in January as a result of a brain malformation. Dan is in the process of relearning all the skills we take for granted (walking, talking, seeing) and will not be able to work for quite some time while he rehabs.

When we first took on the assignment, our original plans had to be modified as God placed a few personal roadblocks our way. However, after the initial disappointment, I can now understand the path He allowed us to seek as we began to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to participate in the Kingdom Assignment with us. Their care and generosity truly amazed us.

First, one of our neighbors whose father passed away a year ago had many of the home care aids that the hospital required before they would release Dan to return home. Within a few hours notice of the hospital notifying the family they would let Dan return home IF…, the Burke’s were able to pick up the items and install just in time for Dan’s homecoming. We’re not sure of the dollar value of these items…we just know they were priceless to the family.

Secondly, we discovered that many from the church have donated directly to the fund at Clarkston State Bank and for that we know the Burkes are so thankful.

Last, but not least, we held a God Exchange fundraiser the Saturday before Mother’s Day. I can’t tell you how excited I was to know that Sue Burke (Dan’s mom) would be there for this event. Everyone who came enjoyed a great time, and had many questions about Dan for Sue. What a joy and blessing to listen and watch Sue talk about how well Dan is doing and the road of recovery still ahead of him. I kept praying to God that the fundraiser would be able to take the $100 and increase it tenfold – to $1,000. I have to tell you, I was somewhat shocked at first when we ended up with $866.03. But God was faithful to this plan.

In the following week, I received four additional donations which then took the total amount to $1,089.03. Tenfold plus!

The Kingdom Assignment truly made us trust God’s plans and follow them through…not with just words…but with actions. George and I received abundant blessings and a further strengthening in our faith walk as a result of the Kingdom Assignment. Thank you Pastor Greg and Clarkston Community Church for this journey!


DENISE JANKE

The afternoon after getting this assignment, I doubled my money by a donation of a friend. Now I have $200. I immediately contact the Clarkston school social workers to see what kind of needs there were. Looks like I found my Kingdom Assignment.

One family had just had a house fire and lost mostly clothes and towels. Their family has 2 kids, both in high school. Mom works at Kroger. They were staying at a friend’s home. Their home was condemned. They were behind in Consumers and ready to have power shut off. I provided some cash relief to help pay Consumers and I am advertising for a washer and dryer they need.

The second family had 3 kids, one that was away at college. In December, the mom had a stroke and went into a coma for nearly a month. The older daughter came home from college to care for the boy still in school. The boy is in middle school and the other daughter is in high school. The three kids were holding down the fort while mom was incapacitated. They had friends and family helping financially in the beginning. I called and at that time they couldn’t find where we could help. I called back a month later and they had just had a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the mom. I sent them gas cards to help pay for gas as they went daily to visit mom in Clarkston Specialty Facility. It would be a long road to recovery for mom. The kids were all working to get money and had just contacted the State for assistance. They were grateful for the assistance.

Additionally, a lady friend of mine has had a traumatic situation happen in her family whereby the grandpa sexually abused her 3 kids. She needed $20 for a phone card to be sure she was never without emergency phone needs. I didn’t feel she should be driving without a phone available to her.

Lastly, another lady I know desperately needed a night out and needed spiritual uplifting. I paid for her to come to an outreach event for ladies where there was a Christian speaker and fun for ladies. She truly enjoyed the gift which included a meal and fellowship.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve others.


THE RICHARD LEE FAMILY
We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the “giving assignment.” The Sunday you passed out the $100 bills, our family had to split up for church. I went to 9:30 service since I had a baby shower to attend right after and my husband and 3 kids went to 11:00 service.
I purposely didn’t take one of the bills because I knew our kids would jump at the chance when they came! I called later in the day to check on everyone and they were so excited to tell me what happened at church and how they couldn’t wait to do something good for someone else! I knew they’d take on the challenge! Now the hard part…deciding together who to help.

We brainstormed for a couple weeks, but it wasn’t until I ran into a friend at my card club that it came to us. She was talking about how hard it is to get donations for anything right now and that her volunteer organization had a fundraiser coming up that they depend on tremendously! It’s for the MEALS ON WHEELS program! They deliver meals to homebound senior citizens in Clarkston and surrounding communities. I immediately wanted to hear more because ironically when our kids were small, we delivered meals for that program and had a wonderful experience!

Our kids got to see how great it feels to help people in need and they loved spending time with the seniors. I’m sure it had NOTHING to do with all the attention and candy they got in the process! It was very rewarding in so many ways for our entire family. As the kids got older and our lives busier, we stopped delivering, but it was always on our minds to continue again one day.

So, when my friend, Mary, who’s been volunteering for the program several times a week for years, told me about how they desperately needed funds and volunteers, I knew I had to tell my husband and kids about it! We all agreed…this is where we’ll put the $100 to use!

The Rochester O.P.C. fundraises for the MEALS ON WHEELS program in our community and they service Rochester, Waterford, Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Clarkston. Clarkston being the city that is in need of the most volunteers! Mary gave us all the information on the two-mile walk that was to happen on April 26, and we took it from there!

Our three children, Caitlin (15), Tyler (13), and Tanner (11), decided themselves to make calls to friends, neighbors and family to ask for donations. I helped them out by writing a “cheat sheet” of sorts to assist them with their calls. They pretty much re-wrote the whole thing and came up with their very own sincere words asking for donations! They were awesome! They got so excited over EVERY amount that was given…from $4 to $200. You would have thought they just won the lottery! Who can say no to kids, right?!

After all the calls were made and they made their rounds collecting and counting all that was donated, they were so happy to turn in over $700 at the walk that day. I’m not sure who was more proud! They came together, as brothers and sisters don’t do too often at this age and made a difference for so many people. Tanner said, “Do you know how many old people we can feed with this money, Mom?”

Thankfully, the rain held out and we had a great time walking thru downtown Rochester! We got back to where we started and were greeted by a DJ, tons of breakfast foods, candy, drinks…you name it! We thought the morning was over, but a lady got on the microphone and started thanking everyone for coming and began handing out prizes for people who raised the most money. You can only imagine our surprise when they called Caitlin, Tyler and Tanner up to the front. They were 1st place winners in the kids division for having raised the most money! They got their picture taken in the newspaper, received fun games, water bottles and a huge chocolate bar!

We couldn’t believe it! They were so excited! This was something none of us were expecting. In the car on the way home, we talked about how when you do good things for others…good things happen to you in return. They already felt great about raising so much for a charity they cared about, so this was “icing on the cake”. We decided then to sign up to deliver meals again on a regular basis and we’ll continue fundraising for this great cause!

Thank you for the opportunity to re-connect our family in serving others! We had an unforgettable experience and look forward to doing more!

Oh, by the way, the kids say they want to donate the games they received as prizes to Clarkston Community Church. They said they’re blessed with enough and want the kids here to be able to enjoy them! Sorry, they kept the chocolate bar for themselves!! ?


THE HAM FAMILY

Our goal was not only to provide for the needy, but make sure our children learned from this experience. After many initial failures (most places just wanted us to send a check, which we refused to do) we agreed on providing Nintendo DS and games to C.S. Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor. Knowing how much our girls love theirs, we knew they would understand how much the sick kids would enjoy them. We used, are using, and will be using many methods to multiply our money. USED: donated extra cash from a Christmas present. ARE USING: donating money for every soccer goal one daughter makes and overcoming fears by learning new gymnastic skills for the other daughter. WILL BE USING: We will match any money the girls make on their own, such as collecting cans, bake sales, etc. Hopefully we have taught and will teach our girls that:
1. Everyone has talents they can use to help others.
2. Giving is not a one-time thing. You don’t need to give a lot, but you need to keep giving.
3. Giving is relatively easy when you make it a conscious effort to be part of your life.


MIKE AND CAROLYN BURKLOW

The $100 was use to assist Doug and Susan Lee (neighbors). Doug has MS and recently had an accident that resulted in a stay in ICU at the hospital and he is now in a nursing home for rehab. We hatched the $100 and gave the $200 to the Lee’s to be used in any way needed to assist their family in this time of need. We noted in a card that the gift was part of an outreach of Clarkston Community Church.


BRIAN BOGGS

I over multiplied my money by donations from family and friends. I bought a Meijer gift card for groceries, clothes, gas or whatever the need.

I gave this gift to the Holcomb family of Clarkston. Laurie, the mother of seven, is pregnant and her husband is currently out of work on disability. He has had shoulder surgery and may be on permanent disability. I chose to give this give to help in their daily struggles of financial burdens.


MICHAEL AND SUSAN COVENTRY

We feel so blessed to never have to worry where our next meal is coming from. So we donated the money to the Clarkston Lighthouse food bank. We gave the $100 that the church gave to us and we also donated $150 of our own. Michelle at the Clarkston Lighthouse was very appreciative of the donation and told me it would be very useful to replenish some of the low food supplies. I would like to thank Clarkston Community Church for giving me this opportunity to share in the community.


AMANDA NICHOLS

The third grade Sunday school class used the $100 and two matching $100 donations to help a family in the community. We purchased Easter baskets for both the child and the parents and then purchased gift certificates for Meijer, Applebee’s and the movie theater.

The third graders wrapped up all these items to deliver to the family and also made a large card expressing our love for the family and our hope that our donation to them would help them.


PAT AND LINDSAY GREEN

Pat and Lindsay combined their $100 for a total of $200 to help the Stefanee Harris family of Clarkston. Ms. Harris was identified by the local elementary school principals as a family that could really use some help.

She has two children, Logan, a six-year-old girl and Tristan, a 2½-year-old boy with brain and spine cancer. Since Tristan’s diagnosis, Ms. Harris has had to quit her job and move in with her mother. They all spend countless hours down at Children’s Hospital.

While the schools and community have rallied around the Harris family with several fundraisers, they remained in need of someone to spend the time to spruce things up on their mobile home so they can pass the spring inspections at the end of May.

We have gathered several friends and neighbors to help us power wash, replace boards, and paint their deck and shed. We also plan to repair the screen door or buy one if necessary. Our weekend of giving is going to take place on May 3 & 4 and possible the following weekend. Should we have any funds left over, we will donate them to the family.


WENDY KRAUS

I did not take any money; however the week following the challenge, I was sitting in Belle Tire for some work. A young lady was also there (19-20 or so in years). She came for an alignment. They told her that her tires were thread bare. She was going to leave and couldn’t afford it. A moment later, not thinking anything of it, I heard a voice saying “buy them!” Of course I considered I was hearing things, but thought “maybe not” and then “why not?” She was young, working, and going to school. I very much enjoyed her joy and felt blessed by God for her and me. We spoke for a while and she is a believer, but the opportunity to share God and his provision and love will definitely leave an impression on both of us.


KIM CROSS

I joined up with James Patton and went shopping for a shelter in Pontiac. Dave Coleman owns Center Stage and opens it up on Saturday and Sunday during the fall and winter to the homeless. He has fed as many as 75-100 each day. Church and civic groups will sign up for Saturday meals. However, many Sunday meals are left to his expense. James and I went shopping and bought his needs for a few Sunday meals plus paper products for over 1000 meals. Thank you CCC for give us a chance to help another brother in Christ who in turn is doing God’s work.


STACY LEICHT

I was amazed how God multiplied the $100. Within a few short days the money was multiplied to $500.

I work in an area school that has many needy families. One family in particular crossed my mid to help with the $100.

Because of God’s generosity, the money was multiplied and we will be buying Easter dinners for a few families. The one family with the most need has three children who often do not have their basic needs met. We will be using the money to give them daily snacks as well as other items. Thank you for this opportunity!


YINA CALZADA

The Lord put on my heart to add another $100 so in total it’s $200 of which I gave $20 to Pablo Jr. (my 13-year-old son) and $20 to Max (my 9 year old) for a Kingdom Assignment. Both of them gave the $40 to the Child of Promise at All-Stars. I have a friend, Delia Ponce, in Clarkston. She is from Guatemala. Her oldest daughter as she calls her (actually her step-daughter; daughter of her first husband) got pregnant and was kicked out of her house, and her family doesn’t want to know anything from her. She got together with her boyfriend and created a computer shop with computer classes. That business was robbed; the thieves stole all their computers. I gave it to Delia to send to this lady. The $60 that remains are to pay the marriage retreat for Jennifer and Paul Stephens.

This testimony is not about the money being multiplied; it is just about what it did to me and my heart. As you handed the $100 bill to me, suddenly I felt a big responsibility. That wasn't my money, it was the church’s money; and you were trusting me to bless someone. I was blessed to be trusted in such a way. “It was God's money and I get to pick someone to bless,” I thought. At the same time I was nervous, you see I am not very good at multiplying money, I usually just give it away. I need to grow in being a good steward. I kept wondering, to whom to give it. Who had the biggest need? How would I multiply it? As I prayed, it came to me, God hands me my wages...suddenly I saw my wages in a different light - all of it comes from God, it became real somehow. God is trusting me with the money I receive in my job, etc. to use it in a godly way, and be a good steward, and He is letting me be part of His Kingdom work and I can use it to bless someone. It’s not that I hadn't shared my money before, I just felt God's trusting heart in a very real way. Now when I receive my wages my heart is thankful for His trust.


MICHELE MONTAGANO

As soon as I left the sanctuary after receiving the $100, someone shook my hand in a greeting fashion with $20 inside. So in two minutes I was up $20.

Then a phone call came in on my cell from Steve Benninger. He said a couple he knows (Doug and Jane) need help. Doug has been out of work for a long time, working odd jobs. Jane is pregnant, the house they were renting burnt down. They’re living in a field in a heatless trailer all winter. He has an opportunity to get a job in Kansas, yet he doesn’t have a car. Here’s where Steve and Michele plus that extra $20 com in. we bought him a car for $1,200.


CONNIE LACEY

I received an email from Promise Village Home for children saying that they had 2 donors willing to match donations received within a two-week time period up to $10,000.

When I received the Kingdom Assignment, there was a little more that one week left, so after prayerful discernment, decided to send an email to customers who have purchased Tastefully Simple products from me in the past. In one week, through online orders, I had $125 profits to add to the original $100.

Scott and I decided to match the total amount and made the total $500. Of course, the matching donors turned that into $1,000.


KIM CHORAZYCZEWSKI

I am currently taking a Yoga Teacher Training Program to receive my Registered Yoga Teaching Certificate. Myself and a fellow student teamed up to buy 15 yoga mats for the Grace Centers of Hope. Nancy received money from her church, Cross of Christ Lutheran in Birmingham. We are currently teaching once a week at Grace Centers of Hope for 10 weeks to the ladies there. Two additional fellow students want to continue for another 10 weeks when we finish. After that, with the cooperation of Grace Center we would like to continue indefinitely rotating amongst the four of us offering a class once a week.


SANDY HOLBOTH

When I took the $100 from the pastor, I had no idea what I would do with it. I was trusting that the Lord would show me. I listened to stories from others who had accepted the money and yet nothing seemed to come. Our daughter and family, hearing what CCC was doing decided to match it. Kirk and I decided to match that amount. So now I had $400. Because this daughter and also Kirk and I have a real heart for youth work, the Lord seemed to be directing me to that. I spoke with Kevin and learned that some youth at CCC have difficulty paying for retreats, etc. I gave $200 to Kevin to be used for that purpose. Just last week we learned of a tragedy where a family has a daughter in critical condition in ICU at Henry Ford Hospital. These parents were sleeping in the waiting room (since 4/1) $60/night. A group of us gathered to pray for this daughter and took a collection to pay for an apartment. I gave the remaining $200 to them. As of 4/10 they remain at HFH.


GREG AND KRISTIN SCHMIDT

This past Christmas, we experienced the death of 2 grandmothers within 4 days (and enjoyed the peace of knowing both now share eternal life with our Savior!) We were particularly comforted by even small acts of kindness toward our family during that week. We have decided to fulfill our Kingdom Assignment by comforting those who experience a similar loss. We have doubled the $100 from Pastor Greg and we will be providing “care baskets” filled with muffins, fruit, and other goodies for families to enjoy during visitation at Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home. The funeral home is excited about our ministry and will help us identify 10 to 15 families who have few relatives or perhaps no church “family” will be comforted in some small way and perhaps be motivated to find out more about CCC.


TIM VANDEKERCKHOVE

I sold $5 raffle tickets and raised $600. The $100 from the church went for the raffle prize. The $600 raised was an anonymous contribution to a family in need in our community.


TODD STEELE

I purchased 250 stamped metal coins to be distributed to the CCC church community during an upcoming service. On one side, the coins have stamped "Pass It Forward" and "2 Corinthians 9:16-15" and on the other side of the coin is stamped "A Random Act of Kindness has been done to you. Do a good deed to another, pass along this coin too." The intention is to have 250 members of CCC take one of the coins and do an act of kindness for a random person in the Clarkston / Oakland County community. A Random Act of Kindness may include helping a stranded motorist, making a hot dinner for someone in need, helping an elderly or challenged person with grocery bags, giving a homeless person a certificate to a restaurant, mowing a neighbor's lawn, paying for someone's meal at a restaurant, giving a stranger a bouquet of flowers, etc. Once the act is performed, the coin is given to that person (to the receiver of the act of kindness) with the intention of that person then performing a Random Act of Kindness to someone else and passing along the coin. Hopefully the coin and kindness are passed on several times to help create goodwill in the community. On July 4, Pastor Greg advised that the coins will be distributed sometime this Fall in conjunction with another round of efforts to help CCC connect with the Clarkston community.


KIM COTCHER (& DR. & CAROLYN BIELAK)

This is a testimony about how God will use ordinary people to create extraordinary results. It’s about breaking down walls and building up relationships. About stepping out of the box, and stepping into community.

This is a story about a woman who was falling through the cracks of our society. Her name is Naomi. We met last August at a local shelter. She was there for drug addiction and shelter from a physically abusive relationship. God placed her on my heart that day. As we began to spend time together and trust was being established, she shared with me her struggle larger than the abuse or addiction. Naomi was HIV positive; she had been so for 20 years without treatment. As the weather was changing and winter arriving, her health was declining. She was spending more time in the hospital than out. Her diagnose had been elevated to advance levels of AID’s.

In accepting this assignment, I prayed that God would use it, being his will, to bring some comfort to her. That afternoon, after church, I went to visit Naomi in the hospital. We had a very serious conversation regarding her housing situation. She and the shelter had come to the conclusion they were unequipped to meet her increasing physical needs. She had already applied for permanent disability and insurance through Medicare, but was still in “pending approval” status. She was stuck.
Naomi went to stay with her mom and stepdad in Detroit. She called me a few days later telling me she was sleeping on the sofa; there was no bed available for her. I felt sure this is how God wanted to use the money. But he had bigger plans and provided one for her. She shared with me about the physical condition of the home. It was not the healthiest environment for someone with such a compromised immune system to be living in. Within a few days, she was back in the hospital. I contacted her mother and asked if we could meet at her home to discuss how we could help improve the quality of Naomi’s life. She agreed. After meeting, she gave her blessing on coming into her home with the purpose of improving the conditions.

Through so many, there has been over $1,700.00 in financial contributions. As well as many items donated, there has been over 80 hours of physical labor volunteered by men in our congregation. They were able to rip up the flooring in the kitchen, hallway and Naomi’s bedroom and replace it with new laminated wood flooring. In the bathroom, there is a new pedestal sink, medicine cabinet, toilet seat and a resurfaced bathtub with a support bar along with major plaster work. An exhaust fan has been installed to help prevent condensation and possible mold build up. There is new lighting the house, old blinds were brought down and new ones installed along with new window treatments. Fresh paint has been applied. At Naomi’s request, purple in her room. A dresser drawer for her to keep her clothing, instead of the black plastic bags on her floor. She has clean new linens, comforter and pillows. We have been able to supply her with a pill box to help her sort and take her medications; some ensure to help with her dietary needs; a walker and cane to assist her in being more mobile; an air purifier to help keep possible allergies to a minimum and a new vacuum.

To date, Naomi has been approved physically for Disability and insurance. Only a few hurdles left to be completely approved. Meanwhile, she can concentrate on rebuilding her strength in a environment that is healthy for her. The Visiting Nursing Assoc. have visited with her and will soon be providing assistance for her in food preparation,(though they still need a working gas stove), house cleaning, medication distribution and personal hygiene if she feels needed. They are also providing transportation to and from medical appointments. Our God is indeed a powerful and loving God!

This reminds me of the TV series “Mission Impossible.” In the beginning, the agent is listening to the tape of a new assignment. At the end of the tape, the voice on the recorder states “Should you choose to accept this mission…” God gives us a choice to accept the assignment of expanding his Kingdom. We can either look at situations as just that, or we can look at them as opportunities to show God’s love that is in us. I am so glad that I chose to accept this mission. I have had a front row view in watching God touch so many lives, including mine. I am truly blessed.


BRENTON & JENNA PLACE

When Greg offered up the $100 bills for Kingdom Assignments, I was hesitant at first. "Someone else will be able to help someone that isn't already being helped. After all, our friend Zandi is already getting help financially from us." Silliness. She was in a bind and needed all the help she could get. So I took the money.

I wanted the opportunity to multiply this money, so I began by emailing all the churches that I have been a part of and friends and faculty from college to see if anyone else would be able to contribute. Within no time, my old church in Pendleton, Indiana decided to match the $100.

Next I knew, my mom sent me a check for Zandi with a note that indicated that she would send $100 every month for one year—as she has like clockwork.

Combine the money that Brenton and I set aside for her every month with the money from my mom and from the church and Zandi has just enough to live off of and save for immigration fees.

You might be wondering why Zandi is in such need of money. Here is her story, in her own words…

Stories like mine are hard to come by, and they are just as difficult to write because on paper it's more than a story, it's my life. Born in Zimbabwe, and raised as a diplomat's child, I was fortunate enough to travel and see places and people that my peers only dreamed of. My mom always made a point to remind my brother and me that everything we had was God sent. My parents live in exile in Swaziland at the moment, and I live in Chicago with my older brother.
Growing up, I was always told that America was a land of golden opportunity, a melting pot, and a place to make dreams come true. In September 2003, I came to see what all the fuss was about and I enrolled at Anderson University. I arrived with nothing but 2 suitcases full of clothes and high expectations. I must admit that the surplus of corn fields between Indianapolis and Anderson made me have second thoughts about my decision to leave everyone and everything I'd ever known and loved. Being in Anderson felt right though, and despite my mixed feelings, I happily dove into the culture and people. I graduated in August, 2007, with a degree in French and Creative Writing and a minor in History and another experience under my belt that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

So what's the problem you ask? Bear with me while I explain the logistics of my situation. I arrived in the U.S. on a student visa known as an F-1 visa. Along with an F-1 visa, I was also issued an I-20 which essentially is a study permit that comes specifically from the school you are enrolled in. The I-20 is valid for the duration of your studies; in my case, 4 years. The stipulations of my visa and I-20 allow me to apply for a temporary work permit (valid for 1 year) known as OPT (Optional Practical Training) after I graduate. It's a simple process but my case was made difficult by the fact that my Zimbabwe passport had expired, and my father's relationship with the Zimbabwe government (That's a whole other story in itself) renewing it was almost impossible. After 3 months of waiting and being unemployed, immigration informed that my request for OPT had been denied. I received no further instruction from them. My next plan of action was to move to Canada, since their immigration laws are more relaxed, but I recently found out that I would not be able to get any kind of visa to leave the country because my immigration status here has expired. I am still unable to work legally. So essentially I am not here legally anymore, but I can't leave. I have been surviving by the grace of God and the friends that He has placed in my life.

I am unable to return to my home country because when my father worked for the Zimbabwe government he spoke against the corruption and propaganda he experienced and was persecuted. My family received numerous death threats, and my father had to leave the country. A few years later, my family was black listed and there are orders to arrest us should we attempt to return.

The upside of all this is the fact that I've already had more experiences than many people are able to have. In a weird, twisted way I'm thankful for that. I don't want to minimize what it feels like to experience all of this but the great thing about being a writer is that I can draw from uncomfortably real experiences and portray my feelings in practical ways to people. Thank you for your time and any help that you can offer. It's easy to feel alone in all of this, so the thought of complete strangers thinking and praying for me is such a comfort.
The money that we gave Zandi enabled her to develop a relationship with an immigrations attorney that was able to sort out some of her situation (and only charge for court appearances). Many of the options Zandi thought were pursuable were, in fact, not. Asylum, for example, was something that she did not qualify for. In general, the courts require that the home country must be in Civil War for exceptions to be made (which may soon be possible--if she has $36,000 to apply for refugee status). In the process Zandi discovered that the computer system lists her as "in status" with a work visa. Seems like an easy fix, right? Tell the immigrations department of the discrepancy and they'll send out her green card. WRONG. She has to wait until a certain date to have her file reopened. If her green card wasn't returned in the mail, she'll have to reapply for a visa, paying all of the fees once again. So that is where Zandi stands: waiting.

What makes this all the more difficult is that the political tensions have raised to an all time high. Aside from the fact that Zandi is blacklisted in Zimbabwe (she would be in great danger), no one is being let in or out of her country and no new visas are being issued. So without a visa from America, she will really be in a bind.

Zandi went to court just a week or so ago and had to pay $1,200 in court fees and filing costs. That was all the money she had left. And still---no resolution. She is left to continue waiting on immigrations to decide her fate.

This may not be entirely clear as Zandi's situation truly is one of a kind. Know that the money has gone to great use and we continue to pray that God brings resolution as Zandi has grown emotionally tired through this infuriating process.


JULIE LAMPHIER

Julie wanted to do just the right thing with her $100. She prayed about it and ended up giving it to a destitute man her friend told her about. Julie’s friend works at an urgent-care facility and had an address for the man. Julie sent it to him anonymously.


CINDY MARLOWE

I had been praying that week about how to help a homeschool mom whose husband left her and their sons. She was not working, their furnace went out (it was still winter), had no grocery money, etc. I decided to accept that $100 bill and get to work on it. A family member of ours who is not usually at church inquired as to what I would do with it. That person was so moved by it that he went to work and spread the word. I, too, relayed the story to several friends and family members in a mass e-mail. The subsequent weeks I delivered 2 vans full of supplies and food to her, along with cash over and above the $100, a space heater, etc. You get the picture! She was so blessed she stood next to my van as I was leaving, crying and thanking me and all who helped. It was so cold that day, yet it was as though she did not want me to leave. We continue to talk and she is still in her home with her boys for now. She is positive and was so encouraged by the gifts and how God moved in her life.


JULIE JAFFKE

I would like to fist say what a privilege it was to participate in this assignment. I was not sure how this would turn out, but it was beyond my wildest expectations. I felt as if God’s hand were right there guiding us through to where we needed to be.

In choosing where this money should go, we had a challenge. Our family is no stranger to loss and we thought very hard about which charity we should choose. The SIDS Foundation was an obvious choice for us, but in looking at the assignment a little closer, we decided that home is where the help was needed.

There are many worthwhile charities that certainly could have used the help. However, sometimes it is the “unobvious,” the obscure, and the unknown that needs/deserves the most help. It was also important for us that the children know what it is to help the community.
In that respect, we turned to the principal of Katie’s school. We asked her to give us a family that she felt needed help. To my surprise, there were several families within our school that were in dire straights. I guess you just never know how close to home the needs can be. We chose a family, with the understanding that to everyone involved - it would be anonymous. We felt it would be better if we only knew the needs and not who the family was. Likewise, that they not know anything more about us than it was with God’s love that this gift was given.

I sent my requests out to everyone with the determination that this little $100.00 had to grow. It just could not be our family - that it could be much bigger. After all, if Oprah can do it - then with God’s help, we could really show what his love can do when we let it work its magic within us. I called it “The Big Guy Give.”

Within a few weeks, our $100.00 had grown to $1500.00. I was amazed at how many people came out to help. I had work friends putting on jeans day to raise money, neighbors who had experienced the same familiar situations giving up their own tight cash flow to help this family. The love & generosity just flowed.

On delivery day, I brought the envelope to the principal. I felt like a child turned loose in a candy store. I was so excited. Within a half an hour, I received a call from Lynn in tears. She was so touched by this experience. She just kept saying over and over how grateful she was and the family was at the generosity shown by all of us. I had goosebumps for the entire day.

We may not always know what, who or why, but it is the little things in life that give us the most pleasure. This assignment gave us the chance to see God’s love working through all of us, and we will forever be grateful for that. I will be most thankful for the chance to show my children what good comes from helping others. My children will know and understand God’s place in their lives, and how they can spread his love to others- even when we experience our own tragedies.


SARAH HARLAND

I’m still in the process of multiplying the money. I’m sorry it has taken so long. My aunt passed away June first this year. That’s when I decided that I was going to do something for her. She was amazing and gave so much to anyone who came in contact with her. She was truly an angel. She was only 43 and sick for so many years and still never a day felt sorry for herself. One day she told me that once she knew that God didn’t curse her with her sickness instead it was a blessing, She wasn’t sick because she was suppose to suffer it was because she was suppose to help people through her faith in God – that’s exactly what she did. Strangers at the hospital and even in parking lots became friends. She touched everyone around her. Being thankful for everyday, she was a ray of light that even shined through the dark days. To look at her, you saw strength and hope, also amazing faith. She was beautiful in every way. Her faith got her through the darkest of days with a smile on her face, and she fought the good fight every day. God helped her in every way and is now helping me cope with the fact that she is no longer here. I focus on the fact that she is with Him, happy and pain free – no more needles! Now He is giving me the opportunity (as well as CCC) to help her family with the cost of the funeral (that her parents paid for). It didn’t leave much left for a headstone. Months later, they are still saving for it. I’m going to give the $100 to them toward this plus $100 I will give and whatever other donations are given. Hopefully this can give them some relief and maybe a little closure. Thank you Clarkston Community Church.


BRENDA MARLOWE

I gave half to a single mom with three children and I gave the other half to a family in our church that is unemployed.


ARANOWSKI FAMILY

We were able to turn the $100 plus some added money into enough food to feed a lot of hungry people at the Lighthouse:
• 11.5 pounds of oatmeal
• 10 pounds of saltine crackers
• 16.5 pounds of spaghetti sauce
• 10 pounds of spaghetti
• 20 pounds of long-grain rice
• 7 pounds of macaroni and cheese
• 15 pounds of peanut butter
• 120 cans of vegetables


TABEA FRUECHTENICHT (McCoy Family Exchange Student)

I asked my counselor in school if he new a needy family in our area. He told me about a family who has 4 kids; both parents cannot speak much English. They work as cooks, but don’t make much money. I talked with the Spanish teacher as help to Mrs. Guherrez. They just got a bill they couldn’t pay and her 10-year-old son needed pants. I gave her $130 ($100 from KA, $30 from me) for the bill and raised more money from asking friends to buy the boy some jeans. The family was really thankful.


STEVE CHIVERS

Someone from church added $25 to the $100. The money was given to a customer/friend of mine going through extremely hard times, both physically and emotionally.

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