Testimony Sharing from Lay Ministry by Carol Marshall
Here I Am Lord
I am Carol Marshall, Lay Leader at First Church. My calling is to foster awareness of the role of laity as members of First Church. We made a vow to “faithfully participate in the Church’s ministries with our presence, prayers, gifts and service.” I would like to talk about our gifts. The Bible says …A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, Godly people give generously. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-10.
For me, this spirit of giving started with my parents and my husband’s parents as well. We handed down the spirit of giving to our children and now our grandchildren. It is called The Treasure Principle, or 10-10-80. It has become the way of life for my grandchildren to calculate 10% to give to God. Instead of 10% to save we encourage them to save 50% and spend the rest. When you think of covering expenses or spending 80% of your income, 10% to give and 10% to save does not seem impossible. Google Crown.Org for more information on the Treasure Principle. Even when it is hard to pay all the bills on that 80% trust God to provide! You will see miracles happen!! Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. 2 Corinthians 9:11
