You've Been Gifted
Today in both services we introduced the congregation to “You’ve Been Gifted” cards. These cards will be available from November 27-December 25 at the Outreach Table, with the purpose of encouraging random acts of kindness and openness to share the Gospel during the holiday season. This is NOT a marketing trick, but is intended to be a Gospel tool. We are praying that as the Spirit of God directs, you can reach out in the following ways: you could randomly pay for someone else’s coffee, sandwich, gas, you could shovel someone’s sidewalk, you could take some baked goods to a neighbor, etc., and then give that person a “Gifted” card. The card will direct the individual to the EWO website where they can go and hear a Gospel presentation if they want.
Here are some benefits of using cards like these:
- The Christmas season is a great opportunity to reach out others.
- It could potentially open the door for you to share the gospel or at least give them a Christmas tract.
- It could encourage those of us who normally might lack boldness to have a means by which to reach out and initiate contact and conversation.
- It would hopefully promote the name of Christ in a good light to the community.
- There may be people who would visit EWO as a result of being “gifted.”
- Ultimately, we are praying that God will be glorified, Jesus Christ will be lifted up, and seeds will be sown, others water and, oh, the joy of a Christmas harvest!
We would love to hear your story, testimony or experience as to how you used the “You’ve Been Gifted” card. We would love to encourage others this Christmas season with what God is doing in you and through you as you reach out with His kindness and love. You can share your story with me by responding to my blog. Thanks! And blessings to you as you bless others in Jesus’ name!
Share Your Story: Simply comment below! Please note that you will be asked to create a site log-in and password the first time you comment or RSVP on the EWO site. Keep it handy for future use!
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Larry Van Gundy Dec 1, 2011 5:41pm
Like some of you, I’ve been thinking and praying this week, asking God how to use the “You’ve Been Gifted” cards. My prayers have been along the following lines: “Make me sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting. Give me a compassionate and tender heart for the lost. Provide me with opportunities, and give me boldness to act. Show me what You would have me do.” Well, as usual, God has a sense of humor and a way of bringing circumstances into my life to see whether or not I’m going to be obedient. I received a phone call on Wednesday afternoon. It was from a lady I’d never met, but who had a need. Without going into a lot the details, her husband needed a ride to Peoria. I had a full day and would not be available until 9:00 p.m. that night to take him to Peoria. What would I do? I didn’t know this man or what I was actually getting into, but I believed God was leading and directing. So I agreed to pick him up at 9:00 and take him to Peoria.
When I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the wife, husband, and son. There were tears and hugs, and I prayed with them in the parking lot behind their apartment where we met, and gave her a “You’ve Been Gifted” card and devotional booklet. I enjoyed 45 minutes of conversation, much of that around spiritual things, as I transported the man to Peoria.
I hope this will encourage you and show you that God does answer prayer and that there are untold ways you can use the “You’ve Been Gifted” cards.
A servant still in process,
Pastor Larry
Georgia Steffen Dec 11, 2011 6:51pm
As the Season of Christmas is upon us, I have found myself (like everyone else) rushing about just to get caught up. Last week, I was in Bloomington for some appointments and Christmas shopping. I thought about the "You've Been Gifted" cards I had picked up on Sunday, but felt sure I would not have "time" to use them. My first encounter of the day was at 7 AM BroMenn for an appointment. I was early and the waiting room was empty and dark. I knew someone would arrive to "open up" soon, so I took the few minutes to just enjoy the quiet. In rushed a lady, complaining that,"She had an appointment at 7 and they weren't even staffed. She had to get to work and she would be late, and her boss would be upset." I mentioned that the roads were not the greatest and it had taken me an hour to make the regularly 40 minute trip. She fumed on more, and I mentioned that as a business owner, I had experienced the same several times, and perhaps she could offer to work a little later tonight. That didn't seem to help calm her down. Soon enough the receptionist arrived, the frustrated lady, said, "She was here first." to which I replied, no go ahead, I'm early anyway. Long story short, she was in the wrong department. All her anger then turned to humiliation. That 's when I thought about the cards, unfortunately, she was down the hall. later in the morning I purchased a box of Candy Canes, and proceeded to give cards and candy to several cashiers. They were all received well and with a smile or comment about the great idea. One sweet lady looked up at me, with a tear in her eye and said, "Nobody ever gave me a gift at work. Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you." I'm just sorry I didn't give the rushed lady at BroMenn one with a promise to pray for her day.
Larry Van Gundy Dec 13, 2011 10:51am
Here is a story I received from someone who wishes to remain anonymous: "I had been praying about how I could use the "You've Been Gifted" card and find someone it would truly be a blessing to. Someone who could really use the help this Christmas Season. That happened on December 10. Last week I was in Dollar General and when I checked out I received a $5 coupon off $25 for Saturday, December 10. I told my husband I was going to Dollar General to use that coupon. As I was shopping I noticed a young mother shopping, she had a little boy, about 2 years old in a stroller. She was looking at baby things, and had picked out a couple of onesies. I approached her, handed her a "You've Been Gifted" card and asked her if I could pay for her purchases. She immediately started cryinf and said God is good. She shared that she was expecting a baby. I told her to pick out anything she needed and that I would pay for her purchases when she was finished shopping. I met here in another aisle and she hadn't picked up very much and I again told her to get anything she needed. She told me she didn't want to be greedy. I paid for her purchases and she was crying again and so was I. She asked if there was anything she could do for me. I gave her my first name and phone number and told her to call me if she needed anything. Unbeknownst to me when I paid for my purchases the clerk told me she had asked if she could put two outfits for her little boy on hold until she had money to pay for them. I truly feel I was led there by God at that particular time of the day. What a blessing, what a lesson in giving. It is truly better to give then to receive."