10 May 2009
Provision-1.2 Million Dollars
05/15/09 04:47 PM Filed in: Provision Series
Purchasing an initial 7 ½ acres, two building projects and financing 85% of the cost of Mercy Maternity Home and the nearly 2 acres that went with it began to add up. Although considerable monies had already been raised and paid toward these projects, the net result as of the fall of 2000 was a balance due of nearly $870,000.00. The interest alone each year was a sobering total and it seemed only prudent to reduce our indebtedness as soon as possible.
The stewardship campaign of 2000 was the first in our history and a considerable amount of money was pledged to be paid in the following three years. Each year we chipped away at the principal balance on our church facilities. It was exciting to see the genuine sacrifice and generosity from so many common folks who simply wanted to do something special for our church. As the concluding months approached in our third year, it was obvious our goal to pay off the church mortgage and Mercy Maternity Home mortgage was not going to happen. Although a little disappointed, reducing the church mortgage debt was still a major accomplishment and everyone knew it. The final Sunday of the campaign came and the nearly $20,000.00 given on that one day completely paid off the church debt. Praise the Lord!
Believe me when I tell you I was truly grateful, and so was our church family. Imagine, however, the feeling I got when someone emailed me the following week with one simple question, “How much is the total indebtedness at Mercy Maternity Home?” I quickly responded, “The total debt is $98,000.00.” The email response came in two days. It read, “You will receive two checks in the mail, one for $80,000.00 and the other for $18,000.00. Enjoy!” I held my breath for about a week but sure enough both checks arrived and our entire indebtedness was eliminated. All in all, when all of our properties are considered (13 acres, church facilities and 2 houses), over 1.2 million dollars in debt was paid off in about four years (1999 – 2003). Once again, it was an amazing testimony of the power of vision, unity, sacrifice and generosity.
The stewardship campaign of 2000 was the first in our history and a considerable amount of money was pledged to be paid in the following three years. Each year we chipped away at the principal balance on our church facilities. It was exciting to see the genuine sacrifice and generosity from so many common folks who simply wanted to do something special for our church. As the concluding months approached in our third year, it was obvious our goal to pay off the church mortgage and Mercy Maternity Home mortgage was not going to happen. Although a little disappointed, reducing the church mortgage debt was still a major accomplishment and everyone knew it. The final Sunday of the campaign came and the nearly $20,000.00 given on that one day completely paid off the church debt. Praise the Lord!
Believe me when I tell you I was truly grateful, and so was our church family. Imagine, however, the feeling I got when someone emailed me the following week with one simple question, “How much is the total indebtedness at Mercy Maternity Home?” I quickly responded, “The total debt is $98,000.00.” The email response came in two days. It read, “You will receive two checks in the mail, one for $80,000.00 and the other for $18,000.00. Enjoy!” I held my breath for about a week but sure enough both checks arrived and our entire indebtedness was eliminated. All in all, when all of our properties are considered (13 acres, church facilities and 2 houses), over 1.2 million dollars in debt was paid off in about four years (1999 – 2003). Once again, it was an amazing testimony of the power of vision, unity, sacrifice and generosity.