Jan. 18, 2010 issue
Church’s gifts put generosity in action, with 100 people and $100 at a time
With $10,000, Virginia church finds others to bless
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewOne person paid for customers at a laundromat using quarters.
Another fixed musical instruments for a man who plays in nursing homes.
A couple helped a local family through a social-service agency.
The possibilities were almost endless when nearly 100 people received $100 each from Springdale Mennonite Church in Waynesboro, Va., to use with three conditions:
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Pray about how to use the money to further God’s work.
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Give non-cash gifts to people outside the congregation.
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Report the results.
The church called it the 9:11 project — referring to 2 Cor. 9:8-11, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work… . You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.”
A congregational committee gave out nearly $10,000 from a bequest the church had received.
At first, Pastor Mark Schloneger thought the project “might seem a little frivolous.” Then participants got engaged and found their perspectives changed.
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