This is a picture of faithfulness.
In the early years of our ministry, as you can imagine, raising support was quite challenging. It took many years for us to get to a point where we were able to sustain without tons of fundraising efforts. A turning point was when we started an auto-giving program, helping donors go from having to remember to send in a check to having it automatically sent to us.
The first year we introduced it at Sharathon, very few people responded. About a month later, a woman walked into the station and said she hadn’t called in but had been meaning to come by to sign up to start supporting our ministry. I was so blessed by her visit, affirmation from the Lord that He’d provide all our needs.
Her monthly donation came in faithfully, though I didn’t see her again for many years. One day I saw her in Publix. I walked right up and said, “Hello, Ms. Ellie!” She looked perplexed and asked how I knew her. Reminding her who I was, I told her how blessed we were because of her support. She still looked shocked that I not only remembered her, but her name!
It was a low time for me that day she walked in the door, and God used her to remind me of His promises. It meant much more than her donation, which has continued to faithfully bless our station each month all these years later.
When I read of her passing, I was sad for her family but was reminded of how much she inspired me. I want to be that encourager to others around me!
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
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