What's your story?

“This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” John 21:24 NIV

Here is how my day started. I get to a town and was ready to start the day. I stopped when I got there to use the restroom and stretch my legs a little. When I was walking back to my car, I saw a car with the hood up. I heard the starter “click”. Dead battery. The husband tried to wiggle a battery cable and told her to try again. “Click”. This man was concentrating on the task and he did not notice me. When it did not start, he stood up straight and put his arms out wide with palms raised. He looked straight up to the sky and let out what could be described as a primal yell. By the time he opened his eyes I was standing right in front of him. I asked, “Do you need a jump start?” He looked dumbfounded, by maybe the fastest answered prayer I have been involved with. We got the car started and he could not have looked more thankful - or surprised.

I laughed about it off and on for an hour. I settled on the thought that God gave us both a good story to tell. About 15 minutes after thinking that thought I got a call from a dear friend who has read these posts. She told me she wanted me to read a faith story she was writing. I told her maybe other people should read it too. So, the following is from my very first guest writer. She is nervous, but willing.

What's your story?

I have heard many testimonials of people finding God, finding the church, finding a path. They are wonderful stories, but for me, the story looks a little different. I cannot pinpoint a “moment” to talk about. I have had friends write books about their life and the faith walk they have experienced. In those books they discuss how faith pulled them through. For me, I can’t find a moment like that. I have always been a part of the church and had a blessed life. I have had my Christian faith. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have three beautiful children. I work for a family business and live in a community that I care about. You get the idea…life is busy, but life is good.

For the purpose of the story lets go back to December of 2019. The world did not yet know how the pandemic was going to change our lives. I was asked to serve as the church Treasurer. I felt I was not qualified for the job and I explained to the pastor that I was probably not the best choice. But after he described the position, I felt I could learn. The job was to oversee the financial secretary’s position and to monitor the financials. So basically, not much to do other than take a look at the church financials. Our financial secretary had the job under control, so it took very little effort on my part.

Then in June 2020 the pandemic changed everything. He became ill and was unable to work at the church. At this point, the realization is hitting me that I have to fulfill his duties. Without training, I step into his role of completing the daily tasks of the financial operation of the church. I mentioned earlier that I have a busy life. What I failed to mention about our family business is that we have three business that operate out of one building. One of those is an insurance agency. I am the Office Manager, but this year I was lucky enough to add Insurance Agent to my job description.

So, in my head I am thinking (not so politely) that the timing is far from ideal. I had to learn how to use a typewriter to pay bills, learn that I really did not know anything about the church financials, and step into all of this during a pandemic when people are not in church. I don’t want to miss part of the story and fail to tell you I was lucky to have some great support. Our financial chair was willing to help me take on this position.

But even with all the support, 2020 was a lot for our church’s denomination. Our denomination happens to be in the middle of a divide due to how the future of the church may look. We have a very split congregation at this time. Anyway, I decided I can make this work and I put in many overtime hours.

M&M’s

No, not the candy, M&M’s in our church are the Missions and Ministries that are paid to our conference. A more common name would be Apportionments. All year I have been voting that we not pay them due to the overall outlook of our church financials in a tough year. It is not because I didn’t think they are important, but I was trying to be a financially responsible vote for the local church. Little did I know the Holy Spirit was going to hit me like a ton of bricks.

I cannot describe how this feels but it was something I have not ever felt before. Here is the calling I heard: “Raise the money to fulfill the obligation of M&M’s and do it so that the operating budget of the church doesn’t get hurt.” What! Are you kidding me! I am in the middle of a sales contest at work and - its right before Christmas. I called several people and asked them to talk me out of it. Some gave it a great try, but the Holy Spirit was so strong I had to follow my heart.

Here is the task at hand, raise approximately $39,000 to pay our remaining balance due for M&M’s and do this within two weeks so it can be presented to the finance team for the last meeting of the year. Yikes! As I am writing this, I can see this is almost comical. What a joke that I truly think I can raise that kind of money in that short of a time frame during a strange year and right before Christmas. Well friends, in 5 days $40,000 was committed to the cause. I can promise you; it wasn’t me and that I just happened to be the vessel.

I understand that this is a very long story to explain that money was raised for a cause. But here are a few takeaways from it. First, if I had not accepted the position that I was not qualified for I would not have been in the right position for God to use me. We don’t have to be qualified to do God’s work. Second, my daughter, while driving one day, said “Mom, if you need, I could buy some M&M’s.” She had heard me making phone calls and assumed the church was in need of candy. It brought me to tears and I realized that teaching a giving heart to children can be easily overlooked.

Point two, giving has to be a priority for all ages just as our faith is. Point three, always be listening. I was surprised that during a chaotic time in life this got added to my plate. God may call at a time that is totally unexpected and to be truthful, inconvenient.

What this will do for our church is yet to be seen. I can only pray that maybe it will build a bridge for us to come together as God’s people. But I want to challenge you to trust your heart. If you feel a push, follow it. It may not come in voice form, but God can call us all in different ways. My faith walk will not stop here but I am glad this was added to my story.

What stories of faith drew you toward God?

What stories of faith can you tell to help draw someone else and how will you tell them?

Molly McMurtrie

Challenge: If you do not know Molly, this is about 7 miles outside of her comfort zone. Where would you be if the person who led you to God had not been willing to share? Not everyone will post one for all to see, but some will. If you want to, my email is rickclaiborn@gmail.com If you need help writing it, I would be glad to help. If you do not think writing is your thing, but you need help in any form, I am willing.

Rick Claiborn

[MM1]