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Updated 2/12/2007
Kingdom Assignment
On April 16th the Manchester United Methodist Church congregation was presented with the Kingdom Assignment. Each member who came forward received $100.00, and three rules to follow. 1. To recognize that this was God's money. 2. To use it to extend his kingdom and 3. To report back in ninety days.
It has been 6 months and this is some of what has happened.
Kingdom Assignment - Virginia Robinson
My Kingdom Assignment was helping others with their Kingdom Assignment. With lots of prayers, I asked God, What do you want me to do?" The answer I received from God was to help others with their Kingdom Assignment,
Three days after God answered my prayers, Lorraine Gearhart called to see if I still had my $100.00 bill. "Yes" was my reply. She wondered if I would go in with others to buy a refrigerator for a family. I told her that God had answered my prayer.
God wanted me to go one step further in this Kingdom Assignment. Barb Davis mentioned that she still had some teapots to purchase for the Kingdom Assignment. I mentioned that I was making several trips to Cedar Rapids and I'd see what I could do. I was able, on this trip, to find some teapots for her. Barb also mentioned to me that she wanted to put cocoa mixes in her baskets. I told her that I had packages of cocoa mixes as well as some tea bags that she could have.
I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to do this Kingdom Assignment. Whether it was using the $100.00 or giving of myself, it was just my small way of reaching out to those in need.
Kingdom Assignment - Mary & Kenneth Kramer
Returning after spending winter in Texas, we attended church here on Easter Sunday instead of driving to Strawberry Point where we are members of the UMC. Yes, to our surprise it was not the traditional Easter service. Unlike the rest of you that had been versed on the Kingdom Assignment, we were not. As it sounded like a good program, we went forward and accepted the challenge.
After Sunday dinner was over we took turns reading the book. Seemed the various projects took place in larger cities, but yet there is need all around us. We thought of the many mission projects that we've been involved with, especially this past winter at Alamo Rec-Veh Park, Texas. Although we thought it might be easier to return the money to the Pastor, we began to pray for guidance with the assignment. We received a phone call from another member as to what they were doing. We said that we were waiting for a sign or an answer from the Lord.
With continuous praying, waiting, watching and listening for an answer from the Lord, on May 30 we received a letter in the mail from a medical student that is planning to be a missionary doctor. He has the opportunity to go to China July 3-15 with a doctor and a team from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA to minister health and God's love in the rural communities and bush country of Liaoning Province in Northern China. Last year this same doctor and team ministered to over 1000 patients in Guizhon province, and planted seeds of hope (witnessed to the Lord). The group had planned to return to the same area as last year but was unable to get visa in time.
By his letter we feel this young man is so dedicated to the Lord and helping people through the field of medicine. He stated that Christ spoke as a requirement to his disciples - "Take up your cross and follow me" - and this still holds true today. Yes, Christ has called us to have a life and forgiveness through the sacrifices he gave on the cross. He has called on us to sacrifice our lives for Him, in order that others might also come to know His love and forgiveness,
So, after much praying about this we feel that this is our opportunity to use the $00 to further God's kingdom by helping to buy medical supplies, medicine and the ability for the team to share the love of Christ to people who desperately need it, as China is a communist country with only 7% Christians.
We continue to pray for the team, for their safety, physical and spiritual health. We pray that God will anoint them with His healing grace, love and mercy, and that it may overflow to those they minister to. We pray for the people of China and the missionary who risks her life daily to proclaim Christ.
Kingdom Assignment - Tom Allyn
Since I received the $100 of God's money I have been searching for a project that would further God's name and help others at the same time.
After a lot of prayer and soul searching, I decided to attempt to raise money for the Neo-Natal Center at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. This decision was made because of the wonderful care and caring we experienced there when my granddaughter was born. She was two months early and only weighed 2 pounds and 1 ounce. Consequently, I called them and they indicated that they were trying to raise money to purchase DVD players and DVD's to help educate future parents and parents of premature babies in the Neo Natal Center. This education will be used to eliminate fear of the unknown for these people and possibly help them get through the processes.
I then decided to host a golf outing for parents and children, gearing it more towards the children and adults. I was hoping to involve whole families in an alternate shot format that would promote fun and teamwork for the whole family group. I decided to use the money raised to donate to the neo natal Center at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar rapids.
I was able to raise money from generous donors in the Manchester area along with my company (Iowa Telecom).
We only had four twosomes participate, but I was still able to raise enough money to pay all expenses and donate $750.00 to the hospital.
I did not use of the $100 of God's money for this. I retained it for future use. On the way to the hospital to give the $750 donation, I was trying to think of ways to use God's money. All of a sudden, God presented me with a wonderful idea. After I gave the donation I went to the Neo Natal Intensive Unit and asked to talk to the head nurse. She and I talked and I asked her if there was a family there that as in dire need of money to get by. She indicated that there was. I explained my Kingdom Assignment to her and asked her to give $50 to the couple with the understanding that I didn't want to know who they were and I didn't want them to know me. All I asked her to do was give the, the money and indicate that it was God's money for them to use as best they could.
I still have $50 of God's money for whatever may come. I know God will present a situation to me that will help me help others.
This has been a wonderful experience for me and I am very grateful that I took the Kingdom Assignment.
Kingdom Assignment - Diane Miller
Sitting in church that Sunday morning, I had no idea what to expect. I guess that was the whole idea. When the Pastor starting asking for people to come up and accept an assignment for god, may thoughts started running through my head. I was thinking, "What is this? Do I want to volunteer for something that I don't know anything about? Will my family or I be embarrassed if I go up there?" I hesitated, but then I told myself that I had been looking for a way to become more involved with God so I should go for it!
I was so surprised when we were handed the hundred-dollar bill. At first I thought we were supposed to use it to raise money for the church. After reading the book I discovered that it was more than that. This proved to be a harder task. I spent a long time thinking and praying about what I could do. The book was a little intimidating; the other stories were so large. They started programs and raised large amounts of money. It seemed they were all in large cities. I felt overwhelmed and thought there was no way I could do anything close.
I kept thinking about the message that God would make it clear, and when it happened, it was very clear to me. I was having my hair done and I and I knew the hairdresser was a cancer survivor who was getting together a team for the local Relay for Life. This was something I wanted to be involved in. It is a great cause and has a personal importance since I watched my mother walk her first survivor walk last year. I had an idea that I wanted to do something with this when I went for my appointment.
We were discussing the relay and she was outlining some of the things they were going to do to raise money. They were thinking about a raffle, thinking about giving haircuts o product. I went to the car and got the hundred-dollar bill and gave it to her to use for raffle prizes. We figured out some good prizes to help sell the tickets. During our conversation she stopped and said, "You are a God-send. I want this to be a success and I can do the work, but I just don't have the money myself to put up for the prizes." This is just what I had hoped to hear.
The raffle raised over $200.00 and as a team they raised over $500.00 for the cause. The personal rewards I gained from this assignment far outweigh the monetary return for me ten fold. In working on this, I gained a closer personal relationship with God. I talked to people about the assignment and prayed on a daily basis to give me guidance. This helped me to break through on my inhibitions about worship and sharing the Word with others.
A MOST UNUSAL MESSAGE! - Lorraine Gearhart
When Rev. Henry asked for persons to come to the altar to do God's work--do something for somebody, "step out of your comfort zone" I was compelled to rise and come forward. I had no idea what to expect. A "Kingdom Assignment" book was given to all who had responded, plus a $100.00 bill!! (Real Money!!) What a message! Questions came into my mind--what will I do? How can I make it grow? Will I be successful at what I attempt? Reading the "Kingdom Assignment" book opened my eyes to ideas. Maybe I could do something for somebody. Prayers directed me. Visiting with my "Chimes" friends, Kay Bryant and I decided to work together on a project. But what ?? We toyed with different ideas. Then I called Rev. Henry to see if he had any suggestions. He told me of a family of 6 needing a refrigerator. Parents with four children not having a refrigerator! How could they manage? Summer coming and no way to keep food from spoiling!! I discussed this with Kay Bryant and she thought it sounded like a good project. This caught her at a busy time as she was going to be moving so she gave me the go ahead to proceed.
I set out immediately to check out prices and availability of refrigerators. I settled on the best deal--and with delivery the next day, April 27th.
Cost of Refrigerator-------$469.00
Store took off---------------$ 20.00
$449.00
Tax 31.43
$480.43
Cash Paid 100.00
Bal Due $380.43
I prayed that I would be able to raise enough to pay this off!! That enough people would step out of their comfort zone and help. After contacting my "Circle Friends", "Chimes Friends" and others that had a feeling they wanted to join me in this project. They came through in flying colors!!
With Kay Bryant's Kingdom gift of $100.00 being a big help. When I contacted Virginia Robinson, she decided she wanted to contribute her Kingdom gift also. With the generosity of several others I was able to pay it off on May 3rd.
Needless to say, the family was overwhelmed and so Thankful. Realizing the refrigerator had been delivered, there was no food to put in it. I made a trip to the grocery store. Trying to purchase items they would need. Eggs, milk, cheese, hamburger, ice cream, sandwich meat, bread, jello, carrots, apples, bananas, macaroni, and graham crackers. When I delivered it the whole family came out to the car to help carry it in. The oldest boy was delighted with the banans. He said "fruit is good for you" and I think he was on the 3rd banana before I left!!
Then a week later I dropped off 2 more bags of groceries. They were so pleased and thankful. I asked if they had and other needs that I could help them with. The mother indicated they didn't have a kitchen table or any dressers. She thought they would find a table, but were in need of dressers.
(I was on a roll and felt sure I could certainly find some dressers and that enough people would surely want to contribute.) My prayers were answered. On May 4th I found 4 dressers and a single bed, for a total of $119.90. The family picked up the dressers on May 9th. They really liked them and were thankful. The mother gave me a big hug and "Thanks".
On May 10th I stopped by with an assortment of dresser scarves, pillows, pillow cases and a box of garage sale toys. The children were delighted.
On May 19th I located a baby crib at a garage sale for $10.00, however, when the owner knew it was for them, she said they could have it for free. So I called them and they picked it up right away.
On June 7th I learned they had their baby on May 29th. Iphoned and learned it was a boy, weighing about 8lbs. 1oz. I made a trip Wal-Mart and purchased a varity of baby things: diapers, sleepers, blankets, etc. and a gift card. I delivered the items that day. They were so proud to show off their sweet, precious baby and so appreciative of the gifts!
My experience was very pleasing and rewarding to know how much the items were appreciated and needed. I still communicate with them and may assist in the future, if needed. I'm still wanting to carry on God's work in helping others in need.
I would like to thank the following persons that contributed to the project to make is so successful:
Kay Bryant Lois Mott
Virginia Robinson Virginia Nelson
Carol Brockmeyer Mary Oldfather
Bernice Cocking Harriet Onsager
Jenny Garvin Pat Swanson
Ruth Grether Faye Wright
Helen Heyer Marilyn Wycoff
Thank you for "stepping out of your comfort zone." God Bless each of you and may God continue to Bless MUMC.
The Kingdom Assignment - Travis Hough and Lisa Krogman
To start off, we had no idea what to do with the money and didn't quite know what we'd gotton ourselves into. We decided we would combine our money because we wanted to do this together. First, we decided to each read the Kingdon Assignment book on our own and then talk about it and any ideas we had after reading it.
After discussing the book we were still unsure of what we should do with the money, so we decided we needed to pray more about what we should do. During this time we also became caught up with the process of moving into our house. Since we both wanted to raise more money, but time had gotten away from us, we decided we would each donate fifty dollars of our own to add to the money we were given.
A few weeks went by and we had come to an agreement that we wanted to donate the money to someone locally, and that we wanted to help someone that was in need of the money at the present time. After praying and talking with others about the Kingdom Assignment, we realized that Ami Ward, whom the congregation had been praying for in church every Sunday for awhile, happened to be one of our new neighbors. We thought this would be a chance to help a family in need that we would be able to form an onging relationship with, since they live close by.
We contacted Ami and told her a little about The Kingdom Assignment and about the donation of $300.00 we wanted to give to her and her family. We then set up a time to stop over at the Ward's and meet everyone, and get to know them. When we went to their house we talked for awhile about how Ami is doing and about our families, and we offered to help them out in any way we could, such as watching their children if they are busy,
As for the donation we told them they should use it however it will help them the most. Ami mentioned that the traveling she has been doing gets to be expensive and that they also wanted to be sure they didn't take away from the kids due to the expenses they are facing. The Ward's were very appreciative and we are sure the money will be put to good use and that is went to a very deserving family. It was a great feeling to see the joy on Ami's face and to know we were making a difference during a challenging time for them.
MY KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT - By Barb Davis
A REPORT?!?! Really Pastor Roger - I haven't written a report since I was in school - more years ago than I want to admit to ! ! ! ! Oh, well, here goes - - -
On Easter Sunday I responded to the call to come to the altar to volunteer to do something to honor God. I had been praying for something I could do with my meager talents and the idea that the whole church would pray for my project sounded like this would be the time to try to find something for God. Having one hundred dollars of God's cash handed to me "out of the blue" was one of the most heart stopping things that has ever happened to me. Just the day before I had bought a book that I wanted to share with a number of friends that had lost a child in the past. My first thought was - "Wow, I can buy a lot of books now!" Then I read the Kingdom Assignment book we were given and had another panic attack. My little plan seemed so insignificant compared to the projects in the book. I prayed a lot, talked to Pastor Roger - was encouraged - jumped on the wagon and took off (still very nervous).
My idea was to fill 6 baskets with the book called "Roses in December - Comfort for the Grieving Heart" written by Marilyn Willett Heavilin. The book was written to hopefully give some comfort to families that have lost a child. It is also an excellent book for others to read to help them better relate to those families. Also include in each basket a small teapot, some teabags, a votive candle, a bookmark and my concern and prayers. When a basket is delivered to a family there will be a long-stemmed rose included because each chapter in the book is named for a rose. There is a picture of our great-grand nephew in the front of each book dedicating it "In loving memory of A.J. Abel". The original book that was loaned to me to read was sent to A.J.'s grandmother, Kay Burke by the funeral home in Winterset when we lost A.J. and God gained a very dear boy. It seemed only right to dedicate it in his memory.
When I take a basket to a family, I will explain that after they read the book (and I don't want to rush - just to take their time) they can call me and I will pick up the basket, book, an teapot so I can refill it an pass it on to another family. I would be so very happy if these baskets could travel around for years.
As with anything we do, there are always those that issue warnings. I've been told that I will lose some of the baskets - but that really doesn't concern me - If someone needs to keep the whole basket for some reason, then maybe that is what God intended for that particular basket.
Finally after formulating my plan - and talking to Pastor Roger, everything started to fall into place - I found a few baskets and a few teapots - I ordered more books - donations started to rolling in to help.
Sarah's Flower shop gave me a discount on the roses,
Brian Mueller at the funeral home gave me a check for ($35.00, to "buy a few roses" to quote him,
Ann Shackleford found four teapots and donated teabags and hot chocolate packets,
Donna Hankins donated a teapot,
Wanda Belden donated teabags,
Diane Friedlein gave me some baskets and votive candles,
My Aunt Irma was so please when she found a teapot while we were out shopping,
Betty Burrows found a teapot and brought it to me,
Kay Burke and her family gave me a cash donation ($30.00) to help buy books,
Lois Abel (A.J.'s other grandmother) sent me a check ($50.00) to buy books and supplies.
Of course, I have had to also use my own money - but without the many donations that was what I planned to do anyway.
My original idea was to try to have six baskets - that plan has grown now to a baker's dozen. I sent one basket back to California with my cousin who lost her son 20+ years ago (time helps you learn to live with pain - but it never goes away). She is planning to send it to her friend in Colorado who also lost a son. I pray that little basket travels far and wide and the recipients feel the caring prayers that are sent with it.
I have to admit that I'm a little nervous about going out to deliver the baskets. I pray they will be received in the manner they are given. I'm positive that God will guide me and give the words I need to say.
Please keep praying for the Kingdom Assignment and all of the individual projects that they continue to grow and involve more people to honor and praise God. I have been so blessed that "my" project has grown out of my hands to include many others - which according to the book is what was planned. Isn't it wonderful!!!!
This is a personal addendum - not connected to my Kingdom Assignment Project.
I had NO idea what to give my Aunt from California who was visiting here with us for her 90th birthday - she just doesn't need anything. Finally the idea came - - I could give her a Kingdom Assignment book and $50.00. She was really happy - she already does a lot for others. This last winter she had paid for "an elderly" lady's heating bill each month because she knew her income was so low. She hadn't decided when she left for home just what she would do with her "seed" money. I know she will think of something that will benefit others. My prayer is that she will then pass her K.A. book along to someone else and it will continue to grow.
Our little great-grand daughter stays with us part of the summer. This year I thought she and her "auntie" could do a K.A. Autumn is nine years old and her Aunt Madison is eleven. They pondered over what to do for a couple of weeks. They finally came up with four things they thought they could do - then came the big problem of choosing. Autumn finally decided on the Food Pantry and Madison wanted to buy school clothes to donate to Operation New View. They each did their own shopping - I stood by with the calculator to
be sure they didn't go over what they could spend.
Autumn put all of the food in the shopping cart that she had written on her list and still had $4+ left. She found two boys shirts on sale for $2.00 each and bought them for Operation New View - she had.33 change after that.
Madison spent quite some time choosing and coordinating three girls' outfits. She picked out two 2 piece outfits and one 3 piece outfit (Praise the Lord for the clearance racks). She had .39 left. They put the change in an envelope to take to the Food Pantry.
They delivered their projects and I took their pictures with each delivery.
We had talked for quite a bit about "paying forward" so I believe they understood very well what the were doing and why.
They were good shoppers and chose everything all on their own. They had a good time and we were pleased with their choices.
My Kingdom Assignment
Mary Jane Fetter
July 7, 2006
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14
Two years ago, the Lord led me to begin a children's ministry in our local elementary school. A friend, Jenny Crawford, and I were trained through Child Evangelism Fellowship to lead a weekly after school "Good News Club" for kids ages 5-12.
Years ago, my own children had attended Good News Club during the school year and we had hosted 5-day Clubs at our home during the summer, since this is where our children first accepted Christ, I knew these were powerful evangelistic ministries to young people.
Eleven children attended our first Good News meeting which included Bible lessons, Bible memory verses, songs and games to teach them about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By the end of the year we had reached about 30 children with 9 making salvation decisions. This year we added two more trained adults, Susan Hermann and Amy Pauls, reached about 50 children, with an average attendance each week of 30 kids, and had 13 more salvation decisions. Praise God! He is blessing this ministry, and all glory and honor belongs to Him. It is not us.
Easter Sunday, 2006, I accepted the Kingdom Assignment offered by the Manchester UMC. I was excited to see what opportunity God would open up to me to help further His Kingdom. After praying about it, I felt convicted that it would be through Child Evangelism Fellowship, what I didn't know was how God would work out His will.
The summer ministry of CEF is the outreach program for kids 5-12 that I mentioned earlier, the 5-day Clubs. I thought it would be great to support a couple teenagers as summer club missionaries. I contacted the Blackhawk Chapter of CEF and asked the director if any summer missionaries would be available to travel to Manchester where I would sponsor them. He said that the ?harvest was plentiful, but the laborers were few', how about sending a few of our local teens over to Waterloo to be trained and start a 5-day Club with our own ?missionaries'.
I prayed about this, not having any clue who would be interested or willing. But the Lord is good and he led me to two young men in our community who were willing and then completed the training in June! Alex Tibbott and Justin Roberts are trained summer missionaries for CEF and completed their first 5-day Club on June 29th in Tyrrell Park. It was very successful with 20 children in attendance and they plan on another 5-day Club before the summer is over!
Through this Kingdom Assignment, I have learned that God answers prayer in His way and in His time. I have also learned that to do God's will you must give up your own. God will use you to further His Kingdom, if you let him. Jesus said in John 6:40, "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life." Now that's GOOD NEWS!
My Kingdom Assignment
Jean Gross
Upon learning about the ALPHA program that we are going to be implementing this fall, I contacted the people working with that to see if there was a need that could be addressed. Since ALPHA is an outreach not only for our church family but also the community, I decided to use a portion of my Kingdom monies to purchase audio tapes of the ALPHA lessons so that the sight impaired or anyone wishing to listen to the material rather than read it could comfortably take part in this ministry.
The library has designated shelving for the ALPHA materials, print and non-print. I have cataloged all materials purchased thus far and they are and will be available for check-out by anyone interested. It is my hope to support ALPHA by purchasing further recommended materials to supplement this program. I would welcome any help in this endeavor.
I used another portion of the Kingdom money to purchase devotional books to be given to mothers of newborns as a gift from the library ministry team. We have expanded that gift to include a hat from out knitters group as well as some home-made cookies for the family. This will be an on-going project from the library.
The final portion of my Kingdom money was given as a donation to Mary Jane Fetter for the Good News Club she conducts as an after school program for the elementary students of our community.
Kingdom Assignment Megan Fetter
I have learned so much from the experience I have had with the Kingdom Assignment. My decision to go to the altar on Easter Sunday has changed my life forever. After accepting the Kingdom Assignment I was really excited to find a way to use the money. I discovered a lot of foundations and organizations that were doing great things that I thought I could give my money to. After reading the book, though, I knew that God was calling me to use my money in a more personal way.
I work at an elementary school and one morning I saw a poster for Big Brother Big Sisters. I have always been interested in this organization, but I never thought I had the time to get involved and always kept putting it off. Now I thought that it seemed to be the perfect time to offer my money and time. I called the number on the poster and they were very happy that I called. They said that they were in need of Big Sisters and that my call was perfect timing. I had to fill out an application and a lot of paperwork, and I also had to have an interview. After the interview they told me it would take 6-8 weeks before I would have a Little Brother or Sister. They have to do a lot of paperwork and background checks before you are paired with someone.
I am currently still waiting to hear back from Big Brothers Big Sisters to let me know when I can meet my Little Brother or Sister. I am very excited about the opportunity and I can't wait to start a relationship with a younger child and be a positive role model in their life. Since I work in the Waterloo Elementary Schools I know that there are a lot of children who are lacking a role model/mentor/friend in their life.
I hope to use my money to give the child things every child needs or deserves to have. Whether it is money for food, medicine or chance to go to the pool or see a movie; I want to be there for that child. If I can make life better for at least one other person in my life, I will feel like I have completed the Kingdom Assignment.
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