Every so often, we get to see God at work in real time. Let me tell you about an experience I had on Wednesday, December 20, the week before Christmas. I was sitting at my desk that morning going through my emails. There was an urgent email from Alva Latta, our Finance Group Leader. Alva emailed the members of the Finance Group and copied me as liaison. Alva explained that she had just received word from Bruce Hage, Properties Group Leader, that we would incur an unexpected expense in the amount of $17,000 for a controller that operates the HVAC system in the sanctuary.  

What you may not know is that the entire HVAC system in the sanctuary is scheduled for replacement in January (we were waiting until after the Advent and Christmas seasons). This amount was already going to cost $76,000 and we were prepared to pay for that out of the Properties Reserve Fund. However, the controller was operating fine and was not slated for replacement. Now we would need $17,000 more and Alva reported that doing so would put our Properties Reserve dangerously low. 

With a situation like this, we did not have a choice on the matter. The controller went bad. We needed to trust God and know that he would provide.  

Here’s what happened next . . . 

Like I said earlier, I was literally responding to Alva’s email and was offering some ways that we could prayerfully seek the funding for this unexpected amount. While I was typing, one of our faithful members texted me and stated that she had recently sent a gift to the church in the amount of $5,000 and asked me if there was a need where it could he a help. I about fell out of my chair! I responded and told her about the HVAC situation and how she texted in the moment of my emailing with Alva. She was amazed and was happy to designate her generous gift to this unexpected expense! I asked her if I could tell Alva and she said, “Yes!” 

I relayed the information to Alva, and Alva immediately texted her a note of gratitude and amazement of what God was doing.  We would now only need $12,000 to cover this unexpected expense! 

But there’s more! . . . 

The next day (Thursday) I was out of town leading a funeral. When I got back to my emails, I saw an email exchange from our Finance office and Alva. Another church member had sent a gift in the amount of $5,000 to the church and stated to designate it “where needed the most.” This member had no idea of the HVAC situation. When she was made aware of the need, she was grateful that it could be used toward this unexpected HVAC expense!  

In a matter of 24 hours, $10,000 was received! These members had prayerfully contemplated their respective gifts to HRBC ahead of this need. God had already planted the seed of generosity within their hearts, and they arrived at the church at a critical time of need.  

This is a reminder that everything comes from God! Paul writes, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36) 

I am amazed to have seen all this happen in real time – God’s timing. God knew our need and used these two people to show us he is always at work. Perhaps these acts of generosity will encourage others to give to the ministries here at HRBC. The properties of the church are but one tool for ministry and a necessary part of the financial stewardship for each member. What a blessing it is to be part of what God is doing in this season! 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 
Praise Him, all creatures here below; 
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

Amen. 

With sincere gratitude and blessings,