The Generosity of Friends.

Recently, I shared about our financial crunch since we decided I'd stay at home with Stella - and how we're believing in God's provision for our need.  I shared how other friends in similar circumstances have seen God work in a number of ways.  Here are just two specific examples:

• Our friends who work in ministry were in need of a larger car for their growing family, especially as their other vehicle was going to cost them over $1,000 in repairs just to pass inspection.  They sent out an e-mail asking their supporters if they knew anyone who would be interested in selling them a used-minivan.  One couple responded by saying they wanted to pay for the difference of whatever our friends had planned on spending to buy the used van, no matter the amount, so that our friends could instead purchase a BRAND NEW 2010 minivan...all because these particular supporters felt led to give in this way and believed a new car would be more reliable and would bless our friends' growing family!
• One of my best friends was experiencing a health crisis involving a blood clot during her last pregnancy - this was expected to cost them literally thousands of dollars a month, out of pocket.  Throughout the course of this crisis they received significant financial support from fellow church members, as well as outright donations of a very specific medication that was originally going to be one of the largest expenses.  God provided for all their needs while they awaited the birth of their son; now he's a few months old and mommy/baby are completely healthy.

Here's just the beginning of our story:  Today, I received a small envelope from a dear, dear friend and her husband.  I opened the envelope to find a check for $500.  She knew we were struggling, but she had no idea that this happens to be the exact, remaining amount we need in order to make our full mortgage payment in November while we await word from our mortgage company on a re-negotiation of our contract.  Who does this?!  I'll tell you who...people who are trying their best to follow Jesus's call to give freely of themselves and their resources.  This is a gift with no strings attached - but we look forward to the day when we can pay it forward to someone in need.

"If one falls down, his friends can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"  Ecclesiastes 4:10.