Many people struggle with defining their ‘sacrifice’ and may never truly know its meaning until they witness examples of it in others’ lives. That is where personal testimonies can really help.

For example, I read the testimony of a couple in a church very much like ours who were called to prayerfully consider the sacrifice they should make as a part of their capital stewardship campaign. Ultimately, they felt led by God to postpone a decision to build a new home until after the campaign. They really felt that God would provide for their dream home, but that at that time God was leading them to help in building His “new home” first.

Let me give you another example. Most of you have heard the story that Kwame shares regarding the retired woman in his church who, as a part of their campaign, prayerfully decided to give a gift that was well beyond her means as a senior on a fixed income. However, having sacrificially decided to trust God and to give the gift anyway, God showed up in a miraculous way by providing an opportunity to publish and sell some of her poetry. The amount she received from the publisher’s advance and the book royalties has allowed her to fulfill her promise to the Lord and her church!

One last example. Many of you have heard Erin and my story. When we were first married, Erin and I made a decision to prepare ourselves financially for the birth of our children. We worked hard, prior to the birth of Lukas, to be good stewards, to eradicate our debt, to develop our family budget, and to save money so that we could have Erin leave the marketplace and be at home with our children. By God’s grace we have been able to do that. But now, feeling led to make a sacrifice for the Kingdom, and knowing that we did not have a lot of extra income and that my schedule would not allow for a second job, Erin has sacrificially decided to re-entering the marketplace a couple of days a week so that we can (after tithing) give the largest portion of her income directly to the campaign.

We are excited about the opportunities to witness, love, share, and give that God is providing through this season of our lives!! In God’s perfect timing, the Building Home Base campaign is a part of God’s plan for our lives!

I wonder, would you be willing to share a similar story of sacrifice? Your personal testimony might make all the difference in someone else’s life and decision regarding our campaign.

Here’s what I’m asking you to do. Pray (with your friends and family) for God’s leading. Next, ask Him to show you what it is He wants you to sacrificially do as a part of this campaign. Fill out the form below.

With your permission, I would like to use some of these stories to inspire and encourage our congregation. Please indicate on the form if you’d prefer anonymity, although it would be meaningful if I could attribute these stories to a particular individual or family.

This struggle of sacrifice is the heart of this campaign. It is the faith stretch that I think God desires for us as we follow Him and live out our calling as His disciples. As we obey God’s leading in making sacrificial commitments, I truly believe we will grow in our faith and enjoy His blessings.

Thanks again for your service and your sacrifices in Jesus’ name!

Sincerely,
Pastor James

PERSONAL TESTIMONY FORM