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Material Partnership - The Stocktons

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I get to write the checks!

I know that sounds funny, but I really love to be able to write the tithe checks and slip them into the offering boxes at the back of the church. I get a kick out of this very private, ‘between us and God’ action every other week. I didn’t always feel that way though.

I came to the Lord when I was 25 with not a dime to my name. I had recently moved back into my parents’ house and had no job and no car. Within a few months, I was saved and God began to change my life in every aspect, including giving. Being a 20-something and living paycheck to paycheck, I honestly didn’t think I had much to contribute monetarily. God saw it differently and wanted me to as well.

One day, as I came out from church I noticed an envelope on my windshield. It had $300 cash and a note with this verse: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19. I was stunned and greatly humbled. That small act of faith and generosity on someone’s part began in my heart a new outlook and attitude about giving. I began to see tithing as a blessing and benevolence as a privilege. As I stepped out in faith to give more, it became increasingly more joy-filled for me on a genuine, personal level. Paul said it this way:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Since coming to Village Church five years ago, we have often witnessed the people and leadership of VCI living out the truth of this verse. As many of us can attest, VCI excels in benevolent giving within our body and has come alongside many in their times of need. This generosity has extended beyond our congregation into numerous partnerships with missionaries and other local and international organizations. I encourage you to check the website villagechurchirvine.com/missionaries to take a look for yourself and see how God is blessing others through our offerings.

Don and I have also appreciated the church’s open stewardship. The first time that I saw Jacob Coleman give the VCI financial update (complete with charts and diagrams) I was blown away! I had never been to a church that was so open and specific about how the offerings are utilized, and I was impressed by how our pastors set a great example in their openness while managing our financial obligations.

We consider it a blessing to partner with VCI financially as the Bible has instructed and the Holy Spirit has directed. The leadership of our pastors in giving has been inspiring to us, and we’re thankful for the priority they give to caring for the body of Christ. It’s one of the many reasons we’re glad to call VCI home.

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