A Very Generous Man
The following message was received from my friend, Tommy Musick, who leads a House church here in Stephenville. Tommy, as some will recall, wrote an article a few months ago entitled “God’s Blessing is revealed through Giving.” It received such a positive response that I’ve made it a permanent “menu” item on the right hand side of my website under “You and your finances.” Red it. You’ll be blessed.
A Very Generous Man
I am writing this article as a follow-up to the previous one titled “God’s Blessing is revealed through Giving”.
A few months ago, Frances, a lady in our church, told us about a man she works with. Joe, (not his real name), is 74 years old and a godly old gentleman. Joe‘s wife had died years ago and he had remarried. His second wife left him and took most everything they had with her. Joe now has diabetes, prostrate trouble, has to wear a catheter constantly, and is only able to work part-time. He was having trouble paying his utility bills. Frances asked our group if we were willing to minister to Joe financially. Even though none of us, except Frances, knew him personally, our response was a resounding “YES”; we want to help. We’re all about it. We gave Frances our support to do whatever it took to get Joe taken care of. Bear in mind that Joe never asked for help. Frances found out through someone else about Joe’s situation. Joe only accepted a small amount of money, a few hundred dollars, but apparently it was enough to help him over the hump.
Since the time our group ministered to Joe last December, every payday, Joe brings his tithes check to Frances for our church. He tells Frances every time he gives his offering; “Please give this to someone who needs it”. He is giving back to the ministry that fed him when he was in need. He is giving back to the storehouse. Occasionally, Joe will give Frances another check with instructions for her to “give it to ’such and such’ family, “I hear they are having problems.”
Joe is a man on a very limited income, in poor health, alone, and has lost most all his personal possessions, yet he is constantly thinking of others ahead of himself. When Frances talks about Joe, I think of the apostle Paul when he wrote to the church in Philippi. Paul, while in prison, awaiting execution, told the Philippians, to “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” I believe that Joe has learned the secret to this life, Paul’s secret, and that secret is simply to be content in all circumstances.
I have still never met Joe. I don’t know what he looks like, but through Frances and through our ministry, I consider Joe a good friend and a great man of God. He is an example of self-sacrifice and an un-dying love for his brethren. I only hope that one day I might live up to his example of generosity and love.
Tommy Musick
Leave a Reply