As many of you know, I run the Community Fund at Spring Branch Community Church, which offers financial assistance to those in the Hampton Roads area. The community fund is low on funds right now, and I have sent several responses saying we have no money and asking them to check back in a few weeks. I’m often cynical about making repeated donations and have become very conservative about giving money. However, occasionally I feel convicted to do something for a specific person. This person’s power was off, and they needed 260 to turn it on. After a lot of inner struggle, I paid the whole past due with FH money, and she sent me this note:
You have no idea how much tihs means to me Mr. Rosini. I took my son to work on Monday and yesterday was my birthday. I was born March 10th. I was just happy the lights didn’t go out while he was here with me over the weekend. I work 40 hours a week and sign up for overtime. Luckily jut got appoved for door dash and grub hub so when i rent a car to pick up my son I use it to doordash and grub hub on my days off until I can save up enough to get my own car. I just kept telling myself do not let this break your spirit. I kept praying all last night that God please touch someone to help me. I was so worried about telling my job but Ijust kept praying and saying ima trust you God so Thank You Mr. Rosini for allowing him to use you to help me. Thank you.
The last line is interesting. At first, I read it as: “thank God you’re lucky enough to be a position to help others” and I think that is the correct attitude. I don’t “allow” him to use me. I’m just lucky to be where I am. I just spent two months begging major donors for help with the Ukraine Camp in March (which, by the way, went really well) and now I’m back handing out money to others. I’m in the weird position of asking wealthier people for money and then giving it to those less fortunate than me. There is no coincidence or “will” involved, just the luck of a predestined universe. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:31).