September 2020 - September to Remember
Dear Partner,
2020 has been an unforgettable year of many challenges. For some it’s been one of loss and for many, it’s been a year of open doors to new opportunities. We believe this month will be A September To Remember. The Holy Spirit has been reminding us of story after story of God’s miraculous provision when we trust Him in the area of our finances. “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,” 1 Chronicles 16:12. Let’s take time to remember, to testify, and to tell our children what the Lord has done for us.
Years ago, when I was a pastor, the biggest giver in the church walked out and I felt hopeless. I was wondering how we would support the missionaries and pay the bills without this man’s support. The Lord spoke to me and said, “The biggest giver is still here.” When I asked Him who that giver was, He said, “It’s Me! As long as I’m here, you’ll never lack for anything.” I have to say that was true and God has never failed.
I remember when I was part of a meeting at my dad’s church. I wasn’t ministering during this service, but one of the speakers was teaching from 1 John 5:14-15 about how we can receive anything we ask for when we pray. Several of this pastor’s church ladies were sitting on the row behind me. I commented to Pastor David Shearin, who was sitting beside me, that “anything” means refrigerators. I was confused as to why I said that but on the inside the Holy Spirit said, “There’s a woman sitting behind you who has prayed and believed Me for a refrigerator.” At the end of that meeting, I got up and shared what the Holy Spirit told me and asked that woman to stand. One of those women stood up. She told us she was caring for a houseful of foster children and her refrigerator had gone out. The day before she had gone to the store to look at refrigerators. She did not have the money to buy one, but she prayed and believed God He would provide. I told her the Lord told me to buy it for her. Immediately this lady began to rejoice like I’d never seen before! She danced, she shouted, and before long we all joined in! God cares about His children. He hears every believing prayer and sends the answer when we pray.
I also remember the time I bought my dad a Rolex watch. I actually wanted a Rolex, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to get him one first. He was getting up in age and all he had ever worn was a Timex. I took him to the jewelry store, and he picked out a beautiful Rolex. I really didn’t have the money to do that (I made payments for a year on it) but I never regretted honoring my dad. After he went to heaven, my mother gave me his Rolex and it’s the watch I wear today. Another time, I wanted to get him a new suit. We were at the store and he couldn’t make his mind up between two suits that he really liked. I realized this was my opportunity to bless my father. I counted it an honor to spend the extra money and bought him both suits, along with shirts and ties.
Another unforgettable moment to remember was in the Philippines. A group of ministers from Vietnam were attending our conference and I felt like the Holy Spirit wanted to bless them, so I called them forward and gave them each a hundred-dollar bill. They were so thankful and actually fell on their faces and began to weep in gratitude. I later found out the wages they earned in an entire year was only one hundred dollars. Jesus wanted to bless them. I was so grateful to be a part.
Remember the woman who broke the alabaster box of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head? While some around criticized her extravagant demonstration of love, calling it a waste, Jesus said, “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always...but me ye have not always,” Mark 14:6. She didn’t realize it at the time, but she was actually anointing Jesus for His burial. The rich fragrance of the oil must have comforted Him with each step towards His crucifixion, reminding Him of this woman’s gratitude and worship. She will never be forgotten, and her story is still being told wherever the Gospel is preached.
God wants to bless His children, but He uses people to reach out with generosity to help or honor them. Opportunities are everywhere if we will take them. We recently ate at a restaurant and the waitress was a preacher’s daughter and a Bible School student. We gave her a good tip and she was so thankful that God prompted us to bless her more. In fact, all the pastors at the table wanted to give and she was blessed with over $800. What we didn’t know was she was broke, had just wrecked her car, needed money to go home and she had just cried out to God for a breakthrough. Her need was our opportunity to make a difference, to let her know her Father God would take care of her. There’s no telling where the blessing will end when we are generous.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:10. The blessings of giving are not just financial, but they are spiritual and eternal. “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. I am full, having received...things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:15-19.
Your partnership with the ministries of MHM are a sweet-smelling aroma that get the attention of God. We believe as you remember what the Lord has done and recognize the opportunities He has given; this will be an incredible “September To Remember.”
In Christ,
Mark and Trina
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