Below are some stories of how God is using the benevolence funds given by the Calvary family to help people in need. Our staff follows caring, but careful guidelines to evaluate the validity of needs and how best we can help as a church. Most of the time, words of counsel and many times a testimony of the Gospel are also shared. Enjoy the stories of what God is doing in and through the Calvary family!
DESPERATE MOM: One of our staff spoke on the phone with a young mom whose husband had recently abandoned the family. She is pregnant. She called the church because she really didn't want an abortion, but could not think of any alternatives. The rent was due, eviction eminent. A family member was willing to pay for an abortion and pay her rent.
As the staff member talked with her, they strongly sensed her desperation, yet also sensed she knew that choice was wrong for her. Arrangements were made for Calvary to pay her rent. She called three times that day to share her relief and gratefulness and to let us know she had canceled the appointment at the abortion clinic. She is going to carry the pregnancy through and give her baby up for adoption to a family that will tell the child how much she loves it.
AN ADDICT’S BABY: Mother with drug issues goes to jail - 3 week old baby handed over to the mother's young sister - no funds period! We offered counseling - funds for adult and baby food, diapers, wipes, stroller for starters..... Our team will continue to follow up.
A LONG-TIME CALVARY FAMILY: We cared for over $1,000 in medical bills for a couple overwhelmed by costs of their health needs as they age. Long time members of Calvary; both of whom were highly involved in serving when they were able. They were drowning in financial problems and deep worry because of this immediate crisis.
UNEMPLOYED MEMBER OF CALVARY: The church paid the rent of an unemployed member of Calvary who has worked through our Career Transitions ministry for help in locating a job.
UNEMPLOYED MOM: We paid $975 car repairs for unemployed mother of two.
TEARS OF JOY FROM A MOM: We made a couple of car payments for a single mom with 4 kids who works locally, but struggles to make ends meet. This made her current and she was able to avoid having it repossessed by 2 days. She cried many tears of joy.
FAMILY OF 5: Calvary paid rent for a family of 5 and kept them in their home. They thought they'd be on the street due to job loss. They were amazed that the church stepped in to help.
HOMELESS FAMILY LIVING IN OLD RV: The church put tires on a truck for a homeless family living in a trailer locally. We also helped the dad get a job interview clothes and paid for gas to employment interviews.
A YOUNG MAN ABOUT TO BE EVICTED: We helped a man avoid eviction by making a deal with his landlord and paying some back rent. He had always seen the church as judgmental and uncaring... until now – PTL!
SINGLE MAN: We helped a single man catch up on a couple of car payments. He would have lost his car that week and we had to deal directly with the lender.
OTHER PEOPLE: Along with practical counsel, we have given away gas cards, target cards, and grocery cards to many other families on the edge.
