Because He First Loved Us

You've Been Gifted was an idea from a church in Hudson, Ohio. The church, Hudson Community Chapel (www.hudsonchpael.org) decided to "gift" those in their community during the month of December to celebrate Christmas. A note was posted at www. joecoffeytalk.com of the following story:

Hi Joe,
I wanted to write you a note and share my experience using the Gift Card. I was in the Super Walmart in Streetsboro this weekend and asked the Lord before entering the store to lead me to someone who needs a blessing. I really felt the presence of God while choosing a check out aisle. I ended up behind a woman in one of those wheelchair type carts the store offers and she was with her adult daughter. They were having trouble paying for their purchases and were trying to use different credit cards. It was obvious that this was the person God has chosen me to "gift."

I stepped next to the lady and said, "Merry Christmas why don't you let me pay for you today?" The cashier overheard me and said, "you can't do that." I asked, "why not?" She turned the cash register monitor toward me to show her total bill was $192. I said, "that's OK our church asked us to look for opportunities to bless others this Christmas season." I then handed her the gift card. The lady in the wheelchair began crying really hard and her eyes were red, she grabbed my face in her hands and said, "thank you very much I didn't think kindness like this still existed." She then said, "the reason I am shopping today is to buy clothes for my husband's funeral this weekend!"

The cashier heard this and raised her hands in the air (and held them there) and said, "Praise God!" She then asked where our church was and said she would like to attend a church where people are as nice as me. At this point I was feeling awkward about all the attention and stared to babble phrases like, "it's no big deal," and "I have a lot of money," how embarrassing is that!

However, after all was said and done it really felt great to "team up" with God to be a part of blessing someone else.


Women's Bible Study began this initiative in January to continue the spirit of giving that happens so naturally in December. The stories we have heard have been so positive! Jesus doesn't need a gimmick to make Himself known but sometimes those of us who know Him need a reminder that because of His great love for us and the gift given to us at Christmastime is why we want to give back, and give back all year long. It is because of our love for Him that makes giving an expression of that love.

So, whether you have given a You've Been Gifted Card or received a card, we'd like to hear from you. We want to give to others in the Fox Valley area and beyond. We want to pray and ask God how we might be a blessing to those in our communities and neighborhoods.

Celebrate with us as we continue to look for ways to share the love of Christ...all year long!

A New Year A New Adventure

At Christmastime we are willing to give and serve those less fortunate. But those in need are not only in need in December but also January, February, March, and so on. I wish our financial struggles or emotional struggles came only during one month a year, but we know that isn't the case. God gives all year long, and this year Women's Bible Study wants to be His hands and feet to our community, our neighborhoods and beyond. We want to "gift" those in need for the next several months, reaching those who may need a hug, a cup of coffee or lunch for her family. We want God's name praised above all names not just at Christmastime but all year long.

Join us for an adventure with Jesus! I can't wait to see what He will do with our willing hearts for His sons and daughters.