I have come to realize that giving of my time, money and effort in order to help others is the most rewarding and most important thing that we can do in our lives. I have been assisting a lady in a government housing project that I met through a church outreach program back in November. She is a single mom with four kids ranging from 7 to 14 years old, and when we originally met, she had no job, no phone, and no car. We were going around asking people to fill out a wish list for themselves and their kids for Christmas gifts. For her daughter, she put "Bed" on the form, and for herself, "Job". I quickly realized that this was true need staring me in the face, so I went back to speak with her some more.
She was on the verge of being evicted (keep in mind that there aren't too many places to go if you get evicted from the projects). I didn't really have a lot of extra money to spare during the holiday season, but we paid to catch up her rent through the end of last year. I am not bragging or prideful about this - I really just think it is the type of thing that we are all called to do by the Lord. The cool part of the story is that she had NO idea where this money would come from, and her daughter (who was involved in our kid's program) told her that they should pray about it. The next day, my wife and I showed up on her doorstep ready and willing to help. It was really cool to realize how God used us to answer this woman's prayers, and it started to strengthen her faith as well.
Believe it or not, she was being charged $100/month by the City of Austin for an ACCIDENTAL fire that had occurred in her previous unit, causing about $8,000 in damage. Her rent was only $119/month, so they were in essence doubling her rent. I couldn't believe that they wouldn't have an insurance policy for this. We got her in touch with Legal Aid, and they were able to get this wiped off for her. In fact, the management office had made so many bookkeeping errors, that her current rent is $11/month. Talk about an answered prayer!
One of the biggest needs she had was transportation in order to get a new social security card, birth certificate, and driver's license (all of which were lost in the fire), so I spent several days helping with this as well. We also helped her to get a bus pass for six months. Even though she has quite a few family members in the area, they are not much better off than she is - her mom has helped on a couple of occasions, especially with child care.
She has had a series of jobs over the past year, but nothing terrific as of yet. She just started another new job this week, and I am hopeful that it will pan out for her. I helped her to get a job interview a few months ago, but the manager seemed to be racist and wouldn't give her a chance, even though he was actively hiring a lot of people and we had a recommendation from one of the regional managers who is a friend of our family.
She has become my friend, and we sincerely want to help her succeed and make it out of the projects at some point. God has richly blessed me and my family and whenever I spend time with this lady, I realize that I have NO reason to complain about anything. We speak at least once a week on average, and I really feel invested in her life now, as does my wife.
I guess the moral of this story is to count your blessings and keep in mind that God calls us to "Love your neighbor as yourself." This is a high mandate, but it is a rewarding one as well, when you can actively impact someone for the better. God bless you if you read this entire thing - I just wanted to share it.
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Jason...........What a great heart you have. I am making more money than I ever have and find a great deal of joy in helping others as well. Great blog.
Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota
God bless you Jason.
No more needs to be said, your actions speak for themselves.
Jason, i'm so moved to hear your story and learn of your heart in action. This is the very reason i believe GOD called us into Real Estate.... to help the poor. We service areas most Realtors wouldn't want to service. I am currently working with a city the Lord gave me to pray for in December of 2006. Since that time, the city has been in preparation for major changes and GOD has me in the midst of it all.
This is the most exciting thing for me..... being able to reach designated folks for the Lord. It blesses me to hear of someone else doing it also. (SO MANY REALTOR BRAG ABOUT SALES - NOT SOULS)
Blessings to you, your wife, your family and all the ones GOD places in your path! Be encouraged & thanks for sharing!!!
Duane - Thanks for your kind words, and good for you. Keep it up - God gives us ministry opportunities when we are open to be vessels for Him.
Patti Ann - I agree completely. I enjoy real estate because I really do view it as a service, not just a business.
Sandy - Thanks so much for saying that. It meant a lot to me.
Hugh - Thanks for your comments, and for your blessing.
Diane - I appreciate your words and the fact that you are also on the "front lines" for God. Keep up the good work!
God bless all of you!
Mclovin is Mcgivin. You are awesome. Keep up the good work.
TRACY - Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate it very much. I think the key word is "obedience", as I am not really doing anything without God's power. Thanks for taking time to comment here.
ALAN - LOL! Thanks, man.
Jason: What a precious opportunity to really touch this family...with the Hands of Jesus. Have you ever heard the song, 'Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them'...the rest of the line is......'Till You're Ready to Love Them Too'. We are HIS HANDS AND FEET. Blessings!
Jason - I don't need to pray that Father blesses you, He already has and does every single day - that post is testimony to it; He Lives in you.
I wrote a post yesterday wondering how I could apply my business to some folks in need. I think I might be able to stop trying to "do" anything and let Him do it through me. Thanks for the reminder - to both of You.
Jackie
Jason: I'm so glad that you decided to post this in my new group Activist Rain. I think it is a perfect addition.
On another note....I did not realize you asked me who sang 'Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them Till You're Ready to Love Them Too'. It is Steve Camp. INCREDIBLE SONG!!!
i also would like to know if Jeremy is Steve Camp's son?? thanks