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 | Blogs > JustMe506 > ...Undercurrents > My Experience with Donations |
My Experience with Donations
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You know, all the denominational talk here got me thinking about my experience with receiving donations. When I worked in Christian radio ministry, our bosses had a little reminder on who was really paying us. "Thanks to the W*** listeners." I remember when I got my first paycheck, it really hit home. I went about paying bills and eating a McDonald's lunch thanking God for each listener that made that possible. I thanked Him for their (usually) sacrificial giving so I could have a paycheck in what I enjoyed to do so much. The last question I had was what denomination or their personal beliefs were. I didn't ask if they made their money as bartenders or as Black Jack dealers in casino or if they smoked or were divorced or had homosexual tendencies or if they had ever sexually abused anyone or if they had an abusive temper. Nor did I think about how they were dressed and whether it was appropriate for a Christian or wonder about their language or their personal habits or whether they were given to gluttony or had porn stashed around the house or their personal computer. All I knew is that they supported our outreach and wanted to be a part of what God was doing with our radio station. ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... If we could do this in the church; be grateful for each individual and see them as created in the image of God and LOVED DEARLY by Him, would our church change for the better? ...Or would you see it as a change for the worse? |
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 11/2/2009 11:58 am |
JustMe, I appreciate your appreciation. I think, however, that you appreciate the money and the giver at a different level because all you see is the money. Someone in the church who sees the giver of the gift also sees their countless human shortcomings, and probably numerous return expectations. We humans are a complicated creature with our own needs beyond simply giving. It's a real challenge for some to give to the Lord's work without some recognition, although this is what we're asked to do. A greatful heart like yours will give many blessings.
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11/2/2009 3:28 am |
I'm really sorry if there was any harshness in my tone. I felt kind of cynical when I wrote it. However, thank you so much for your kind comments. What people gave meant so much to me. Nearly all of us at the station saw our paychecks as a privilege given to us by God through our generous listeners. We saw it as a sacred trust. Sometimes that led to arguments about station direction and what was truly good stewardship. However, conflict is good. It really helped us all in the end. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of another" or something like that. :LOL: I ended up leaving after 3 1/2 years because I felt so overwhelmed by the pressure of being a public figure. There's intense pressure that comes from living in a trust-based position to not hurt that trust. It is hard in a public position, involved with ministry or public service of some kind and the demands and pressures and expectations are high. Often higher than people realise. I know that from my own life and experience. It can be very stressful and bear quite a cost. I too had to stand back! Your post really blessed me.It's good to know others experiences sometimes, then we realise we are not alone in this battle and walk through our lives on this earth. Your post is a real encouragement. 
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11/1/2009 5:56 pm |
I'm really sorry if there was any harshness in my tone. I felt kind of cynical when I wrote it. However, thank you so much for your kind comments. What people gave meant so much to me. Nearly all of us at the station saw our paychecks as a privilege given to us by God through our generous listeners. We saw it as a sacred trust. Sometimes that led to arguments about station direction and what was truly good stewardship. However, conflict is good. It really helped us all in the end. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of another" or something like that. :LOL: I ended up leaving after 3 1/2 years because I felt so overwhelmed by the pressure of being a public figure. There's intense pressure that comes from living in a trust-based position to not hurt that trust.
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11/1/2009 4:49 pm |
Thank you for writing this. It has encouraged me so much to know how donations are appreciated from the other side, so to speak. And I love what you have written about seeing each other as forgiven sinners.....each with our daily battles and struggles with our walk with the Lord, yet having a heart for Him. GBU 
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