The $25 Million Question

​By Kevin Van Wyk
 
I don't know about you, but I am very weary of questions about Covid and the election. Was there fraud? Will the vaccine work? Should I get the vaccine? Will Biden make us all wear masks? Ugh. I'm sick of all of it.
 
During my professional development week, back in November, I spent some time reading a number of different books. One of them asked a really good question that helped take me out of the Covid and the election debate pit. I used this question with the staff a couple weeks ago and then asked the consistory the same question at our December meeting.
 
So what is the question worth $25 million? Well, it's simple "What do you believe God would want us to do with $25 million?”
 
No, we don't have $25 million, but it's a great question to consider. Too often I believe when we think about the future, we fret over the amount of money we might need and don't have. This stunts our ability to dream, to consider what God wants to do with and through us. One deacon figured it would be pretty easy for us to spend $1 million just on our building. 
 
So, we worry about not having enough to pay for what must be done, when we should be trusting God to do far more. 

• We can’t imagine funding a new orphanage in Kenya, when we can’t fix the ceiling.
• We can’t imagine planting a church in Fairwater when we can’t fix the parking lot.

Fortunately, Alto has a “can-do” mentality. We will get these essential projects paid for just as we paid to replace the boiler, add on the nursery, and a host of other building projects.
However, as with everyone, it’s hard to imagine doing more. 
 
Here’s the truth: God has $25 million. God has much more than $25 million. 
 
After seeing God provide abundantly through His people for the building of the temple, David prayed, celebrating that “Everything comes from you…” (1 Chron. 29:14) He owns it all and can do as he chooses with it.
 
Everything is God’s. He supplies our needs and enables us to give to His work. So, would you join me in praying…
1. Lord, guide our leaders to discern how to best make disciples. Make it clear what projects and ministries (here and around the world) we should  invest in.
2. Lord, prepare my heart to be a giver. I too easily worry about having enough for tomorrow and withhold giving today. Help me be generous.
 
What project, ministry, or mission do you believe God wants us to do? Nothing is too big or too crazy. (Seriously, it’s been suggested we buy a farm to train farmers and give profits to missions. Now that’s thinking outside the box!) Email me at [email protected] your thoughts so the consistory can chart a path forward.