After a simple prayer for help, God answered in a way only He can – through the generosity of a stranger. A family in need received exactly £200 for their rent, showing that God hears and provides in amazing ways. How can you be a blessing to those around you today?
Whilst cycling home from the daily school drop off, I noticed one of our estate community walking along the pavement looking very sad and forlorn. I pulled over and asked if everything was okay. It obviously wasn’t, so we walked the short distance back to the vicarage for a cuppa and a chat. She explained that since losing her job, her family were heavily in debt and £200 short for their rent payment that month.
I thanked her for sharing and offered a bit of practical help and signposting but explained that as a church, whilst we often help with groceries and essentials, we can’t really help with rent arrears. We had a brew and a prayer, praying that God would be the way maker in this situation. She then left and I watched her walk down the path. I remember feeling helpless and a bit overwhelmed.
However, less than an hour later, I had a phone call from a recent visitor to our church saying that he’d like to donate some money that he’d found in his desk and asked if I was at home. He came round and gave me a white envelope and left with my thanks. I then opened the envelope and inside was exactly £200 – I got goosebumps all up my arms! I called him on his mobile and shared the story of what happened that morning and he said, quite matter of fact, “Well, that’s obviously who it’s meant for.”
I took the envelope round to the lady’s house and said to her, “You’re not going to believe this, but someone has just come round and given me exactly £200 and he says it’s for you.” The lady cried with joy, because she knew without any doubt that God had heard her prayer.
Lee Higson, Oldhams Church - Bolton
Reflect
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done". Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)
Pray
Praise God for His faithfulness and provision, even in the most unexpected ways. Pray for those who are struggling with financial burdens, that they might experience God’s peace and miraculous provision. Ask for a heart that listens, a faith that trusts, and hands that are ready to give generously. Pray that stories like this inspire hope and remind us all of God’s incredible ability to meet needs through His people.
Act
Acts for you to consider today:
| Pray about where to give your time, talents or treasures, acting on it anonymously. | ||
| Reach out to someone and ask them if they need something that they’re too embarrassed or afraid to ask for. See if you can provide for this need. | ||
| Create or buy a voucher booklet that contains acts of service, and gift this for someone to use when they need it. |
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About Oldhams Church - Bolton
Oldhams Church is part of the Antioch Network Manchester, a church planting network within Manchester Diocese, located on the Oldhams Estate in Bolton, a large estate with over 800 homes. In 2014, a small group of people, part of the local parish church St Paul’s Astley Bridge, began to pray and dream about how they could plant a church within the Oldhams estate. In January 2016, after much prayerful waiting, Sunday worship started.
Their vision is to be ‘One Loving Community Shining the Light of Christ’.
Oldhams Church is a community of Jesus' followers. Seeking to become better followers of Jesus, better at sharing him with our friends and neighbours, and better at being His family.
