After the final act of 40acts, something happens. The emails stop. The calendar resets. The rhythm slows. But generosity? That keeps moving. And one of the most powerful ways it moves forward is through story.
Stories don’t just retell events – they spark imagination. They encourage. They reveal God’s grace in real-life ways, and when it comes to generosity, stories often light the match for someone else’s giving.
Think about it: how many times have you been stirred into action by hearing how someone else gave or served or trusted God with what they had?
Jesus Himself taught through stories, and many of the early church’s movements were shared through direct testimony. We tell stories not to boast, but to bear witness.
A post-it note that reached thousands
As part of 40acts, Rachel left a handwritten post-it note of encouragement on a local noticeboard – something small and thoughtful for others on the school run. But she worried: what if someone sees it as littering?
Instead, a passer-by was moved by the message. It ended up being mentioned in the local newspaper, and something that started as a quiet act of kindness reached far deeper into the community.
“How amazing that something I meant for a few people to see on the school run has now gone out to thousands of houses.”
A coffee that became a calling
One participant shared how they felt nudged to buy a coffee for the person ahead of them in the queue. Just a very simple and small act.
But it didn’t stop there. Week after week, they returned to the same café – buying coffee, introducing themselves and offering to pray for whomever they met.
It became a quiet, powerful ministry. Conversations opened up, staff began to recognise them and something positive was established. Eventually, because of these repeated actions they took their first steps towards formalising their pastoral ministry.
“My encouragement to those doing the acts is to keep going, as you have no idea how God will use your act to bring blessing, and maybe even change your own direction in life.”
Your story matters
You don’t need a platform or a dramatic plot twist. You just need a moment – something honest, generous and real. Maybe it was a note, a meal, a prayer, or a quiet gift. Whatever it was, God can use it again through your retelling.
This month, we’re inviting you to look back and speak out. Share your generosity story. Tell someone how it felt to give. Let them know what God did in the moment or after because generosity doesn’t end when the act is over.
And we would love to hear your own 40acts story.
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Matt Holderness
Matt joined Stewardship in 2022 with over twenty years of marketing experience from roles at Kendal College and Capernwray Bible School. He has degrees in Business and Marketing, Theology, Management and most recently a Masters in Hermeneutics.
Through raising awareness of Stewardship’s various products and services, Matt helps people explore the Kingdom impact that their growing generosity can have, and helps the Church and Christian charities gather faithfully and grow purposefully.
He’s passionate about supporting Evangelism and Bible causes, and has a particular interest in charities that are helping people in Poverty and Debt in the UK.
