I thought you might like to hear a quick update on the two recent events I was showcasing here in my blog. I will give you an update on Likeminds, School of Humans and the INC/UPS events next, but for now, here's the charity and speaking update.
Real quick on David Kim's talk because my Dad didn't have too many details, over 100 men attended the Gathering of Men breakfast featuring Baja Fresh CEO David Kim this past week. My Dad said his talk was very inspirational and focused a lot on the greatness of America which allowed David and his family to become the success he is today through God's grace.
I really wish I had been there because I would have been able to give you a more informative update, but you can always buy his book, IGNITE! The 12 Values That Fuel Billionaire Success [Kindle Edition]
Here's the video to re-introduce you to him too:
My Dad was pleased with the turn-out and talk, so I'm pleased. Just thought you'd like to know.:)
Moving right along....
For those of you who aren't familiar with the Be Rich Campaign Pastor Andy Stanley has exhorted all five of his satellite churches to do, here's a link to my prior blog which goes into greater detail (with videos for those not into reading): http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2011/11/berich11-campaign-raises-17-million-for-atlanta-based-charities-in-7-days-13000-hours-of-service-and.html
Here's also the quick blurb from the main website: "As we have connected our attendees with opportunities "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18), we have formed ongoing relationships with nonprofits. We believe that these organizations are exceptional and we want to leverage our resources to help them go further, faster. It's through these nonprofits that we'll work to build a clinic, serve the poor, feed the hungry, and help children-at-risk."
CBS Atlanta picked up this story and here's their news coverage on our latest challenge to collect 25 tons of food... Great story!
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6518708
Not only did we achieve our goal to collect 25 tons of food, we exceeded it by so much (41 tons total) the food bank we collected it for didn't have space to hold it all! We have storage at our church facility and are keeping some of it for them until they're ready. Isn't that amazing?
One thing that the food bank woman mentioned in the interview is that just a few months before they were begging for help and now they're overflowing! She thought it was because in this economy people have a little more empathy for those less fortunate having experienced a tightening of the belt themselves. I would tend to agree.
So! The final numbers for our Be Rich Campaign to date according to Andy this past Sunday were, drum roll please:
Commissioned to raise $500,000 - total brought in? TWO MILLION!
Commissioned to serve 8,000 hours - total committed to? FIFTEEN THOUSAND!
Commissioned to bring in 25 tons of food - total collected? FORTY ONE TONS!
I am blown away by the generosity of the South and this church community. Andy spoke about his new goal for next year and even as he admitted it wasn't much of a sermon, I felt moved and inspired to live a bigger life next year and commit to tithing 10% of my income for the entire 2012 as he asked us to do.
He said the reason we were able to be so generous during our Be Rich Campaign was because of the faithful giving people have done over the years (2.0 giving vs. 1.0 giving.) Now asking for money is always sticky and uncomfortable to do, but I believe by presenting all the wonderful ways in which our church can support so many and provide "intervention" assistance vs. "preventative" assistance, it totally makes sense.
So, Andy's challenge for 2012, should you choose to accept it wherever you are and wherever you live, is to tithe 10% of your income: Give. Save. Live.
I'll keep you posted.:) And if you're curious about Northpoint Community Church, visit us at any of the five campuses spread out all over Atlanta which you can discover here: http://www.northpoint.org/.
Here's a schedule of the upcoming messages too:
December 11 - Uncomplicating Christmas
December 18 - Random Christmas
December 24 - Christmas Eve services 9am 11am and 6pm for Buckhead (Check the site for the rest.)
December 25 - No service. Enjoy this time with your family.
And that's all she wrote! (For now. More later. Been busy writing other work-related materials, but soon.)
Have a wonderful day! I know I am!:) And for those of you who don't like exclamation points? Oh well....:)
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