In January of this year, a single mother living in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her two small sons got into a car accident that totaled their only vehicle. Thankfully, every person involved in the wreck walked away from the scene alive and well, but as they drove home with her father that night, she was filled fear and anxiety about not being able to afford a car.
This single mama works hard at two jobs to try and make ends meet as well as finds creative ways to make additional income whenever she is able. Even so, life is expensive. She struggles to bring in enough income to pay all of her bills, so the thought of having to purchase a new-to-them car felt supremely overwhelming and hopeless.
But… God!
From the moment the car crashed, this mother was never without a ride or a vehicle. The Lord provided for her through community. Insurance covered a rental car that she used for a few weeks, but after insurance stopped covering this option, she was loaned cars from family and friends that carried her through this season of unknowns and prayerful seeking of solutions for her car situation long-term. Every obstacle that came between her and a promising car or financing opportunity, God used as a gentle nudge to direct her towards something BETTER.
We at 111Project firmly believe that the Church is the answer to the child welfare crisis. This story is no exception! The Lord loves to use His body to redeem, provide, and restore. When the church where this single mother and her kids attend found out about their situation, they went to work. The church set apart some funding from their benevolence fund and wanted to invite their congregation into adding to that provision for this mom. This specific church had been a CarePortal Responding Church for many years already and their Point Person posted a need on the platform specifically for their community’s “Response Team.”
Here was the request:
“We have a sweet family that consists of a single mom and 2 little boys. Mom’s car was totaled over a month ago and she has no finances towards a replacement car. Mom has been diligent, responsible, and resourceful with her finances. She works a full-time job as well as a part-time job and is working hard to get ahead, but this was an incredible set back for them. Believers Church is willing to provide $1,000 towards her car fund and we are looking for that to be matched by our church family! Please consider donating towards this need. If you have a car that you are willing to sell or donate, we would also love to discuss that option.”
At first, $500 was donated, then $100, then $50, and finally the last $350. Once the request was met, there were even more funds that came in from others who saw the request and wanted to help. Altogether, funding came in for this mom from 8 different families!
Acts 2 describes the activities of the early church like this:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
When the church comes together to share one another’s burdens, the load can be lighter for everyone. The mom was able to secure a safe car and her burden was lifted by her church family. Without CarePortal, the people who helped would have never known about this need and never been invited to help. Their obedience helped this mom and her children, but it also produced joy for those who participated in helping. This is God’s plan for the church! To share one another’s burdens, bring him glory, and live out being a disciple.
This same mom who received so much through her church was recently able to give back through CarePortal. She had a dresser to give and found a need on CarePortal. That dresser went to a young couple working to reunify with their baby girl. The circle of giving is a beautiful thing and inspires all those who see it.
If you want to learn more about how your church can use CarePortal for internal needs, we would love to help you! Email us at info@111project.org to learn more.
We will have a breakout session devoted to this topic at our 1Day/1Night Conference this Fall. Register today for free at 111project.org/1day1night.
