FROM CONSUMER TO CONTRIBUTOR LIMITLESS LIFE BLOG HOP

We are in week 4 of  the Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study of "Limitless Life" by Derwin Gray.  In the book he talks about going from consumer to contributor.  We are a military family.  Six years ago, we moved from eastern NC to western PA courtesy of the military.  We knew no one in our new community, which meant we had to find a new church.

We started our search at the church that was directly beside our new home.  My husband immediately became a contributor by helping with shoveling snow from the sidewalks.  Then he started preaching when necessary - he is an ordained minister.  The people were fantastic and we loved the church, but there were no other children for ours to interact with.  At the time, my sons had activities they were involved in, but my daughter did not really have any.

So I started investigating programs for her and found out about Missionettes.  So we visited our local Assembly of God church so she could see if she liked the program.  At first just our daughter, my husband and I went, but we were told they had activities the same night for our sons, while my husband and I attended their Bible study.  Soon we were attending the church and consuming the things they had to offer.  But we are not ones who like to sit on the sidelines at church, so we began to find ways to help out.  Dennis, my husband, helped with ushering and doing things he could.  I began to help where I could as well.  Before we knew what was happening, we were teaching a Sunday School class for the teens.  All of my sons and husband were helping with ushering.  Our family that sings a capella sang songs at various times.  We also assisted with Vacation Bible School and various other festivals.  I eventually became a Sunday School officer for a short time.  On occasion, my husband filled in for the preacher.  I became the leader for the Missionettes.  We also assisted with services at Weatherwood Manor - a place for Seniors to reside.  At this church, I saw my husband baptize our two oldest sons with our pastor's blessing.  The church became our family and we were meaningful participants.  We went from consuming what the church had to offer to contributors.  It feels right to use the gifts and talents God has given us for His glory and honor.