Topics: Blessings; Cooperation; Finances; Giving; Money; Sowing and Reaping; Stewardship; Talents; Testing God; Tithing; Vision
References: Malachi 3:10; Matthew 16:18; 25:14–30; Luke 19; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:10
St. Peter and St. Mary’s Church in Stowmarket, England, needed repairs. So in December 2005, Reverend Michael Eden challenged his congregation to raise money with an application of the parable of the talents.
He gave each of the ninety parishioners 10 pounds (about $18) and instructed them to “go forth and multiply.” That’s what the people did. One person bought baking ingredients and made over $750 selling cakes and scones. Another bought wool and earned $138 selling scarves. In the end, the church raised more than $9,200.
Commenting on his unusual plan, Reverend Eden observed, “God gives us all sorts of things but does not expect us to waste them and do nothing.”
—“It Wasn’t All Bad,” The Week (May 12, 2006)