What Is The Kingdom Assignment?

The Kingdom Assignment

On Sunday, October 14, I did something that I had never done before...and way outside my comfort zone. At the end of the worship service, in which I had preached on how there is a direct connection between our love for God and our giving, I stepped out from behind the pulpit to the center of the sanctuary. I told the parable that Jesus told which we know as "The Parable of the Talents." It tells about a man who was going away on a journey and before leaving entrusted his business affairs to his servants. To one servant he gave five talents, to another two talents and to a third one talent. (You can read the parable in Matthew 25:14-30.)

I then said to the congregation, "I would like to make this parable come alive for us, and to do that I want to ask for some volunteers to undertake a Kingdom Assignment." At the early service I asked for 10 volunteers; at the late service I asked for 20 volunteers.

I had no idea if anyone would respond-we Presbyterians have a reputation for being slow to step forward in situations like that. I was prepared, if necessary, to call people by name and ask them to volunteer.

To my surprise and joy, people willingly, quickly, eagerly came forward: eleven at the early service and twenty at the late service, giving us a total of 31 people who were undertaking this kingdom assignment.

I then handed to each person a $100 bill. And said, "This is not my money; it's not the church's money; it's not even your money. It's God's money, and God is entrusting it to you and asking that you use it in some way that will be a blessing to God's kingdom." I had no intention of trying to limit or direct how people might use the money. I never had any expectation that it was some sort of fund-raiser to bring back money into the church's coffers. How each person chose to use the money was between themselves and God.

The effect of this Kingdom Assignment project has been phenomenal. It has generated a great deal of conversation and support from people well beyond the original 31 volunteers. My prayer is that this commitment to do something for the good of God's kingdom will not end here.

Chuck Williamson

Kingdom Assignment - Mike Barnes

When I first walked up to the front that morning, I was shocked with the assignment dealt out by Chuck. I remember afterwards thinking, "What can I do to further God's Kingdom?" I mulled over different thoughts and ideas over several days. I received ideas and advice from many people. Several initial thoughts and partnerships with other "assignees" intruded upon works of the stewardship committee; therefore I had to revise my initial plan. My first cohesive thought was to do an outreach to the surrounding community. I wanted people to share my faith and experience at PPC in the hopes that others may decide to make PPC their church. Perhaps a "Door to Door" mission.

So, I decided to purchase seed packs and produce flyers about PPC. My plan was to go door to door in the new communities "spreading the word" and asking neighbors to come plant their seeds with us. Then I realized that $100 was not enough money to accomplish this task. I had previously received an idea to produce a PPC license plate as a revenue generator for my base plan. Then I realize that the Plates themselves could be evangelical tool toward God's Plan in our community.

I did research on the internet, found companies that produce the plates and proceeded to ask for "mock ups" for the plates. With the help of Chuck, we reviewed the numerous choices and chose a style that embodied our church.

Presently, we are preordering the plates to get a quantity and plan to get Judy Clinton to set up an account for the receipts upon completion of the initial order. We are offering the PPC Vanity Plates for $15/ea and plan to place the initial order the week of Jan 28. I plan to double the preorder quantity, so we can have extra plates to share with new members. If you wish to preorder one or more plates, please contact me by phone or via email at mbarnes@atlanticindustries.us

With the remaining funds, I plan to help fund small projects around the church and complete my "Door to Door" mission to invite new neighbors in our growing community to come and experience Philadelphia Presbyterian. Hopefully, upon completion, we will add new members to our growing church family.

PLATES FOR THE KINGDOM

Show your PPC spirit to the outside world by displaying a PPC Plate on the front of your car. The cost is $15 per plate. Plates are screen-printed for maximum durability on .024-gauge, corrosion-proof, flat/unembossed glossy aluminum (won't crack, curl, warp or break like plastic). Inks used are glossy, outdoor-grade, and guaranteed against any undue fading for 5-7 years, with first-rate appearance on top of the glossy tag surface.

We are pre-selling the plates to get the best unit cost available.

$15 - ORDER YOURS TODAY!

Order yours today by calling Mike Barnes. Check the bulletin boards around the church for more details and a picture of the plate. funds raised will help fund church related outreach

Kingdom Assignment
Jody Briner, Catherine Goetchius, Rocky Hoffner, Rick Davis

Philadelphia Presbyterian Church is growing! Visitors and new members are streaming onto our wonderful church campus more now than they ever have. Philadelphia Church is no longer a small and closed community. We admit to ourselves that we no longer know everybody. Member name tags will allow everyone to be approachable and open to our visitors and new members.

David and Summer Bohm, Catherine Goetchius, Rocky Hoffner, and Jody Briner will strive to build a process that will partner with Membership Services, Philadelphia's church office, and the entire church, providing a high-quality name tag for each member.

Kigndom Assignment - John Cervantes

In August 2005, my wife Amy and I created a program called Birthday Blessings to help homeless and displaced children celebrate their birthdays. Birthday Blessings helps recognize and celebrate the lives of these children, bringing much-needed cheer to kids who are in the midst of the most unstable times in their lives. Every month, we go to the Salvation Army Center of Hope and provide a birthday party for the kids who are living there. As many as 40 kids gather together to celebrate with the children who have birthdays in that month. The room is decorated, special programs and activities are planned; there are birthday presents, cake, juice, and party favors for everyone. This year, we will begin expanding the program to reach additional children living at Charlotte Emergency Housing.

We have three main goals for the Birthday Blessings program:

1. To lift spirits and promote a sense of self-worth

2. To provide educational and enrichment experiences

3. To help supplement basic needs

As I accepted the PPC Kingdom Assignment, I knew right away that I wanted to use the money for the homeless kids that Birthday Blessings supports. I asked several people at work to match the Kingdom money I had received, and together we were able to raise enough money to help supplement some basic needs for the kids. With the cold winter weather setting in, they need extra underclothes and socks. The children will receive these items at our January Birthday Blessings party.

Amy and I thank God for the many blessings in our life, and we feel particularly blessed to be able to help support others who have much less. "Let us not love with words and tongue, but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:17

birthdayblessings.org

Kingdom Assignment - Janet Daniel

The Ten Talents, Awesome Volunteers, and the Evangelism and New Member Committee Enrich God's Kingdom

When I initially received the money I was truly excited; however, within moments I whispered to Judy Jones, "What have we done?" But God is in charge, so as soon as I walked out of the early service on October 14, Barbara Williamson asked me if she could partner with me on the Kingdom Assignment. Barbara had seen an unmet need at Philadelphia a few weeks earlier, so she already had an idea of ways to use the gift to further God's kingdom here at our church. As a result, both of us began praying and asking God to guide us in the Kingdom Assignment.

Within the week Mardy Watson emailed me and offered her help along with her husband Tom's help. I took her up on this offer, too. After much prayer, a team of "talented" folks came together and we met in early November to develop a plan to enrich God's kingdom at Philadelphia. The Ten Talents Team members include Joyce and Mike Bain, Clark and Linda Davenport, Tom and Evelyn Moore, Tom and Mardy Watson, Barbara Williamson and Janet Daniel. Our Team has developed a vision to enrich God's Kingdom through the efforts of volunteers, some financial resources, and equipment and supplies. We envision Philadelphia Presbyterian Church as a house of worship where visitors and current members will see the face of God as they enter the campus. They will be greeted warmly with sincere Christian love, offered personal assistance, taken or directed to specific locations on campus, as needed, and have access to maps, umbrellas and signage to facilitate movement around our church campus.

After the initial Team meeting, several of us attended the Officers' Planning Retreat where the Session and Diaconate discussed, unknowingly, many of the same issues that the Talents Team had discussed earlier. We believe the discussion at the Retreat affirmed where God was leading us in our Kingdom Assignment.

We have been diligent in our quest, so we participated in the Evangelism New Member Committee (ENM) meeting in November and in December to understand the committee's priorities. We heard about their programs to establish Welcome Centers and the Greeter and Helpers program. In addition to attending the ENM meeting, the Talents Team has sought advice and recommendations from two safety officials: Sergeant John Rowell of the Mint Hill Police performed a safety walk through of Philadelphia Church on December 13. The team met later to talk with John Hawn, Captain of the Police Department at UNC Charlotte, to discuss his previous experiences with establishing a walkie-talkie telecommunication system on the campus grounds/parking lots to serve worshippers prior to church services. Further, our team has met with a representative of Building and Grounds about the committee's priorities for the upcoming year, too.

All of the Team members are praying daily. Several members of the Talents Team are currently assisting the ENM Committee members (under the leadership of Mike Barkley, Doug Duncan and Ron Pelt) to staff the parking lots, the steps that lead into the entrance areas of the sanctuary and chapel buildings, and the nursery area to welcome visitors and members and escort or give them directions to desired places on campus. At the main entrances to the chapel, educational building, the sanctuary and the nursery, volunteer helpers/greeters have walkie-talkies to assist worshippers; Barry Long has donated additional devices for the Greeter/Helper Program. Upon request from the team, the ENM Committee purchased six dry erase directional signs ($675) to be used on campus (inside and outside) for services and programs; Clark Davenport selected and ENM purchased six neon vests ($120) for helpers to wear in their roles as greeters. Further, Marlene Jones volunteered to order two dozen umbrellas ($250) to be screen printed by CM Enterprises; the PPC Logo is one designed by Angie Edwards. With Judy Clinton?s assistance, the ENM Committee has purchased six umbrella stands ($775) for campus. (We are praying for more rain, too!) The team is working now with Judy and Jason Clinton to develop a new, detailed map of the PPC campus to be printed in Spring of 2008. We plan to use the small map for visitors' packets and also to enlarge the map and display multiple copies in frames in several strategic locations on our campus.

As a committed group, we stay in touch on an almost daily basis and we believe the most important result of our "talent" is growing God's kingdom at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. Clearly, this is occurring in many ways. We are in awe of God's grace and provision of each need through donations and volunteers! Growth has been in us, too, as individuals as we mature in our desire to understand God's will for us. We believe we are making our church, community, and world a better place. We believe current and prospective members will know "we are Christians by our love." We expect this program to expand and we anticipate securing additional volunteers and funds, as needed, to carry out this on-going mission for God?s church at Philadelphia.

We believe there are many unspoken needs in our own church family. Because our congregation knows our mission, we will grow in their hearts and minds as we are shown their needs and respond to each one. We ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us and to join us as we all continue to grow God's Kingdom wherever and whenever needed.

Kingdom Assignment - Tim Donoghue

I struggled mightily with this assignment. My temptation was to multiply this money and then put it to use. I had a high degree of confidence that I could do that if I had the time to commit to it. Ultimately I decided that I did not have the time to multiply the funds so I chose to do something that I have wanted to do for the past year or so but never did.

I have long felt that among the many things that we take for granted in this country are our public servants-specifically members of our armed forces, police, fire and medics. I firmly believe that just a simple, unsolicited "Thank You" makes a world of difference for these people. I was in Fayetteville, NC on business last year and saw many soldiers in town as you might imagine. As I watched these people go about their business, I began to think deeper than I might normally think. I began to see husbands and wives preparing to leave each other and their children for extended periods of time. I began to think about how that would affect my family if one of us had to leave for a year.

I saw sons and daughters and fianc�s and brothers and sisters instead of soldiers. I knew that some of these sons and daughters and husbands and wives would not come back. I knew that they may leave widows or fatherless children. This got me thinking about what our police men and women have to endure. It made me think about what fire fighters risk and medics too. Many of us see the police as ?enemies? (so to speak) as someone who is trying to catch us speeding while we desperately try to get somewhere on time. Most times we don?t see the police as someone who may be dragged along side of a car he or she stopped for speeding or someone who is likely to be shot at while trying to keep the rest of us safe.

I walked up to a couple of soldiers at a convenience store while on my trip in Fayetteville and reached out my hand and shook theirs while saying "Thank You" and nothing more. They of course politely responded with firm handshakes by saying "Thank You, Sir". It seemed to me that they were thanking me, for thanking them. Something in their eyes seemed to say. ?I understand that you understand what we risk, and we appreciate you taking the 5 seconds to tell us.? It made me feel terrific, and I hope that it made them feel good too. So...out of all of that comes this:

I used the $100.00 to create a few thousand business card sized Thank You cards. There are branches of the armed forces, police, fire, medic listed on the front. On the back is a brief "thank you" message which endeavors to let these people know that we understand the risks that they take and the sacrifices they make, many in the name of keeping all of us safe. I consulted with a Lt. Col. in the army who thought that this idea was a good one and would really make these people feel good if they were to receive such a "thank you" message. I should have 2,500 of these cards available to bring to church on Kingdom Assignment Sunday.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this.

Kingdom Assignment - Angie Edwards

I didn't hesitate to go forward and accept the "kingdom assignment" when my pastor, Chuck Williamson, asked for volunteers. After he handed me the one-hundred dollar bill, one thought that continually stayed with me was this: I want to be active with this money. In other words, I didn't want to just donate it to an organization or service project. If I should decide to give it to a homeless shelter, then I would also want to volunteer at the shelter. Although I didn't know exactly how I would eventually use the "kingdom" money, I did know that I wanted to be active with it.

One of the first ideas I had was to create or purchase a labyrinth for Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. Labyrinths are spiritual tools designed to help us stay focused on prayer and meditation and to help us view our spiritual journeys as a continuous path. I have had the privilege several times to walk a labyrinth at the spirituality center during the Montreat Youth Conferences. Recently I also walked the labyrinth at Myers Park Baptist Church. These experiences always provide opportunities for personal prayer and reflection.

It occurred to me that we at PPC could possibly have the concrete circle in the courtyard or the grassy area in the circle in front of the sanctuary made into a labyrinth. After a little research, I discovered that there are very few labyrinths located in the greater Charlotte area. Since I wasn't sure how I was going to get this project off the ground, I continued to be open to different ideas. I certainly haven't given up on the idea of having a labyrinth a PPC; however, it may just be a "kingdom assignment" for another time.

Other options included joining forces with others who had accepted a "kingdom assignment." I even asked the children at Wonderful Wednesdays what they thought I should do with the money. Then another idea came to me originating from my recent visit Myers Park Baptist Church. Around the church, they have beautifully painted, aluminum trashcans for recycling. They recycle everything from batteries to tennis rackets. I've often thought that we need to recycle at Philadelphia Church so that we can be better stewards of our environment.
After much prayer and trying to be open to the various possibilities for my "kingdom" money, I have decided to use it towards "Project Homecoming" in New Orleans. I have been fortunate enough to serve on both PhilaNOLA mission teams in 2007. In October we worked to restore the home of Erline Brooks, who is scheduled to move back into her home at the end of January. Recently I spoke with her by phone and I asked her what she needed for her home. She has no furnishings at all, so basically, Erline needs everything. I explained to her that PPC had worked on her home in October and that we would like to help make her house a home. The items she mentioned that she needs most immediately are pots, pans, and linens. With this project in mind, I decided to create (with the help of office staff - Judy Clinton, Cynthia Stokes, Sonia Lee) a window sticker for cars with the Presbyterian seal and our church name. I thought of this not only as a fundraiser, but as a way to advertise PPC and evangelize. My hope is that every member will purchase one (or more) for their vehicles, so that we can continue to help those in New Orleans move back into their homes.

Philadelphia Presbyterian Sticker - $5

STICKERS AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE

Kingdom Assignment - Susan Griffin

I was an usher the day Chuck asked for volunteers to come forward. I was standing at the narthex listening to Chuck. Someone who had been at the early service said, "You're probably going to want to go up for this." So I did, and I am glad.

It was exciting to hear the ideas of others who also took this challenge. I seemed however, to be pondering on my Kingdom Assignment for a very long time. It wasn't that I couldn't think of ideas, it was that I couldn't stop thinking of ideas!! I convinced myself that Chuck's next sermon would be "Why Susan Buried the Talent".

But God spoke to my heart in His own timing. I had been discussing a matter of concern for a few years, and had even taken the issue to the Christian Education Committee, but we had not taken action yet. So I decided to pursue it further as my Kingdom Assignment. The matter at hand was the children's hallways in the lower administration building. I had helped paint the rotunda and the walls in the Bible Marketplace. The other three hallways however, were still stark white and empty. This appears very child un-friendly. So, what to do?

I had always thought it would be nice to have a way to hang up artwork and post church news and upcoming activities. Dennis and Debbie Connell became the answer to my prayers. Dennis sells a product called Traxx Systems which is a customized versatile combination of fabric bulletin boards and white boards. After seeing his samples of beautiful colors and textures, I was sold. Dennis was able to provide materials for all three walls at an affordable price. I am so grateful to Dennis and Debbie for their time and contribution to this project. I also appreciate others who have been involved with this Kingdom Assignment: Dave and Karen O'Brien, Jeannine Mayberry, Barbara Williamson, and Becky Griffin. We hope this addition to the children's wing will enhance and further God's Kingdom for all His children at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church.

Kingdom Assignment - Tony Griffin

I remember feeling several emotions as Chuck called for volunteers from the congregation. I was excited, nervous and eager. When he presented each of us with God's $100.00, my mind raced with opportunities. I knew I could figure out how to use the parable of the talents and multiply the money for God. I prayed that night that I would find a way to be faithful to Chuck's instructions. Those first few days were about what "I could do." My focus changed after those first few days. What could God do with His money if I listened to Him and became His instrument. It wasn't about me; it was about Him.

I felt I needed prayer help so I emailed 40 of my friends who are not members of Philadelphia. In the email I requested three things: 1) Pray that God would direct my use of the money and that I would listen and act faithfully; 2) Pray that God would work through them to show me ways to use the money; and 3) Prayerfully consider helping me to multiply the talents for God's use. I told them that I would match anything I received for the Kingdom Assignment. I immediately received a phone call from one of my friends that said he would do all three. Over the next few weeks I was overwhelmed with the response of friends who said they would pray for me and support the Kingdom Assignment.

To date God has turned His $100.00 into $ 24,529.00.

How I used God's money:

$300.00

I asked Julie, Emily, Abbey, Ike and Moses to help me. I also gave Emily, Abbey and Ike $100.00 each and challenged them in the same way Chuck challenged us.

Allegro Foundation - Emily supported the Allegro Foundation - a Champion for Children with Disabilities. The Allegro Foundation is a non-profit organization that combines movement instruction with educational and medical expertise, creating a new vehicle to teach children with disabilities and enhance their quality of life. Emily donated over 60 hours of her time to work with her partner, Adam. Together they performed in the Singing Christmas Tree and at Barnes and Noble. Emily donated her money to Allegro in Adam's honor. See www.allegrofoundation.net.

Free Wheel Chair Mission - Abbey bought 2 wheel chairs through www.freewheelchairmission.org

Cub Scouts - Ike plans on using his $100.00 to establish a program at Philadelphia to recycle Cub Scout uniforms to Cub Scout Packs that can't afford to purchase them. He is still working on this.

$5,585.00

Free Wheel Chair Mission - I purchased 115 wheel chairs that will be distributed to disabled men, women and children in third world countries. The chairs cost $48.35 each to make and distribute. I learned of this ministry through a program I participate in called The Master's Program. 20,000,000 people world-wide are in need of wheel chairs. These chairs are rugged, rough terrain vehicles that allow persons with disabilities to have mobility, dignity and purpose in life. Through a wheel chair, you can share the love of God with someone who may have felt unloved and unwanted. All of this can be done for less than a dinner for two at a nice Charlotte restaurant. PLEASE VISIT www.freewheelchairmission.org

$5,000.00
The Isaiah 6 Project, The Charlotte Eagles - I supported The Charlotte Eagles Isaiah 6 Project (Here I Am! Send Me Is 6:8). The Charlotte Eagles are a Christian soccer team that competes in a professional soccer league. This money will be used to sponsor bringing a man from Chile, Gustavo Bentos to Charlotte to participate with the Eagles. The Isaiah 6 Project enables players to share their faith with others while participating in soccer. They then go out and share their belief in their home countries. Soccer is the most popular sport in Central America and in the world. Gustavo's goal is to learn the teachings of the Eagles and then return to his home country to teach Christianity through soccer. Gustavo and his wife, Carolina, will affect countless people by sharing their faith in their home country. They are extremely excited about learning how to share their faith through a medium that touches so many lives in Chile. Please see www.charlotteeagles.org

$100.00
Guatemala Balls and Dolls - I purchased 22 soccer balls and 36 baby dolls. Mark Steffans, Head Coach of the Charlotte Eagles, gave me soccer balls and supplies. I took these to Guatemala on a recent trip and handed them out to boys and girls in 2 different towns. I told the children "Jesus loves you" and "Merry Christmas from Jesus" in Spanish when I gave them the balls and dolls. While the conditions these children live in were horrific by our standards, the smiles on their faces when they received these small gifts from God were truly priceless.

$13,544.00

The Seed Company - This money finished the Bible translation for the Amiya people in Africa through The Seed Company. The Seed Company is associated with Wycliffe Bible Translators. David Reeves, a friend of mine, was a missionary in Indonesia for 18 years. He recently came to work at JAARS in Waxhaw. JAARS provides quality technical support services and resources to speed Bible translation for all people. At a meeting of our Master's Program David told me he had received my email and had some ideas for the Kingdom Assignment money. Since he had just returned from mission work he didn't have much money but was going to fast for a day and give me the $5.00 he saved by fasting. What a gesture! He put me in contact with Marty Sanders at JAARS about possible uses for the Kingdom Assignment money. Marty explained that there are 6,900 languages in the world and the Bible has been translated into approximately 2,900 languages. About 200 million people do not have the Bible in their own language. Many cultures don't even have a written language so translators must go in, learn the language and culture, establish a written language, translate the Bible and then teach the people the written language and the Bible. This process usually takes 10-15 years depending on the translator's understanding of the language.

The total cost of a translation project is approximately $150,000.00. The Amiya project was lacking $13,544.00 to complete the translation. There are 2.2 million people in the Amiyan culture in central Africa. David has recently been named president of JAARS. After I told him I wanted to support the Amiyan translation, he told me that he had chosen the day of my meeting with Marty as his day of fasting and prayer. He prayed that God's will would be to use the money for the completion of this project. This money completes the Amiyan Bible translation project.

What I Learned

It truly is "More blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

I underestimate God's ability.

I can't even fathom what is possible with God, but I know my lack of vision limits what God is capable of doing through and for me.

God is Great!!!!

Asking for prayer help shows strength, not weakness.

We are tools, and have tools that are limitless through God.

God can affect millions with $100.00.

The whole working together is greater than the sum of the parts working separately.

I am very blessed.

It truly is "More blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

Kingdom Assignment - Cindi Hoffner

When I was first given the money, I had two first thoughts - what was I ever going to do to use my talents to further God's kingdom, and I wished that both Rocky and I had not BOTH stood up when Chuck asked for volunteers. After a few minutes, the first idea that I had was the one I eventually enacted after several days of prayerful consideration. One problem was that I had to act fast for a couple of reasons - the timing of the Presbyterian Women's Bazaar and to prevent my efforts for the kingdom project from becoming a burden with my normal schedule.

What I choose to do was try an idea that Barbara Williamson said had worked well at a previous church - to sell pre-cooked entrees in addition to baked goods at the Bazaar. As I was talking through my ideas with Jane Long, she volunteered to help me make some of the items and I believe if we had more than a couple of weeks notice, we could have expanded the menu greatly. I used the $100 to buy the meat and containers for the entrees and we donated some of our own ingredients and supplies. We made doubled or quadrupled batches of favorite family recipes, packaged thm in sizes from 4-8 servings, froze them, and sold them at the Bazaar for a total of $443. Since that time, I have sold 3 packages of a popular recipe for another $30 in profits for a total of $473. Jane and I are considering continuing our efforts in 2008 on an order basis and have also discussed methods of continuing and expanding the idea with the Presbyterian Women. Hopefully, these entrees will encourage the purchasers to sit down together and enjoy a family meal - a simple occasion that is rapidly getting lost as our lives get more hectic.

I feel very strongly about the value of Youth Mission work at our church and have chosen to use the proceeds from my kingdom assignment to support that effort. Youth missions offer strong backs and eager volunteers to share Christ love with people who desperately need Christ and the help offered by the volunteers. The Group Work Camps our youth have attended pre-screen the recipients, help gather supplies, provide a place for the volunteers to stay and most of their meals, and offer evening worship and fellowship activities for the youth and adult chaperones. One primary benefit for the youth is a chance to form Christian community with others from our own church and from across the United States. I have witnessed in my own children their spiritual growth as they get out their protected corner of Mint Hill and help their neighbors. I want to continue to support and further youth mission work at our church now that my children have "graduated" from the youth program.

Kingdom Assignment - Tamara Jetton

When I was considering what I could possibly do for the Kingdom Assignment, I happened to speak with Ken and Sheila Cloaninger whose son Grant is a graduate of West Point Military Academy. As I spoke with the Cloaningers, I felt God was leading me to the answer! I wanted to show appreciation to the U.S. Military! Grant's former West Point classmate, Officer Rob Davis, leads a platoon of soldiers in Iraq. The Cloaninger family and Officer Davis were able to provide me with a list of important names: 30 soldiers serving our country faithfully in Iraq. The soldiers gladly hand out gifts to the children in Iraq. My assignment would be to make gift boxes for all those soldiers as well as an additional box for each to give to a child in need.

Members of other Sunday School classes got involved. Over 20 families helped with the project. Ken Cloaninger involved the Mint Hill Rotary Club, which generated even more support and materials for the boxes. On November 4, just a few weeks after we began the project, sent out flyers, and collected the items and donations, we were ready to "stuff" all the boxes for our soldiers and the children. What a joy it was to fill these boxes with much needed items.

It took a truck to carry all the filled boxes, and over 4 hours to attach the customs forms and pre-addressed labels. As I stood in the post office, people kept asking, "Where are ALL those boxes going?" I was very proud to say they were from Philadelphia Presbyterian Church and the surrounding community.

In summary, the $100 that was given to me to enrich God's Kingdom grew to an amazing $3000+ that showed God's love to 30 soldiers and 30 Iraqi children. What a blessing to give, but I think a greater blessing was received in the giving. I was reminded of the danger our soldiers are facing everyday in Iraq when I learned that one of the soldiers, whose name I was given, lost her life before her box arrived.

We did receive thank you notes from some of the soldiers expressing their gratitude. Here are a few quotes from some of the letters we received:

"I feel like it's Christmas."

"Thank you for your support, thoughts, & prayers."

"It's wonderful that you are thinking of us."

"We have too few comforts here & having support from home means the world.?

?We are so grateful that, even a world away, we are in your prayers."

I want to thank all the people who graciously gave their support to this project. All the support and love shown during this project was confirmation to me that God's light is present in His people.

Kingdom Assignment - Judy Jones

Matthew 25:40 was the basis for my thoughts and prayers.

Jesus said "I tell you the truth, whatever you have done for the least of these my brothers, you have done for me"

When I accepted the $100 for my Kingdom Assignment I immediately thought of the elderly. As I prayed and listened, I never could come up with something that I felt was the right thing to do. About mid December I heard about the annual "Largest Baby Shower" that the Christian radio station New Life 91.9 sponsors each January. As I contemplated this as my assignment, I immediately thought of 3 little girls. Each of these beautiful children of God came into this world under difficult circumstances. Each of these babies would have had a very different life had it not been for their loving grandparents and church family. I then thought of the many, many other children that are born without love and support. That was going to my assignment.

I invited about 30 close friends to come to a Baby Shower at my house. It was a chance to fellowship with each other and enjoy lots of wonderful food and drink. The requirements for attendance were: 1) bring a baby item valued at $15 or more per person (or a cash donation at the door), 2) bring an appetizer to share, and 3) come to celebrate our blessings and the joy of sharing.

We had pink and blue balloons, a baby shower cake and LOTS of other wonderful food and specialty drinks and of course a table for the "gifts". It was a wonderful evening!

To date, here is a list of what has been collected:

576 newborn diapers, 704 baby wipes, 1 baby bath/lotion set, 1 baby tub, 1 bottle warmer, 3 bottles, 7 baby washcloths, 2 hooded bath towels, 10 pacifiers, 18 sleepers, 12 onesys, 8 one-piece outfits, 15 receiving blankets, 1 swaddling blanket, 6 undershirts and $415 to donate for layette needs. All will be given to the Charlotte Crisis Pregnancy Center on 4^th Street.

It has been such an honor and privilege to participate in this Kingdom Assignment and I look forward to continued service in building up Our Lord's Kingdom

Kingdom Assignment - Debbe King

I made some new Children's Worship Bags.

The company that we originally got those from the first time, still makes the bags but they have changed to a fabric that literally comes apart in about 6 weeks average. I have been wanting to provide something more durable for a really long time but no company seems to make the right type of little bag in the right size. So .....

Using the $100 I was able to purchase the fabric for 60 new bags plus the thread and the stuff for the handles.

My sister has designed the logo and put it in the format on CD for the printer. She is a graphic artist by trade as well as a musician so she donated her time and talent.

My sister (Gigi) also helped me to find a screen printer up in Mooresville that will do this for me after Christmas and is giving me a 'church discount'. Even though the printing is going to run just a tad over the money that I have, I am still getting this done at a huge savings.

Once the printing is done my mother and I are going to sew them together and then I am going to replace all the ones that we now use with new bags.

I am hoping to have these done by the end of January if not before.

There is a little bit more to the tale of that $100, but I just wanted to let you know what I was doing. I know how much those little folks like to have those worship bags, and their parents have thanked me many times so I know they appreciate them too. That's why I felt like this was a very worthwhile use of that money.

Kingdom Assignments - Dick Lamb

The Sunday morning that you called for 20 people to come down was the beginning of a somewhat intriguing trip. I have no idea why I went down. I really thought you were going to have an altar call in a mossback Presbyterian Church.

When you gave me the $100.00 and charged us, I knew I was had! When you said that the money did not come from you or the Church, I felt that it wasn't mine to give away. I just didn't see how I could get any personal pleasure or Christian growth out of someone else's money.

I decided to take something that was mine and use it to do some good. Jean gave me a Remington Model 1100 12-gauge shotgun 32 years ago for Christmas. I decided to raffle it for $5.00 per ticket. I thought of this while we were standing in the Church. I promise you, the first person I approached while I was cleaning up the Sanctuary that Sunday was my good buddy, Emily Bauermeister. Before I could say a word, she said, "Dick, we're moving from Mint Hill, and I want to give some money to the Church for you and Mickey for moving the organ to my house." She was my first customer.

I read the Bible as instructed, but I really wasn't sure what God had planned for me regarding my Kingdom Assignment. I prayed to God, thanking Him for what He had done for me, my family, and friends. God is, has been, and will be good to me. That is all I can ask or deserve.

I could have taken the money and fed the hungry, but when the food is gone, the money is gone. I could have bought shoes for the poor, but as soon as the shoes are worn out, the money is gone.

I know I had some outside help because the second person I approached said he would buy $1000.00 worth of tickets and I didn't even have a gun on him!

I'm going to give you the $100.00 back since I couldn't think of a good way to spend it. The money will be for the good of God's house. One project that I am having done is replacing the exterior French doors in Bigham Hall.

Kingdom Assignment - Walt Leaver

I was surprised when I received a $100 bill in Church. I am usually "game" for anything, and figured that it would be a fun assignment. An obvious starting place for me in determining how to spend the money was to involve the Cub Scouts. I am not sure what came first, but around the same time as the $100 challenge, I received a call from the Church asking if our Pack could help clean the cemetery. I thought that this outlet would be rewarding to the Scouts, and be a prudent use of the $100. I thought this was a good use of the money on two levels. First, we probably saved the Church at least $500 to have the cemetery cleaned by a service. We took $100 and turned it into $500 worth of benefit. On a second level, we were teaching Cub Scouts reverence for the cemetery and the value of community service. These things were both good and quite rewarding.

21 Cub Scouts, along with Leaders and Parents, pulled 70 bags of trash out of the cemetery. The immediate improvement in the appearance was quite remarkable. We spent about $20 on bags, but Cub Scouts don't work for free. They work cheap, but not for free. We purchased patches (remaining funds) for all the Cub Scouts and Uniformed Leaders as part of Scouting's "Good Turn for America" program. We proudly presented them at our Pack Meeting. At this point, I figured we were done - spent the $100, saved $500, built-up some Cub Scouts. Neat, clean, done.

I missed the point. I was surprised by a third level of benefit. When my wife and I attended Tiffany Santiago's funeral, the cemetery was clean. With everything else going on, with thoughts and emotions running rampant, the cemetery was clean. When people come to honor their love ones by visiting their gravesites, maybe they will realize that somebody cares enough to clean the cemetery. Or maybe they don't think of it, and at least there are no distractions caused by unsightly litter. Either way, in a small way, we helped people during a trying time. In my opinion, we used the $100 to advance the Kingdom of God. It may seem like all we did was pick up trash, but I believe we did so much more.

Kingdom Assignment - Patsy Long

Jesus loves the little children! And anyone who knows me, knows I do too! Having volunteered in the nursery for over 40 years, I have developed a passion and love for children. I have rocked many babies here at Philadelphia. I have watched them grow into adults who had babies of their own and then I rocked their babies! Since I have no children of my own, I have simply "adopted" the children of our church. Unfortunately, my health prevents me from helping as much now.

I volunteered when Chuck gave the call because I knew I would be involved with something exciting! I was right. Once I received the $100, I went to lunch with friends to discuss what I should do with the money. It didn't take long to decide. For my Kingdom Assignment, I purchased books and stuffed animals to be given to sick children at Matthews Presbyterian Hospital. I was able to visit three children, Abraham, age 6; Caitlyn, age 6; and Lainie, age 3 months. The families of these children were happy with my visit and gifts, and it brightened the day of each child. Two children, Blake and Emilee were too sick for visitors, so their gifts were sent via nurses.

I am planning a second visit, as I still have some books and animals left, and I look forward to distributing them. A friend has recently sent me 40+ more new stuffed animals, so my Kingdom Assignment will be ongoing for awhile. I couldn't be happier, as it brightens my day too!

Kingdom Assignment - Marc McClure

When I was first given the opportunity to multiply the gift I was given for the good of God's Kingdom, I had no idea how to begin. My first instinct was to do something for children. I did not know which children. Nor did I know what I could do. I decided to take my seed of a thought to the experts...my kids. We discussed ideas over the dinner table for about a week. Then, as only divine guidance can do, the answer appeared out of the blue. I was asked by a customer if my company could help with donations of material and time to a new home for troubled single moms called The Summit House. I visited the battered old frat house they were renovating and considered what my company could do in the old place. That's when it hit me. I was talking to the director of the home, Yvette Morales, who was explaining how this corporation was giving care packages with toys, another was giving toiletries, still another was giving clothes. The question came from my lips before I realized I was asking it, "Who is giving care packages to repair these families' faith?" There was no answer. I quickly decided that the 10 mothers moving into this home along with their children would need access to God's word everyday. After a quick budgeting exercise we (Angel and the boys were key contributors) realized that we need to turn our $100 into $250 to get the children's Bibles and devotionals we wanted. A quick batch of warm apple cider and another of hot cocoa were all it took. We set up a table at the fall bazaar and the boys went into action. In 3 hours we sold about 6 gallons of warm beverages and generated all the cash we needed.

After a little red tape and a few waivers we have been cleared to visit the fully operational Summit House on January 14. We will present each of the 10 families with a copy of the same Children's Bible PPC gives to all newly baptized babies and a book of daily devotionals written especially for single mothers. The true blessing of this challenge has come to me through the enjoyment we shared as a family to make it all happen. I can not express the excitement I have to present the gifts to the ladies and explain to them why we did it. I will report again after we have made the delivery.

Kingdom Assignment - Andrew Metz

When I was given the money, I was shocked!!! I thought it was going to be about $10 dollars worth. I thought this was going to be easy until you said "to use this money to please God". That was when it got hard.

I asked a lot of people for help, but they all had their own projects to worry about so that was no help. The youth group wanted a pool table in the basement. I looked at those and they weren't cheap at all. I thought of increasing the value of the money, but didn't know how to do that.

Finally, I found this program called ARC of Mecklenburg. This United Way program creates opportunities for people with disabilities. The director (Lauren Mullis) helped me figure out what to do with the money. She said that there are many people who might not have a Christmas unless other people helped. Ms. Mullis sent me information about two boys who were sixteen years old. This information included a list of what the boys needed and wanted for Christmas. I was told to spend only $50.00 per boy. I bought each boy some clothes and games. My family helped me wrap the gifts. We sent the gifts to ARC so that they could be delivered for Christmas. I have invited Ms. Mullis to go to church with my family in January. I hope that she might help me share this "mission" with my church.

Kingdom Assignment - Joel Moore

I struggled with my kingdom assignment for quite a while. I received the money shortly before my nephew died. I thought perhaps that the money should be used for some type of youth outreach. Oddly enough, our neighbor's daughter received a kingdom assignment from her church and gave our family $300.00 to help cover meals and travel expenses during our bereavement. We were truly blessed by her gift.

I have always cherished our Room in the Inn program and I kept being drawn back to serving our neighbors in some way. Finally, I heard a request on the radio from one of the urban ministry programs in Charlotte expressing a need for extra large coats for men. I have visited four of the area Goodwill stores and gathered as many large and extra large coats as I could find. Coats are in short supply so I also purchased sweaters and sweatshirts in hopes that layers would provide relief from the elements.

Added to the outer needs will be good old fashioned long-johns and heavy socks.

I can't imagine being homeless, particularly with the prospect of enduring the type of temperatures that we experienced the first week of January. Jesus instructed us to care for those less fortunate. I think that the RITI is one ministry where we can all share our blessings and pour out our love to those in need.

If we are blessed enough to receive more than is needed, the extra items will be taken directly to the Charlotte shelters.

Kingdom Assignment - Jerry Mullis

When I accepted the challenge of the Kingdom Assignment, along with the other thirty-one members, I was at once wondering what I was getting myself into. Along with traveling all week with my employment, we are constantly trying to visit family as often as possible.

That afternoon I remembered the news article about the women's shelter closing for the renovation to accommodate the men for the winter. My reaction at the time I read the article was the usual response most of us make and move on, I wonder what I can do to help? I did nothing! The next couple of days were very busy and as I thought about the needs of the less fortunate women and their children, I knew that

was where I wanted my challenge to go. I made contact with the Urban Ministry program (Room in the Inn) and the Salvation Army Center of Hope, both of which explained the needs at this time.

I chose to approach my challenge with a letter to my friends, family and fellow church members. In this letter I explained the needs and asked that others might assist me with this challenge. I passed the letter out to Sunday School classes and others and was encouraged at the interest given. Others said they would share the letter in various ways. My letter asked that the funds be directed through our church if possible to track the response and to eliminate my observing how others accepted my challenge to them. At this time I am not sure how the response has been, but I pray that the funds that we receive can make life easier for some needy persons.

Kingdom Assignment - Dan and Becky Oke

When I stood up I had no idea what I was volunteering for... now I know why they told me in the Army to never volunteer.

At first I had the idea that I would enlist my wife, and we would raise money to replace the doors on Bigham Hall. I had been toying with this idea anyway, and this is how it started. Becky loves to sew so I asked her to make some handbags we could market and use the income to fulfill the project.

I started to market the handbags and had a very modest success. The public, it seems, is more concerned with the name on the handbag than with the quality. Nevertheless, this remains our primary source of return. We hope that as I develop a better business plan that things will pick up.

Our view of the project did undergo a change. After much prayer and discussion we decided it would be better to look for something beyond the door repair to something that would benefit the community.

Chuck mentioned we had a couple in the congregation that was working on an outreach program to abused children through the Salvation Army Center of Hope called "Birthday Blessings." After getting additional information, we have committed to assist this outreach by donating all of the proceeds in excess of actual cost for this year. "Birthday Blessings" was started by Amy & John Cervantes and seeks to bring some cheer and joy into the lives of children who are at a very difficult period in their lives by sponsoring a Birthday Party each month.

We are happy to have become a part of this Outreach.

Ladies, if you were to empty out your handbag on a table right now, what would you find? Make-up, keys, maybe a date planner and your wallet with credit cards, drivers license and a whole lot more from sewing kits to spare nylons, but would you find hope, faith, a sense of self worth, love and a little normalcy in a time of chaos? You could. When you buy one of Becky's handbags all the profit will be donated to "Birthday Blessings". This is a program started by Amy and John Cervantes, members of our congregation, to benefit the children of the homeless at the Salvation Army Center of Hope. Each month they sponsor a birthday party for the children at the Center, a party that helps them with just a small period when they can be free from the daily struggle. This is our Kingdom project. Each quality handbag is handmade with care and love by Becky. We will have samples on display near the church office.

If you would like to purchase one of Becky's bags and pass a blessing along to a child in need, just pick up one of the cards at the display and call.

We think it will be you who is blessed; we know we are for being given this opportunity.

Yours in Christ,

Dan and Becky Oke

Kingdom Assignment - Alice Pamlin

Normally, if someone handed me a $100 bill, I would have no problem spending it. However, this $100 was different. It sat on my kitchen counter for weeks as I stared at it and waited for a sign for what I was to do with it. Bo and I came up with many great ideas. Friends had wonderful suggestions for how to use the money. I just kept waiting for that moment that I would know what God was calling me to do. The one common denominator in all of our ideas was that we wanted to do something that we could continue long after the three month time period ended. Ever since I met Bo, he has always had a dream of starting a charitable organization. Together, we decided that this was the time to do it and that God had given us a little jump start. Our group is called "Friends on a Mission" and we have started the application process to become a charitable organization using some money left to me by my mother. Our goal will be to host an event each year to raise money for a local cause and also to gather friends and neighbors to provide a hands on service each year for a local group in need. We welcome anyone who would like to help in these projects or give us suggestions of groups that could use our help. The initial $100 was given as an anonymous gift to help a student in need at the school where I work. We are looking forward to continuing to serve God's Kingdom as we begin this new adventure.

Kingdom Assignment - Ron Pelt

I am not sure why I responded to Chuck's request for ten volunteers that morning in the early service. Maybe it was my respect for him, maybe it was an impulse. Whatever the reason, I suddenly found myself standing with others who had done the same. The next thing I knew I was holding a crisp 100 dollar bill, and I was told that this was God's money, not Chuck's, not the church's, and not mine. I was told to pray, to listen to what God wanted me to do with it. I heard Chuck charge the congregation to pray also. I heard someone say, "Now, what?" Now what indeed. To me, 100 dollars is still a lot of money, and it wasn't mine. I was the steward of it, and I knew what happened with this money would be public. Part of me wanted to bury the money, like the guy in the parable. I like money, but I don't like handling it. I don't like managing it. I would rather store it, or spend it. Money is a form of energy, and like gold, it can make people a little crazy. Even a hundred dollars.

In a couple of days I had come up with an idea. I thought it was a good enough plan, and it would have been. But God had other plans. A few days later, while talking with the receptionist in my office about how her sister was coming along with her cancer treatment, and how the family was struggling to help pay for the infusion, it was like God laid my assignment before me. I didn't hear a voice, or see a vision, I just knew. I contacted certain people in my life, family and friends, who had made an impact upon me in some way. Sadly some of the most important ones were no longer with me. I told them of my assignment, of God's plan for this money. Then I waited, like a little kid who has planted a small garden. I worried that it wasn't a good time of the year. Christmas was coming. Would people be able to participate? Would they be offended, thinking I was trying to exploit my relationship with them? I waited. All around me I heard of other wonderful projects going on. People were excited. I was nervous. It also made me realize on a very personal level that there are many people who work hard every day who don't have enough insurance or money to pay for catastrophic illness. I think we must do something about this.

We were able to write a check for this person for 685.00. Her family tells me this will go along way to helping them with some of the medical costs she is facing. I thought I knew how my participants would respond. I believe they prayed. I believe you prayed. I know I prayed. What I have learned from the experience is that alone I can do some things, with family and friends I can do a lot, and with God's blessing, the sky is the limit. Thank you, and thanks be to God.

Kingdom Assignment - Jill Sharrett

When I got the 100 dollar bill, I was all set and ready to go! I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I was going to do something! and it was going to be big! That first weekend, I sat down and hatched an idea and laid out a plan. The idea was good! it would raise a lot of money that could be utilized by the church. I started calling and emailing folks to get support. But then there was a problem. The idea was so good, that the stewardship committee was using it as part of the capital campaign! After that, I felt my enthusiasm drain, and it was hard to get going again. I filtered idea after idea, never hitting on "THE BIG ONE".

As the holidays approached, the money simply hung on my refrigerator. My time and energy were devoted to other things. December came, and I was still in neutral. My Disciple Bible Study group asked me about the money each week? they were praying for me.

With Christmas approaching, activities and commitments continued to grow more hectic. At Cub Scouts we were planning our annual Christmas Party. As Committee Chair, one of my jobs is to oversee this event. One of our Bear leaders, Chris Snyder, came to me with an idea. He wanted the change the tone of the party for this year and help the boys learn about the joys of giving. Something went off in my head! I can't explain it. At that moment, I knew that the money on my refrigerator (God's money) would be used "for the purpose of giving". When I gave the money to Chris, I had complete and utter peace. I knew the name of the charity we were giving money to, but I did not know where, specifically, the money would end up. I just knew God would take care of it. In the end, the pack collected $350 that was given to Blue Lights of Hope. This local charity assists families of Charlotte Mecklenburg police officers who are killed in the line of duty. The boys also made Christmas cards for the families supported by Blue Lights of Hope. In addition, money from the pack that would have gone to buy Christmas presents for the scouts was donated to a separate charity. The Christmas party was a big success. I hope we will continue this same spirit of giving in other Pack events.

Often I hear people say, "God doesn't really speak to me'? Or "Why can't I have a burning bush like Moses"? Well, I can only speak from my own experience, but God does speak; it is more likely that we are not listening. God used this experience to remind me of something very important. It is not about anything that JILL can ever do or say, coordinate or desire. It is simply about HIS WILL.

I am just an imperfect instrument that God has graciously chosen to use as a part of HIS PERFECT PLAN. I was only a conduit, to move the money from one hand to the other, so to speak. Like many people, I have many times struggled with giving. There can be a fine line in giving prudently and getting caught up in a cycle of worry, where will the money go? How will it be used? How can I know that they are using my money for the right things? The list of worries is endless. Giving freely, without encumbrance, is something that I would guess few people ever experience. Thank you for letting me share in this assignment. It has made me look at giving with a whole new confidence about who is REALLY IN CHARGE!

Kingdom Assignment - Melissa Tamez

I felt blessed to get the assignment. I feel that God called me to raise my hand for a reason. Someone actually asked me if I wished I hadn't raised my hand, and I was surprised. I said, "Of course not!" I didn't even think anyone could think of it as a burden. God chose me to do His work and I was grateful. I was unsure what I'd do at first. It was right before my wedding when I got the assignment. And right before Dad's surgery. I was overwhelmed with so much to do and worry over. I kept it in the back of my mind when it probably should have been in the front. I prayed and prayed for God to make it very obvious what I should do with the money. I didn't really understand why it was taking so long for me to come up with something. I'm generally sort of creative so I was getting frustrated. I didn't want to ask for help because I felt it was something I needed to do on my own. Then, Tiffany passed. I knew whatever I did, the money needed to go to her foundation. I finally knew why God was waiting to send me ideas. I wanted to do a showcase of our church's talents because it's been my only gift to give for years. Growing up in this church, whenever I sang in church, I knew God was smiling at me. And I knew that having limited income as a child, then teenager then young adult, that's pretty much all I could give. There are so many talented people in our church that people love to hear and see I figured it would be a good way to showcase the gifts God gave all of us and give back to one of His children that gave our church so much of herself. Hopefully it will go over well and be very successful.

Kingdom Assignment - Bill Tilley

When I agreed to take a Kingdom Assignment I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to help the Matt Clark Foundation that at that time was raising money for a communication system to be used at Presbyterian Hospital for young cancer patients to stay in touch with their relatives. What I didn't have was an idea of how to raise money for this project. That same Sunday night Doris Miller approached me and told me that she would like to help. She even had an idea on how to raise the money. From that idea "Cakes for the Kingdom" was born. This project had been undertaken by our young people in the past with great success.

On Halloween night we met with Andrea & Jason Lomas, our order forms and notices were designed, and we began our advertising on the following Sunday. As of today (1/13/08) we have taken orders for 77 cakes! What makes this project so unique is the fact that so many people volunteered their time and the ingredients to make the cakes. There were a total of nine people involved , Doris Miller, Sue Tilley, Andrea & Jason Lomas, Kim Miller, Christy Davis, Lois Moss, Michael Barkley and myself. Without all of this help, making that many cakes would have been overwhelming. This was not only my Kingdom Assignment, but it became theirs also.

Our thanks to all of the folks who purchased cakes and thanks for the contributions over and above the cost of the cakes. As of today it would appear that we will have made $1,170.00 on cake sales, including a donation made directly to the foundation for a special Christmas project. Since all of the participants donated everything, we also can add back the initial $100.00. I would like to add that the majority of the cakes baked were done for the Christmas season so all were very busy!

Thank you for this opportunity to serve the Kingdom in such a special way.

Kingdom Assignment - Doug Vass

In response to the special challenge given to us on October 14^th to multiply our talents and further God's Kingdom through missions, I have seen many blessings that God has given us and how our simple actions impact others. With the help of many Christian friends, I responded to the challenge after the first sleepless night with two plans of action: 1.) A letter to family and friends requesting their suggestions and support for our mission, and 2.) A special party was held for friends to request their support and explain our mission.

Letter requesting suggestions and support for our special kingdom mission

On October 17^th, I issued a letter with the theme of the "Power of Ten" in mind to some dear Christian family and friends for guidance and help. Their response to my request was overwhelming. It made me more aware that we as Christians place bounds on the power of our Christian action. As only one example of many, I had a friend from work who suggested support be given to the 5^th Street Ministries in Statesville. He then responded further to my request and then multiplied his request in the form of a personal contribution to our missions by the "power of ten".

An International Tasting Party for a PPC Kingdom Mission Assignment

A special invitation was issued for a party which was held on November 17^th. The guests were invited to bring their favorite hors d'oeuvre from around the world and share an evening of good food, drinks, and fellowship with friends. The intended mission (Heifer Project) was described using a video and various descriptions from their brochure. The guests responded by providing generous contributions to the mission while have a wonderful evening of fellowship.

The Results of the PPC Kingdom Mission:

Including the original $100, the two above plans multiplied the talents via generous contributions, a 50-50 raffle, and a company matching gift plan to total of $1800.00.

The following missions were selected to benefit from the collected talents:

Heifer International Contribution = $1395.00

The contributions and a matching gift plan allowed the following animals to be purchased through Heifer International: 1) A heifer, 2) A water buffalo, 3) A sheep, 4) A goat, 5) A pig, 6) A llama, 7) A trio of rabbits, 8) Honeybees, and 9) A flock of chicks.

B. 5^th Street Ministries of Statesville Contribution = $50.00

As requested by one of recipients of my October letter, a contribution was made to the 5^th Street Ministries of Statesville. The many programs of these ministries include an emergency and a night shelter, a battered women's shelter, soup kitchen, Open Door medical and dental programs, a clothing closet, after-school and summer children's programs.

C. Second Harvest Food of Metrolina Contribution = $100.00

The worthy program provides needed food supplies to many within Mecklenburg County.

D. Camp Biloxi Contribution = $125.00

A Lutheran sponsored Katrina relief program which is restoring faith, homes, and community to victims of the disaster in South Mississippi through spiritual care, physical recovery and leadership development. This outreach program which has had over 16,500 volunteers since September 2005 and has served up to 500 families per month.

E. PhilaNOLA III Mission Trip Contribution = $130.00

The contribution will assist the PPC outreach mission program which will be returning to the New Orleans area in March 2008.

In closing my report, I would like thank our entire church family for their prayers and support during this challenge. I have been amazed by the enthusiasm generated by this challenge within our church.