Miracles of Generosity

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein

Spring is such an inspiring time of year. This year especially we’ve seen crocuses and daffodils persevere against the relentless snow. They have worked hard to grow and blossom. People have remarked that “it’s a miracle” they survived. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve witnessed miracles of growth and beauty this spring.

Today a couple was married 7 years ago and will welcome their second child. They have been expecting and preparing for this miracle of new life for 9 months. Today, mom and dad and big sister are experiencing this miracle of new life from a loving and generous God. As God’s expectant people in GNJ, we are looking for Miracles Everywhere.

We are blessed as we visit churches around GNJ witness miracles of generosity. In one congregation, giving is up significantly over last year as people are witnessing miracles of lives changed through small group ministries. Another congregation is taking a leap of faith to fund a mission trip to Puerto Rico this summer.

Here in GNJ we are seeing miracles of generosity in response to hurricane relief as individuals and congregations have already given $430,000 to help with immediate needs. Now congregations are preparing and training teams to go this summer to offer miracles of generosity through time and talent and rebuild areas of Puerto Rico.

We are also seeing miracles happen in Tanzania. Local congregations supporting this ministry have led to generous gifts that will help provide a health clinic, schools for orphans, a sanctuary for people to worship and guest housing for volunteer groups, workers and guests. This is not only happening through the generosity of monetary funding for the mission but from the generosity of prayers and willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus for this mission.

We are expecting miracles this summer as Pinelands Center gets ready to open with exciting new opportunities for the Next Generation of disciples. IGNITE continues growing every year and the generosity of folks making this happen is changing the lives of our young people.

We are seeing churches and communities being transformed as they consider how to serve their communities in new and innovative ways. Those working with A Future With Hope have experienced miracles working with residents to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and are now expecting miracles of generosity to happen as they plan for and open Hope Centers.

God is creating signs and wonders in GNJ and there is even more God wants to do. God wants to continue working through the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey so that miracles of healing and transformation occur across GNJ and around the world.

Jana Purkis Brash, Executive Director
Brian Mickle, Director of Development
United Methodist Stewardship Foundation of Greater New Jersey

Find out more about the United Methodist Stewardship Foundation of Greater New Jersey.