would you go a quarter mile for an orphan?

This past Sunday, I had the sweetest little girl give me her quarter tube completely full. I am talking completely full!!! There is a line that shows $15.00 on the tube and when she handed me the quarter tube I said “Wow, this is $15.00 going to help the orphanage in Kazakhstan.” She said; “Mrs. Stacey, it’s actually a little more.” She was completely right! That quarter tube was filled all the way to the top! She was so excited! She truly understands that she is helping other kids all the way across the world from where she lives in Texas.


Then, I heard the rest of the story…….


Her mom shared with me that she took her quarter tube to school everyday. The first day she came home a little sad because no one wanted to give her a quarter to help the orphans in Kazakhstan. But, she didn’t give up; she really wanted to bring her quarter tube in completely full by Sunday. She asked a couple of teachers and continued to carry her quarter tube where ever she went. Each day after school her mom asked, “Do you have your quarter tube?” which she would reply; “Yep,” until Thursday when they couldn’t find it. As panic set in, her big sister found it in the car between the seats.


Her mom also shared with me that she has never seen her daughter so excited about giving back to God. This has given her the opportunity to help her daughter understand what it means to tithe. In fact, this little one had five $1 dollar bills. She chose an amount to give to God but she didn’t ask her mom to turn them into quarters for her tube; instead her mom helped her fill out her first offering envelope.


How amazing and beautiful is that? As I write this sweet story down I am fighting back tears! How amazing our God is to allow us to serve His little ones! I sometimes think I could not be more passionate about serving kids, I am wrong; I am more passionate today than I have ever been! All praise and glory be to HIM!


Quarter tubes..............................free from Hadassah's Hope
Quarters...................................$.25
Children with a biblical world view........priceless!

www.hadassahshope.org

girl don't go away mad....girl just go away

The Orange Conference was a much needed retreat for me. I just needed to go away and refuel!

Reg Joiner started it off by reminding us of our mission...to be focused on those who do not yet know the love.
Sue MIller kicked it Jesus style.
Francis Chan was inspiring. That man is under the glory spout if you know what I mean.
Donald Miller is such a gifted storyteller! I love that there is a parade that no one can watch, they must join.
Andy Stanley, WOW!
Louis Giglio wrapped it up as only he can.

That's just the main stage speakers, the breakouts were just as amazing!
I am ready to continue ministering to children for however long God would have me do so. If you are looking for an amazing conference that will challenge you, inspire you, and refuel you, I would highly recommend the 2009 Orange Conference.