The Power of One

Many of us don’t think to give in small amounts because we don’t think it will make a difference. Take a moment to consider that only $1.79 can give one man or woman a hot, nutritious meal at the Mission. If every person in our community gave $1 to the Mission we would have enough to feed all our guests for more than 2 years! Consider setting aside $1 every day or $1 every time you dine out. Every little bit helps and that change in your pocket is worth a lot more than you think.

$1 has the power to help but even more importantly, 1 person can make a huge difference in the lives of the hurting and homeless. Consider setting a fundraising goal and rallying your friends, co-workers, and family to help the homeless. You’ll be surprised when the gifts start adding up because of your efforts. We are continually amazed and humbled by the innovative fundraising efforts of City Gospel Mission supporters. Here are a few ideas and inspiring stories:

Japanese English as a Second Language Class
The Japanese English as a Second Language Class of First Church of Christ in Burlington, Kentucky helps local Japanese women meet friends, improve their English skills and learn about American culture. This year, the Japanese ESL Class wrote a cook book that included American and Japanese recipes. Members of the class generously gave a portion of the proceeds, $715, to City Gospel Mission to help the homeless.

Don Fine
Don Fine’s pastor gave $100 each to 30 volunteers in the church congregation. His instructions were to grow the money. "I wondered what in the world I was going to do," Don recalls. "When I heard the story of the talents before, I always thought I would be the guy who would bury it in the back yard!"

"With a lot of prayer I decided that the Mission would be the beneficiary of my project." Don called his project Loaves & Fishes. "My goal was to take that $100 and turn it into $10,000 to feed 5,000 people. I had 15 "Captains" who committed to help raise at least $500 each through their family, friends and contacts. Several of them are members of my church, friends and co-workers."

"[This project] confirmed the power of prayer and that through God all things are possible. It was placed in His hands to do as He willed, and through Him we were able to raise nearly $10,000. It proved once again that you can’t out-give God!"

John Butsch
John turned six years old this year and for his birthday the only present he wanted was to feed the homeless. He told his parents, family and friends to give to City Gospel Mission instead of giving him a present. In all, City Gospel Mission received $470 in donations from John’s family and friends. Even though John is only six years old, he has a genuine and loving heart for all.

Carson Hach
Carson asked friends and family to give him money in lieu of gifts for his 11th birthday. He then donated all of it to City Gospel Mission to help the homeless. When asked why he sacrificed his birthday for the homeless, hurting and poor he said, "I don’t know if it was a sacrifice. I thought that’s what we are supposed to do. I have lots of stuff already. There are people that have nothing. I just wanted to give something to them."

Do you have a fundraising idea that you’d like to talk about? Contact Paul Spence at pspence@citygospelmission.org or call (513) 345-1048.