September 12, 2007
To celebrate the fourth anniversary of God’s blessings on Word of Grace (Alliance) Church in Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Richard Mirpuri challenged his congregation to make its largest offering yet for the Great Commission Fund-$10,000.
“I believe God laid it on my heart to raise that amount for the C&MA church in Baghdad,” said Mirpuri, who told the people if the offering didn’t reach $10,000, the money would be returned.
Apprehensive at first about challenging his church members with such a large goal, Mirpuri later quipped, “If it was not from the Lord, my job as founder and spiritual director of the church would have been over after the service.”
But as Mirpuri presented what he believed was God’s call, one by one the individuals in the congregation approached the front of the church with their offerings. Before the day ended, $10,000 had been raised.
“When we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit,” said Mirpuri, “God will see to it that His divine provision is supplied.”