The Contribution

November 16th at 9:01 a.m. will mark ten years of being Director at a Crisis Pregnancy Center.

I have constantly sought and asked God for his guidance, wisdom, and direction.  This story is one of those memorable times.

A few years ago, I was sitting beside a pastor at a church function and noticed a young woman.  I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was something about the way she carried herself.  It was a quiet confidence.

I asked him who she was, then I made a bold statement I have NEVER said before. 

“There’s something about her,” I said.  “If I had the money, I would hire her.” 

I kept noticing how she conducted herself.  At the end of the weekend, she approached me to talk about her interest in volunteering at the Center.

She was taken aback by my response.  “I’ve been watching you throughout the weekend.  I want you to know that if I had the money, I would hire you to work at the Center.”

A few weeks went by.  A gentleman in one of the Center’s programs asked if he could donate.  We never want clients to feel as though they need to make donations.  “We have many, many, people who believe in what happens at the Center.  It is very kind of you to want to do that.  Why don’t you wait until after you’ve completed the program?  If you still feel inclined, you could contribute then.”

Weeks later, he recognized how much his life had changed for the better.  He insisted on contributing.  “I’m in a position to help,” he said. “Please tell me of a need that you have.”

I told him I would pray about it and let him know. 

A few weeks later, myself and two friends of mine, were on a motorcycle trip.  I received a text from him.  “Have you thought about a financial need I can fill yet?”

I felt uncomfortable with the request.  I had no idea how to reply. 

“I’m sorry.  I don’t know how to respond.  How much money are you talking about?”

We had stopped to fill our bikes with fuel.  He responded.  “I was thinking $25,000.”  I almost fell off my bike.

That night, I told my friends about the donation.  “I have no idea what to do with that kind of money!”

The next morning, we talked and prayed as we always did.  One of the stories I shared with them was about the young woman I had seen weeks earlier.

Sometimes, you need someone to help you see the forest for the trees.

“Melony, I don’t know what your problem is,” Becky said. “God has clearly shown you a person you should be hiring at the Center.  And now He’s providing you with the money to hire her.”

I prayed.  Hard.  God, is this what you want?  Am I hearing You correctly?

Within two days, I called the young woman and offered her a position.  She just happened to be on the roof of a house, helping her father shingle it.  She’s not afraid of hard work.

She accepted the position.  Here we go.  Lord, I pray you are behind all of this.

A few months went by.  The man called.  “I’d like to speak with you,” he said.  We set up an appointment for him to come in the next day.

“I’ve changed my mind,” he said.

Oh great . . .  See!  You weren’t listening correctly!  What are you going to do now?  You’ve already hired this woman!

“I’ve changed my mind,” he said again as he reached into his pocket.  “I’ve changed my mind about the amount.”

He handed me a cheque.

It was for $50,000.