I’m well aware that I stand on the backs of giants. As we’ve studied the topic of generosity over the last few days, I’ve been reminded of all the ways Emmanuel Faith has lived out this value over its 80+ years.
We have a rich history of people who have sacrificially given to see more and more people reached with the gospel. Generosity often starts at the top and that’s true at Emmanuel Faith. Our Elder Board has modeled for decades that we are a generous church. As a church, we gave over $20,000,000 to see Mission Hills Church built so that more people in North County could hear the gospel and become disciples. We’ve planted Faith by the Sea, Hillside, and Orchard Church. And your generosity is responsible for the beautiful, safe Faithkids building we have now. Recently our elders gave $25,000 to a local church that was in need of assistance. I am so proud of the way our leaders have modeled generosity and the conviction that God is a God of abundance.
Emmanuel Faith’s members and attenders have modeled this same value. Whether through giving to the Outreach Fund or through personal connections, people who call Emmanuel Faith home have financially supported the gospel going forth for eight decades. I think of Paul’s gratitude for the generosity of the church. Listen to what he wrote, “ You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Cor. 9:11-12). I believe that there are many around the globe who have given thanks to God because of the people at Emmanuel Faith.
The other way I continually see Emmanuel Faith’s generosity is through people’s contribution to the Care Fund. The Care Fund is the way we help people within our church body who are struggling financially. We get to help 25-50 families each month through the Care Fund! Some people need a few extra dollars for food, some people need help paying for counseling so that they can heal, and some need money to keep a roof over their heads. Because of the generosity of our congregation, we are consistently able to help meet practical needs. Praise God!
Now we get to carry the baton; it’s our stretch of the race. Let’s not only run with endurance, let’s also run with generosity. Let’s model what we’ve seen lived out over the years. As we bow in reverent worship to our God who is exceedingly generous, let’s carry his image and be generous to those around us. Thank you to so many of you who consistently give at Emmanuel Faith, people around North County and the world praise God because of it. It’s a joy to partner with you for the sake of the gospel.
Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor