Washington Informer: Regional

We forget the first half of that scripture, which reminds us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…” If you don’t pay tithes, don’t expect Heaven to pour out blessings on overflow.

Recently, Rick Warren spoke at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Potomac Mills, Va. for the National Preaching Conference sponsored by WAVA-FM 105.1. What a blessing to see and hear Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life.”

Pastor Warren told us how he has been blessed on overflow and it all started with a covenant made by him and his wife right after they got married more than 30 years ago. They promised to pay one percent above the 10 percent tithe the first year, and each year, they decided to pay an additional one percent. They were obedient, so their tithe amount grew each year from 11 percent, to 12 percent, 13 percent, and so on.

He said, “Today, my wife and I give 90 percent of our income to the church, and we live on 10 percent!” You want to know what overflow looks like, that’s it!

I left that chapel convinced that I too must turn up the volume and give even more. I feel great about sharing this message with you, because Warren encouraged each of us to spread the good news. He reminded the audience that if it’s good, we should feel free to repeat it. Because he repeats those things that he sees, hears and reads too; it’s all for the good of our church family.

Warren talked about how difficult it was for him to write “Purpose Driven Life.” It took him seven months, working for 12 hours each day. He cried, he was convicted, and the words God gave him tested him as well.

When the “Purpose Driven Life” became a bestseller, and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, second only to the Holy Bible, he said, “tens of millions of dollars began to come in, and we didn’t know what to do witgh that much money. We were not prepared for that.” They continued to pray and ask God, “Show us what to do, because it is truly not about us, it’s about you, Lord.”

Their prayers were answered and they remained humble. They kept their same home and didn’t buy a new car. The car they’re driving, a station wagon, is seven years old. They are still wearing the same clothes, shopping at discount stores and looking for sales all for the Glory of God.

At Saddleback Church, where he has served as pastor for 24 years, Warren told us he gave back his entire salary paid to him for 24 years from his church. He donates most of the money that he earns to charities, and uses the rest to travel to foreign countries to help widows and orphans.

   May your days be many and your troubles few;
   May all God’s blessings descend upon you;
   May peace always be within you;
   May your heart be strong;
   May you find what you’re seeking wherever you go.

Lyndia Grant is a public speaker. Visit her Web site at www.lyndiagrant.com or send an e-mail to lyndiagrant@lyndiagrant.com.

Summer Rush

Do you know of any District youth, ages 14-21? Tell them the Rush is on! Attend Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s 2008 Summer Youth Program 29-hour summer Registration Rush at the Office of Youth Programs, located at 625 H Street, NE Washington, D.C., starting Friday, April 25 at 9 a.m. until Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m. This is the last chance they will have to register for a job this summer.

To register, youth may download the application from the Web site and bring documents to verify your date of birth, Social Security Number, and District residency, or they can complete the application on site. Youth under the age of 18 must have parental consent. For more information, contact the Department of Employment Services’ Office of Youth Programs at 202-698-3991 or visit www.does.dc.gov.

Mother’s Day Essay Contest

Are you eight to 16-years-old and living East of the River in the District of Columbia? Do you think that your mom or guardian is the best? If so, please share your story with the world! Holy Communion Church in S.E., Washington is sponsoring an essay contest for children who want to recognize their mother or guardian. We are living in challenging times. A mother’s love, support and guidance are essential to the survival of our youth.

The essay will honor a mother or guardian living in Wards 7 or 8. It must be 1,000 words or less, clearly hand-printed, typed or e-mailed to the church. Explain how she has shown love, devotion to her family and sacrifice in an extraordinary way. Awards for the best essays will given at a Mother’s Day Dinner on May 10th, 6:30 p.m. at Holy Communion Church located at 3640 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast. The deadline for the essay is April 30.

All essays must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to the: Stewardship Committee, Holy Communion Church PO BOX 54707, 3640 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20032-9307. Each submission must have the youth’s name, address, phone number, grade, school, mother/guardian’s name and marital status. There can be only one submission per household. For additional information, please contact Concha Johnson or Fr. Prince Williams by phone at 202-562-5400 or at their e-mail addresses: concha.johnson@verizon.net and prince.williams@fcps.edu. Interested parties can also e-mail the church at welcome@holycommunion.org; and visit the Web site, www.holycommuniondc.org.