Open Doors

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

Have you ever experienced something in your life that came together in such a magnificent way, a way in which you could never have anticipated or orchestrated on your own, that there was absolutely no doubt in your mind that God alone was responsible for the entire set of circumstances?  Details had been taken care of before you even thought about needing to take care of them, people were available and ready to help before you even realized there was a need, financial resources were in place from resources you never anticipated having, and the list goes on....

Before this ministry was even begun, we started asking a lot of God. He had granted us a wonderful vision, but we needed a plan!  We needed people!  We needed coupons!  We needed money!  As we have sought His plan for 5-2 Ministry, God has provided each of these things, and more. The procedures we have put in place with His guidance are working beautifully.  He has prepared people's hearts for this ministry long before they have been approached and asked to help, and volunteers are eagerly stepping forward and serving.  Just when I think we won't have enough coupons available to make our planned purchases for a given week, someone shows up and hands us a HUGE stack of coupon inserts.  And when I wonder if we will have enough money to make purchases with all of the coupons we have, funds are made available not only through the co-op who we are now partnering with in our purchases, but also through individuals who God has blessed with incredibly generous hearts.  God is not only opening doors...He's flinging them WIDE open!

Since its inception in November, 2009, 5-2 Ministry has donated 2,467 items to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.  The total retail value of these items was $6,780.85; however, 5-2 Ministry's cost was only $2,258.54: a 67% savings!  We are currently in the process of expanding our efforts outside of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class at Snellville UMC.  We are seeking to involve more of the church as a whole and God is blessing our efforts here as well.  Other churches are also beginning to hear of our efforts and to show interest in beginning 5-2 Ministry at their own churches!  We are connecting with cashiers in grocery stores and customers in grocery store lines and telling them about what we are doing.  What a wonderful opportunity to witness!

What an honor it is to serve such a mighty and awesome God.  I can't wait to see what doors He will open next!