Our God Who Loves to Surprise and Delight

Yet, the Lord continues to give blessings and ours came by an unexpected phone call. Our Lord is not surprised by this year’s events and we know he has allowed them and is using them for his good and glory. Jesus is at work in the world and is using his Church to share the peace, hope and love we have in him. He recently surprised Scriptures In Use with an unexpected blessing.

An Unexpected Blessing!

I was on the return drive from some meetings in Phoenix when I received an unexpected phone call from the leader of a foundation that was considering the potential of investing in the work of SIU. The conversation went like this:

“Kent, I have both good news and bad news. What would you like to hear first?” I told him, “Go ahead and share either.” He said, “They both go hand in hand. I meant to call you earlier, after our last Board Meeting at the end of September, but I was not able to. I apologize for that, but I think you will like the good news. Our Foundation has decided to award SIU with a matching grant of up to $100,000 to be matched to any incoming donations to SIU that are undesignated and unrestricted for your general fund or project fund or whatever is most needed.”

“Whatever is Needed”

I think I was in shock. I almost had to pull off on the side of the road when I heard this incredible news! When I started to ask what they needed from me to make this unique gift happen, this faithful and courageous leader said, “You can use it for whatever is needed, whether with your SIU partners for Bridges trainings or Covid-19 relief efforts, or to help with basic expenses of running your organization, again whatever, but you still need to raise the matching funds and you can start now!”

I told him I was overcome with delight and that tears of joy were streaming down my face as this was perfect and providential timing with all the needs, we and our SIU partners all over the world are experiencing right now. The hairs on my arms and neck were tingling and I had goose bumps of joy all over. I will never forget that moment!

Good Gifts

Our Heavenly Father loves to bless us with unexpected “surprise and delight” events like these. This gift reminds me of what Jesus said about our Father:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

Would you consider joining this anonymous foundation by giving an undesignated gift toward this Matching Gift challenge? We are grateful for the incredible news of the generosity and faithfulness of this foundation. Thank you for considering coming alongside them with a special gift and helping meet this matching gift challenge.