50 Volunteers receive $100 each of God's Money.  The Experiment?... To seek God's Will of "what to do" with His money and then make it happen.  Here are their stories.

So Far... 48 TOTAL STORIES ... $5,100 BECOMES $13,138. 

Story #1
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Family is Valued. 

$100 becomes $200.  One of our child volunteers who lives near their grandparents, uses God’s money to buy a plane ticket and send a friend to visit her grandchildren who live far away.

Story #2
When Heaven Joins Earth ...There is Rest for the Worried. 

God’s $100 was used to pay a bill for someone who loses sleep at night.  Then, Harvest Chapel was able to help this person get financial counseling to help provide long-term hope.

Story #3
When Heaven Joins Earth ... There is Comfort in Suffering.

God’s $100 becomes $200.  Our volunteer talked and prayed with a woman going through pain, fear and financial stresses while battling cancer of the mouth.  Our volunteer has made herself available to provide tangible support and encouragement through her presence in this difficult time. 

Story #4
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Persons are Uniquely Valued.

One of our teen volunteers used 1/2 of God's $100 to purchase birthday gifts for a young person who had never had a birthday party, and used the other 1/2 to give to Chautauqua Rural Ministry to help feed those in need.

Story #5
When Heaven Joins Earth ... We are Gently Reminded of God.

God’s $100 becomes $200.  God's money was then sent anonymously with a card to a family facing foreclosure on their home. 

Story #6
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Two Senior Citizens in our Community are honored.

God’s $100 worth of baking supplies + backyard apples and pears + the support of co-workers became $319.  $300 was used to install a furnace for an elderly lady.  The group of co-workers were so excited they decided to work together to get a stove and refrigerator for an elderly man.  Well, the stove and refrigerator have both been donated (along with 4 other appliances), and $56 more dollars have been added so now the team is waiting to see God wants them to do next!  They're having fun!

Story #7
When Heaven Joins Earth ... There is Comfort for the Weeping.

The day our volunteer received God’s $100 they attended the Moving Wall Memorial in Portland.  Having lost her father in Vietnam, she joined many others who grieve the personal and community pain of war.  Moved by the gift of receiving a healing moment our volunteer divided God's money and gave $50 to the local VA and $50 to the moving wall ministry.

Story #8
When Heaven Joins Earth ... We Learn that We are Valued.

Or volunteer had the chance to sit, pray and share hope with a single mom who recently learned that Jesus loves her and has a good plan for her life.  The love of Christ has motivated her to leave her exploited life as an exotic dancer.

Story #9
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Life is Found in the Midst of Death.

One of our teen volunteers felt led to provide for someone grieving over death.  The same day we learned from a Harvest attender of Haitian descent, that a family member back in Haiti had died and left two teens as orphans.  The $100 of God's money which has now become $200 will turn into over 1600 gourde (Haitian Currency) to bring provision in the midst of sorrow.

Story #10
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Tangible Needs are Met.

For a family struggling to make ends meet, $100 of God's money fills the gaps for tangible daily needs like transportation expenses so important appointments can be kept.  The family said, "That $100 of God's money has taught my family patience and humbleness - as I have never been patient or humble."

Story #11
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Kids Get A Chance.

One of our teen volunteers, having been matured and encouraged by thier own experiences at Covenant Acres Camp, gives God's $100 (which has become $200) to the Camp so other teens can be impacted by the Camp through Camper Scholarships.

Story #12
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Both Young and Old Receive a "Hand Up."

$100 of God's Money becomes $150.  $50 is given to Camp Gross for Camper Scholarships to impact the lives of two young people.  The other $50 is doubled and is used to buy food, clothing and goodies for a senior citizen in need.

Story #13
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Children "Here and There" are shown the love of Christ.

$100 becomes $200.  $100 is given to Miss Lisa Leavitt to help with the Courtney Street Christmas Party.  The other $100 is given to Nathan Roberts to help with ministry to children in Uganda.

Story #14 &  15
When Heaven Joins Earth ... There is Mercy for the Prisoner, and help for those in need.

Two volunteers working together each contributed $50  and a mutual friend contributed $80, for a total of $180.  God's money is used to provide boots and some basic household items for a recently released parolee who had been part of a prison ministry small group.  The other combined $100 goes to a family facing foreclosure on their home.

Story #16
When Heaven Joins Earth ... God's Word is given as more than a mere gift.

 3 study bibles are bought with God’s $100 and given away:  One for a young woman who always had to share her mom’s Bible, The second for a young Christian, newly baptized, And the last one for a soldier being deployed to Iraq.  **Note… this volunteer attends another church, but happened to be at and volunteer at Free Fall Day.

Bonus Story #1
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Heart Overflows ... Physical and Spiritual Nourishment Are Given

A couple who didn't get to stand on Free Fall Day, but wanted in on the action takes Their own $100 and makes it God’s $50 sponsors a couple to attend the 2=1 marriage class, and $50 - to purchase thanksgiving dinner for a family.

Story #17
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Helpless Child and Mom find Hope.

Story #18
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Outcasts are Made Whole Through Smiles.

God’s $100 becomes $3,153 (with money still coming in).  Our volunteer(s) host a benefit for THE SMILE TRAIN which provides cleft pallet surgery for kids considered as outcasts because of their condition.  Eleven surgeries will be provided with these funds. Our volunteer states “Thank you for reminding me just how creative Love can be.”    

Bonus Story #2
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Heart Overflows ... Chickens and Ducks Carry the Love of Jesus.

An overflow volunteer, wanting in on the action, takes $100 and makes it God's.  The money is used in conjunction with the Heifer Project to purchase chickens and ducks for kids in 3rd world countries, in honor of nieces and nephews at Christmas.

Bonus Story #3
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Heart Overflows ... Winnings become Trimmings for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A couple wanting to live the experiment wins $100 in a contests and decides it belongs to Jesus.  More money is added to it, then the total is used to provide thanksgiving and Christmas for a family of a friend who is battling muscle disease.

Story #19
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Cancer Patient gets a Hand Up

God’s $100 becomes $200.  Our volunteer is moved by the story of a local cancer patient whose unique situation combines life-threatening illness with a spouse losing their job, and mounting medical bills.  God’s money, through the heart of our volunteer reaches out to offer hope where little is found.

Story #20
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Hurting Family Experiences Care

God’s $100 becomes $150 and is given to a family who recently lost their young child to illness.  This small expression of giving goes a long way when it is done in Jesus’ name.

Story #21
When Heaven Joins Earth ... The Humane Society Feels God's Love through a Child who Cares

One of our child volunteers turns God’s $100 into $200.  The money is then cheerfully given  to the Lakeshore Humane Society to be used in vet costs as they care for animals in our area.  Our volunteer said “The ladies were very thankful and touched by this donation. THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!  He is truly the God of all gods.  GOD IS THE BEST!"

Stories #22 & 23
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Books Multiply and Share God's Love

Two volunteers combine God’s money ($200 total) and combine forces to buy books from Campus & Community Children’s Center for $1 each.  By doing so, the Center receives credit to get even more books.  The purchased books will be packaged and hand-delivered to spread hope and cheer to families this Christmas.

Stories #24 & 25
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Toys become Cheer to Children in Need

Three of our child volunteers sharing two volunteer "spaces" turns God’s combined $200 into toys through joyful shopping.  The toys are then given to “Toys for Tots” to, in turn, be given to children in need this Christmas.  One more way to spread the love of Jesus through meeting a tangible need.

Stories #26 & 27
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Mothers are Cared For

Two of our volunteers combine efforts to turn $200 into $300.  Because their hearts are especially touched by the particular needs of mothers with young children, the $300 is given to the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program for scholarships for Moms who may not have the means to participate.

Stories #28 & 29
When Heaven Joins Earth ... The Hungry are Fed

One child and one adult volunteer combine their funds and God's $200 becomes $350.  The heart of our volunteer breaks for the poor who can't afford to feed their families, and yet do not qualify for assistance.  Three large baskets full of food were lovingly distributed to four families in need, leaving our child volunteer to say "Now I know what it means when they say money doesn't buy happiness."

Story #30
When Heaven Joins Earth ... There is Provision for Medcical Bills

God's $100 becomes $750 through the many creative efforts of our teen volunteer, and excited family members who don't even attend church.  The volunteer's family uses God's money to help provide for a family friend struggling with cancer and facing the inability to pay the mounting medical bills.  The volunteer's parents say, "I can't believe the church would trust a teenager with such a significant assignment.

Stories #31 & 32
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Retreats Become a Reality

God's $200 becomes $300 when two volunteers from the same family combine forces.  Having both been recently blessed with a Koinonia weekend retreat, they easily decide to use God's money for Koinonia scholarships so others can receive the same blessing they received.  Two couples or four individuals will benefit from the experience.

Story #33
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Dedicated Grandmother is Valued

Our volunteer learns of a local grandmother raising seven of both her own children and her grandchildren.  The struggles to make ends meet at Christmas are overwhelming.  God's $100 becomes $200 and goes to this dedicated grandmother so she can provide for her family this Christmas.

Story #34
When Heaven Joins Earth ... External Care Provides Internal Hope

Our volunteer is humbled and yet excited to help women who are having a difficult time caring for themselves by providing care and love through a local salon.  The salon owner, feeling the heart of what is happening, offers free haircuts and makeovers for 5 women, as do the nail technician and massage therapist.  God's $100 provides gift baskets for the 5 to complete the package.

Stories #35 & #36
When Heaven Joins Earth ... The Poor Find Provision

Two volunteers combine efforts and God's $200 becomes $300 and is provided to Chautauqua Rural Ministry to help in their on-going efforts to make provision for the poor.

Stories #37 & #38
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Seniors and their Caregivers are Cared For.

Two of our teen volunteers combine efforts and take God's $200 to provide a Secret Santa Party for the residents of the WCA Home.  In addition, provide lunch for the staff who care for them.

Story #39
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Orphans Find the Heavenly Father.

Our volunteer learns of a mother who passed away leaving seven orphaned children.  The grandmother agreeing to take them in, in need of many things to care for them, finds provision through the love of our volunteer who uses God’s $100 to help get items from a wish-list at WalMart as well as providing hand-made hats and scarves. 

Story #40
When Heaven Joins Earth ... A Cancer Patient Benefits from God's Provision.

Through the creative efforts of two volunteers sharing one volunteer “space”, God’s $100 is turned into $2000.  The funds are given to a friend battling cancer in the name of Jesus to help cover medical bills and other expenses. 

Story #41
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Children receive care from far away.

One of our teen volunteers felt led to provide for a child through an international sponsorship program.  God’s $100 will provide food, clothing and other basic needs for a child across the globe. 

Story #42
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Giving turns into receiving.

God's $100 becomes 10 Wal-Mart gift cards.  Our volunteer and their family hand them out to people who give in response to the bell for the Salvation Army bucket.  The recipients were pleased and surprised to receive in response to their decision to give, and it was all done in the name of Jesus. 

Stories #43 & #44
When Heaven Joins Earth ... The Friendly Kitchen Goes Way Beyond.

God's $200 becomes $450 when two volunteers combine resources as well as donations of items from local sources.  Gift bags filled with basic personal care items and small gifts are made and handed out by our volunteers to people who come to the Friendly Kitchen Christmas Dinner.  Our volunteers say, “It was an awesome, rewarding experience!” 

Story #45
When Heaven Joins Earth ... God Makes Laundry Whiter than Snow.

Our teen volunteer turns God’s $100 into 400 quarters.  They begin to frequent area Laundromats and fill the machines with quarters.  To let future patrons know where the gift came from, anonymous post-it notes were left on the machines stating, “GOD PAID.” 

Story #46
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Shooting Arrows Hits the Target for the Needy.

God's $100 becomes just under $300 when a teen volunteer hosts an archery shoot-a-thon.  Sponsorships were given for accuracy of each shot.  Our motivated teen did so well that God’s money nearly triples, then is given to the Friendly Kitchen to provide for those in need. 

Stories #47 & #48
When Heaven Joins Earth ... Loss of a Family Member Drives a Desire to Help Others.

God's $200 becomes $350 when two volunteers combine resources.  These two volunteers, having recently lost a family member due to alcoholism, gives God’s money to a women’s shelter which deals with women battling alcoholism. 

Stories #49, 50 and 51 Coming Soon!

More to come... keep coming back!