The Heart of Giving

As some of you know, I've been teaming up with various people to raise money to purchase a guitar for a worship leader in my home town. If you have not yet heard the full story, let me know and I'll fill you in. Otherwise, read below for the letter I received today. I sincerely hope all of you are inspired to open your hearts to the many needs around the world and the gospel commission that God has entrusted each of us with. Thankyou.



Dear Jeff, Michael, and All Who Gave,

After beginning, then deleting this letter about three or four different times, it is clear that words will never capture my heart of gratitude to God and to all who gave. Although difficult, I will convey my heart to you if I have to hire a billboard in the middle of campus at Southern! I'm truly overwhelmed at the faithfulness and provision of God. I'm in awe, nearly a mess, over the fact that my friends, along with many people I don't even know, would selflessly give at the direction of the Lord. From the bottom of my heart, a wish to convey the deepest sincerity of the phrase "thank you." With tears, I was speechless for quite sometime when Jeff, Michael, and their parents presented me with a brand new Taylor Acoustic Guitar. A 214ce with a hard shell case, to be exact. It is beautiful and plays better than my old Taylor that I sold several weeks ago. I've been playing it a lot, trying to keep my composure while play this beautiful guitar. It sounds wonderful when played through our PA system at church as well. My heart continues to melt at the thought of all of the generosity and compassion that everyone showed me by giving this awesome gift.

I'm sure you know the story concerning the fundraising for the mission trip to Armenia. In essence, you gave to this mission trip as well. Pastors and leaders from Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and others were trained to take the gospel into countries that persecute Christians. This money provided them with conference materials, lodging, and food during the training. This is huge as God is mandating an advance into these radical countries such as Turkey and Iran. The reports that we keep hearing from the training are amazing. I'm sending a DVD of the trip of the mission trip for you to look at. In one instance, there is an Iranian women who is reading her brand new paperback Bible for the first time. She is overwhelmed and brought to tears, stating "It's like looking at my child." She continues to cry, attempting to read the passage from Revelation. They cherish the word so much. Notice the excitement on the faces of the Iranians when the delivery truck arrives with the Bibles. It's very moving to say the least.

The scripture is clear that you cannot out give the Lord. Malachi 3:10 and Luke 6:38 are evident to the faithfulness of our Father. I pray an abundant blessing from God for each one of You. Expect the Lord to move on your behalf. One thing is clear. Take God at his word and wait for your miracle. But in the mean time, a most elaborate "thank you" to our God and to you for being a part of my miracle. I cherish this gift as it will be a constant reminder of the provision of God and your generosity each time that I bring praise to the Lord with it. May you have an awesome Holiday season and be blessed. Always know that your gift will never be forgot. I love you all.

Your Friend,
Ray Hagen
Manchester, KY