GOD BLESSED ME 300 FOLD

by Ana Fernandez (Bradenton, FL)

On Mother Day 2006, Lydia whom many of you know (Randy & Ruth's daughter in law) came to our church for the first time. Lydia had an ugly altercation with her mother and her and her family came to Bradenton.

She was the youngest mother that day and she was given a gift. Pastor Vin asked her to come up front and Randy and Ruth told what had happened with Lydia and her mother. Lydia was in need and many gave their support. I felt so compelled and compassion for her. How devastated. I thought of how hurtful this had to be for Lydia, Especially, it being MOTHER'S DAY!

My heart went out to Lydia. I felt strongly in my heart to help as well, but all I had was $25 not only until I got paid the following Wednesday, but to have lunch with my daughter on that day because it was Mother's Day.  The more Lydia sobbed as she saw God's blessing, the more people got up to give. I wanted to get up and give the last $25, but I was holding back. I was being selfish thinking of spending it with my daughter, when Lydia didn't even have her mother.

Suddenly, I felt this guilt and GOD Prompted me and assured me that I would be ok to give Lydia the $25 and so I did. I can't even explain the peace and joy I felt after I donated the $25. When I sat down, my daughter looked at me and we both smiled. I told her I gave away the money I had to have lunch with her, but that I would go home and cook brunch for the both of us and she looked at me and smiled again.  I could almost read what she was telling me. It was as if GOD put her words in my heart, her eyes were saying, "Mom you did what GOD wanted you to do and he is so happy that you obeyed him."

Well, let me tell you it gets better!! As I mentioned earlier, it was the last $25 I had until payday the following Wednesday. I normally do the payroll on Monday's, but before I got around to calling payroll to ADP, my boss told me to add an additional $350 to my pay. I didn't even asked why the additional $350, all I did was stared at him. He said it's a gift from my wife and I for your graduation. I had just graduated with a BA from USF the week before. WOW!  God not only returned my $25 but also gave it back to me three hundred fold.  I was speechless!! I wanted to cry. No I wanted to scream, not because of the money, but because God was so faithful!! He told me everything would be ok. God showed me that he does not forsake us. GOD IS TRULY AMAZING AND AWESOME!  BLESSED BE HIS NAME AMEN, AMEN!! I trust him on everything I do. Have trust and faith in the LORD and you too will see blessings come your way.

I am so glad that God led me to WOCIC.  Thank you Pastor Vin and Pastor Laura for making feel at home. You are truly amazing Pastors. God Bless you and your family!

PS. If you have not been to an Encounter, you do not know what you are missing! What are you waiting for? It was a life changing experience for me and it can be for you too.