GREEN: Why I Give
September 1st, 2010 by
Dennis Rouse

For the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about How to Think About & Handle Money. Thus far, we’ve talked about shifting our values, having the right vision and seeking wisdom. The idea is that we need to make the shift from being consumers to being stewards.
If you’ve been coming to Victory for a while, you know that one of our core values has always been to steward the money that we receive in such a way that we can give outside this church to make a difference in the world.
It’s clear in Jesus’ teachings on money that He wants us to capture the essence of having a giving heart. I realize we all come from different backgrounds concerning money, and much of our thinking has been formed by our circumstances. However, at some point, when one decides to become a true Christian, one of the greatest signs is in the area of giving. So. as a means of encouragement, and to help anyone who is struggling in this area, I want to share from my heart seven reasons Why I Give:
- I give because I want to demonstrate a THANKFUL HEART to God at all times. When I began to study the Bible, I noticed how the Israelites were constantly forgetting what God had done for them; turning to idols because of ungrateful hearts. From this, I realized that my heart is affected by what I do with money!
- I give because I want to demonstrate a FULL SURRENDER to the God I serve. I’ve made my decision, I want to give full control to Christ.
- I give because I made a COVENANT with God and the people of this LOCAL CHURCH. I learned a long time ago that God functions with a covenant mentality. Rather than be a covenant breaker, I decided to live with a covenant mentality; and this is true in marriage, serving. giving, etc.
- I give in order to POSITION myself for God’s BLESSINGS AND PROTECTION. I’m very mindful of the promise of scripture. Read Malachi 3:8-10. Regardless of how tough times may get, I’m fully convinced that as long as I remain faithful to God in giving, He will take care of me – and not just financially, but also in health, protection, favor, etc.
- I give because I really believe in the VISION of our CHURCH. From time to time, Colleen and I will ride past the daycare where we first met as a church and reflect. I love the fact that:
- We are doing things to bless the community (Norcross Co-Op, transitional housing, paying people’s bills, etc.)
- Marriages heading for divorce get turned around
- People are set free from drugs, alcohol and depression
- People with serious illnesses are healed
- Young people are inspired to live for God
- Entire families are transformed
- Over 100 nations gather every week
- New churches are planted
- We support missions projects all over the world
- Every week something is happening with the money I give that makes a difference in eternity!
- I give because I want to be an EXAMPLE to my CHILD. Over the years, my daughter Lauren has been able to share in our giving model.
- I give so that someday I will hear the COMMENDATION of the one I love: “WELL DONE!” I’ve had to sort out over my life what I’m living for.
If you’re one who already tithes and gives faithfully, I congratulate you. You’re operating under the blessing and promises of God. If you’re someone who has struggled in this area, let me challenge you to put your full trust in God and put him to the test in this, even as he has invited us to do. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
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The proof was in the pudding on a recent Friday night when close to 200 married couples came out to fellowship and spend time with their spouses at Married Couples Date Night, hosted by Family Ministries and emceed by Pastor Randal McNeill. The V-3 building was transformed into a movie theater and the doors could barely swing open before people started to rush in. Talk about being excited, the married couples took it to another level, for it was their night. What movie wouldn’t be complete without the right fixin’s to snack on; there was a concession area that included pizza, popcorn, sodas and candy…at a reasonable price (significantly less that what you’d usually pay at the theater).
After the couples were settled in, the lights were dimmed and the movie – No Greater Love – began to play. A lot of the couples said they needed to see this movie, which centered on the separation of a husband and wife, who later reunited after ten years of being apart. The father raised his son alone and had met another young lady. After spending much time with her, he was contemplating on asking her to marry him. But as fate would have it, he sees his wife at a Christian summer camp where his son was attending. That’s when God did something magnificent. He brought the two of them back together towards the end of the movie, but not without some controversy. They were able to work things out and reconcile their differences.



The teachers, staff and support team of
As we were dismissed, all I could think of was Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NKJV) Exactly what the scripture states is what Victory’s Children’s Ministry is all about! Teaching the Word of God, making an impact and developing leaders by making the connection now!! ~ Renee J.


yet I was not diligent enough to pay them off. Once the balances got high, I would use them for everyday purchases so I would be able to make the minimum payments. The FPU class gave me the courage to…(continued online at vwcblogs.com) let go of the plastic and put my faith in God regarding our finances. My husband and I also began to tithe faithfully while attending the FPU class. We quickly built our $1,000 emergency fund and hope to finish Baby Step 2 by the end of 2011. Thanks, Victory and FPU, for helping my family down the path to be debt free! ~ Melissa K.
Enter the main sanctuary of Victory World Church and take a look around. On the walls you will notice four large pictures, each with a statement: Reconciling Cultures, Building Families, Transforming Community and Impacting the World. Those statements are Victory’s pillars and on Saturday, July 10th members of the Victory World Church family brought the pillar of Transforming Community to the Alcovy Springs Subdivision in Lawrenceville.
When most people think about transforming a community they imagine a poor neighborhood in the inner-city or a desolate village in Africa, so I was more than a little surprised as I turned into what appeared to be a very nice, middle-class neighborhood. “This is where we’re serving?” I asked myself as I navigated the sidewalk-lined streets and waved as I passed several teams of people wearing blue tee-shirts proclaiming “This is What Community Looks Like” and bravely battling the 95º+ heat as they cut lawns, painted mailbox posts and trimmed hedges.
As we walked through the neighborhood, Pastor Rich explained that he and Pastor Dennis Russell had wanted to organize a family-friendly outreach that focused on the pillar of Transforming Community. Pastor Rich explained “We often focus on the needs of the poor, but there are many people living in middle-class neighborhoods that are suffering and many do not know the Lord.” It was this revelation that led him to propose the idea of a community outreach to the Alcovy Springs Homeowners Association, and within five weeks, he was given the go ahead.
“The community has responded well” he commented. “They are seeing the blessing and coming out. The idea is to pay it forward. Hopefully they will go out and do this in another neighborhood.” Pastor Dennis Russell further explained, “This is a model. A lot of our outreach focuses on the poor and the homeless. We wanted a way to minister to the middle-class and bring Jesus to them as well.” He continued, “It allows us to connect and build relationships. It is a spiritual connection and brings healing and restoration.” Pastor Dennis Russell added that it will take a few months to see the impact, but the mid-term effect will be in how well the homeowners maintain their homes and community.
Peter Dawkins, a Victory World Church member for almost 4 years, brought his small group out to help. His wife, Lorna, shared how a homeowner had approached her team with tears in his eyes and stated that this outreach was “huge” and should be taken world-wide. Like Carol Holcomb, many volunteers were moved by the reaction of the homeowners as they realized the impact their effort was having.
After all the hard work, volunteers and community joined together for a cook-out complete with music and games. While cooling down and enjoying the food and festivities, Victory World Church members Carrie and Robert Raboud explained their reason for volunteering. “We have been asking the Lord for ways we could serve” said Carrie “and the Lord has been giving us opportunities.” While unsuccessful in getting daughter Izabella to participate in the Hokey-Pokey, they both agreed the experience had been great.


