An Undeniable Return on Investment

If I’m being completely honest, I’m not a great fundraiser. I know, I know. Not a great thing for the executive director of a nonprofit to admit.

So recently, when a man approached me about a matching gift, I was hesitant to take him up on the offer. This man believes in our mission and in our ministry model, and he wants to give Leverage Ministries $15,000 as a matching gift.

I admitted to him that I was a below-average fundraiser, but I committed to praying and letting our ministry partners know about his incredibly generous gift. I also assured him that we would be faithful with every dollar God provides.

I’ve seen God work despite my shortcomings, and I know this man will receive an incredible return on investment. I've personally witnessed how Leverage Ministries has impacted lives. One specific story that comes to mind happened at a local Sam’s Club on a very hot afternoon in mid-June. 

I was rushing to my car after purchasing ice cream for our Wednesday night ministry at the runway shelter. I was almost to my car when I heard, “Hi, Scott!” I turned to see a couple who had been longtime prayer and financial supporters of our ministry. A young man was helping them load a large grill into their vehicle. 

I knew I should stop to talk, but I wanted to get the ice cream home before it became milk from the Florida heat, so I said a very quick hello and took off for my car. As I was getting to my car, I heard a voice calling, “Pastor Scott, do you remember me?”  I stopped and noticed it was the same young man who had been helping load the grill. I looked more closely and realized it was Kendrick, who had been part of our breakfast club years before.  He threw his arms around me and said, “I can’t believe you remember who I am!”

Kendrick proceeded to tell me how camp and breakfast club changed his life. He said, “I am living for the Lord and going to church, and I have never been arrested. Thank you so much for your ministry. If you did not come into my life, I would be in prison like the rest of my family.  Thank you for taking me to camp that week changed my life.”

Wow. I hadn’t seen this young man in more than five years, and here he was, helping a couple whose support had made it possible for Kendrick to go to camp. Their return on investment was standing right in front on them, helping them load up a grill. I can’t help but think what a sweet reunion that will be in heaven.

As we prepare for the holidays and the end of the year, I would love for you to consider making a special gift to Leverage Ministries so we can continue working with so many unreached and underprivileged teenagers right here in Polk County. All gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, as part of this $15,000 matching challenge. 

I can guarantee you an incredible return on investment as we continue to reach the abused, abandoned and arrested youth of Central Florida.