When God Delivers the Overflow
By Rev. Preston D. Boyd, 4thEpiscopal District
In our lives, we often wonder if we are hearing God correctly. Did God really just tell me to do what I never imagined or was I hearing what the Temptation’s used to sing, “Just My Imagination?” I had a recent experience where after prayer, revelation, and confirmation, I wondered if what I heard was God or me?
In 2017, while still pursuing my Masters of Divinity degree, I did a case study on a 501(c)(3) called Lighthouse of Oakland County. I was impressed with what I discovered about them; and it was during that time, I discovered their objectives and focus were aligned with my ministry identity statement developed while in seminary. I knew that one day I would be back to help them as a pastor.
Moving forward to 2018, I am now the pastor of that very church where I completed my ministry practicum program. No longer an intern at the church, I stood before the congregation and cast the vision. That vision, after prayer, was to raise 500 jars of peanut butter and jelly for the food pantry at Lighthouse of Oakland County.
Five hundred was the number God had given me in my spirit. So, my wife and partner in ministry, the Rev. Ale Jean Boyd; a church member, Brother David Nobel; and I met with Lighthouse of Oakland County CEO Rick David; James McQueen, Food Pantry Manager; and Alexandria Urbanczyk, Community Relations Managerto learn how we could help and get ideas for the food drive.
We learned that a successful drive for peanut butter would generate 200-225 jars. We also learned that quite often they receive peanut butter but people forget to the jelly. So, there I sat with my support team. Two hundred, twenty-five would be a good goal but God said 500. People more experienced at doing this accomplished 225 but God said 500. So, I told Lighthouse we were going for 500.
I presented the plan to the church at a Church Conference and I often talked about it during the Pastor’s Moment during Sunday Worship, which is the five-minute talk on various topics. I also had the Food Pantry Manager come to our kickoff worship service and explain what impact we would have by providing 500 jars of peanut butter. The congregation embraced the idea and I am so blessed to shepherd such a fine group of people with such kind and giving hearts.
Well, on April 29, 2018, Lighthouse representatives were on-hand to receive what Mitcham Chapel AME Church was able to accomplish. No, they did not receive 500 jars of peanut butter and jelly. They received 807jars of peanut butter and jelly. This will touch the lives of over 400 families which is a bigger impact than anything we could have done without partnering with Lighthouse and combining Christian can-do attitudes with an existing community support organization.
This story has another point. I see God giving me the number and in the background whispering, “Do your part regarding what I told you and watch me bless the church’s effort with an overflow blessing.”
Mitcham Chapel AME Church, located in Royal Oak, Michigan, is by no means the biggest church in our district and that really doesn’t matter. What matters is the bigness of our faith and the bigness of our God. God has allowed us to bless his children beyond all we could have imagined.
Now, for those who may be asking, “What’s the big deal about peanut butter and jelly,” let me explain. Many children in the service area of Lighthouse get food assistance at school. When there is no school, they still need to eat. Peanut butter and jelly is a staple for food pantries. Also, when there is no electricity at home, peanut butter does not spoil. Lastly, for younger children whose parents may not want them turning on a stove, peanut butter and jelly is ideal.
In conclusion, I thank the many friends and co-workers of members who helped contribute to this drive. It was truly our church and the village coming together to make this happen. Beloved, the size of the giant doesn’t matter. It’s the size of our faith and our God.
