I first heard of Starfish Ministries a few years ago. I wanted a car so I contacted them to see how I could be eligible for the free car program. I am a big believer in God’s perfect timing. I just had to learn that my perfect timing is not the same as His perfect timing.
I connected with Bonnie Smith and she explained the Starfish Adopt-A-Family program...which I needed to participate in order to be referred for a car. It wasn’t what I thought I needed or even wanted to do but I agreed.
The most significant learning I gained was through my financial coach. We met at my house once a week for the next several months. I learned a lot about budgeting and credit. But more importantly, I learned about money the way God sees it.
After that initial training with my financial coach, it took me about 18 months to get out of more than $6,000 worth of debt. The amazing part about it was that I did it while being unemployed! I was receiving a $387 cash grant from the county and served two years in AmeriCorps receiving a monthly stipend. Through obedience and faith, God truly blessed me and directed my footsteps.
I have been debt free since February 2005!
God has since used me to teach others about budgeting and the importance of tithing even while in debt (I learned that debt stands for Doing Everything But Tithing). Go figure!
I was not recommended for a car at that time. God had a plan and His timing is always perfect. I look back now and I thought I was ready to own a car and handle the responsibilities that come along with it. I had to learn how to appreciate what I had in my life at the time and even learn how to become a better driver because I rarely drove.
It is now 2007 and I have been recommended for a car and I give God all the glory! If you are in a place in your life now and you are believing God for something, I want to encourage you to keep on believing! He is faithful, but He does require faith and obedience to get your blessings to you. Don’t give up; remember it is in His perfect timing, not yours that your blessings will come to pass.
Editor’s Note: Stacy’s financial coach used the resource, Faith to Finance, published by Faith Alive Resources, 800-333-8300 or FaithAliveResources.org.
Through PRISM’s Ways to Work, Stacy has now been approved for a $4,000 no interest loan to purchase a vehicle.
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