In between two different snow storms that virtually shut down the Little Rock area and caused the ministry offices to be closed four days over the last two weeks, I was able to be a part of an exciting time of FamilyLife Today Live radio broadcasts. Snow in Little Rock, you ask? Yes, we do get snow in Little Rock which can make travel very difficult because of the combination of the hills in the area, the lack of major snow moving equipment, and the tendency for it to turn to ice.
During the three days of live radio, I had several chances to be on the phones taking calls from our listeners. The primary purpose was to recruit Legacy Partners to help support the ministry through regular financial gifts. But I can say after answering over 25 calls last week from Florida, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and many states in between, it is so much more!
Let me share one quick story with you. I talked with Paul and Sasha in Idaho. After having a pleasant conversation with Sasha, and getting them registered as a new Legacy Partner – Paul came on the phone. He wanted to assure me that they were driving safely, Sasha was a passenger and therefore was okay reading off their credit card information (what fun). Paul also wanted to ask me some questions about our Stepping Up video series. I told I wanted to transfer the call to someone who could answer his questions. I had trick up my sleeve, Dennis Rainey (president and founder of FamilyLife), happened to be standing right next to me while I was on the phone (now I could have fun with Paul).
Dennis took the phone and proceeded to have a great call with them. Paul explained to Dennis that he was leading a group of 30 inmates through the Stepping Up video series and absolutely loved the material. Way to go Paul! I got such joy in connecting these new partners with Dennis! After they ended their time together, I got back on the phone to end the call. Paul was excited about the chance to talk to Dennis. In fact, he had written down in the previous week a goal of one day talking with Dennis Rainey! Glad I could help Paul realize that goal.
So, you see these calls were much more than about money — they represented ministry TO others and WITH others.
Soli Deo Gloria!