This is absolutely the most important concept I could blog about.  I am about to completely change your ideas about ministry, missions, & money.

     I want to show you how you can dramatically increase your ability to give by changing the way you think. It is really simple.  The next time you have a burden to give, help, or reach out I want you to ask yourself, "What currency do I have to meet this need?"  I want you to even pretend that you need to meet this challenge without money. 

     Many years ago, I faced a dilemma.  I had a deep burden for the persecuted church and missions, but absolutely zero money. What could I do? 

     Christian Freedom International was one of the organizations that I wanted to help. I was impressed by their self help store and decided the way I could help is through the store.  I called and talked to CFI.  They were thrilled I wanted to help and were willing to send me some samples.  I then planned a home party; invited freinds and family.  The day of the party I served refreshments, showed a short video about CFI, and passed around catalogs and samples of the items that were for sale.  That event raised $2500.  in sales and donations for CFI.  I could not have written that check, but because I was able to think creatively I was able to create an event that did.  My friends and family joined together to make a difference.

     I realize that this example was really an example that raised money, so lets talk about how we can discover more currency in our lives.  Money is currency, so what are other forms of currency?  Currency can be our resources, talents, time, creativity,and our excesses.

     Resources can be who we know, what we know, and what we can learn, see How It All Began, to see how I used resources as currency.

    Talents are unlimited in the ways they can be used as currency.  Sewing can be a way to dress entire orphanages, crafts can be used to raise funds, other talents such as medical, secreterial and more can be donated to organizations.

    Time is probably the least valued, but most valueable of all, and it can fix things that money cannot help at all.  Time to visit the elderly, or a child who has lost a parent, or wife who has lost a husband.  Time to pray.

    Creativity is what will keep you thinking and responding with currency.   The ideas will become endless and you will find yourself giving like never before.

    Lastly, our excess.  Who would of thought that what we don't need could be used as currency.  Salvation Army has used this currency to build a major part of its ministry.

    So go ahead and start thinking in currency.  I challenge you to something that is so much fun that it will open up opportunities you never knew existed.

    And please, share your ideas about currency with us.  The Church working with currency could be a very powerful force.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:21