MERIDIAN —  1 JOHN 3:17 - “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”  Praise belongs to God as every need in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 has been met.  Thanks to everyone who has generously given over the years to change lives physically, financially, and spiritually.  Each week I stand in awe of God as I witness God’s provision in our lives.

    Today’s need concerns ten circumstances.  The first need is a young man in his late twenties who just began a new job.  He is very excited about his new opportunity but is worried about his utilities being cut off.  With $355.28 we can catch him up on his utilities as he starts his new job.

    The second need is a man in his seventies with multiple health problems.  He was broken hearted when he was forced to ask for assistance, but with all the medications he is prescribed he had no choice.  With $315.97 we can help with the medications and utilities this man desperately needs.

    The third need is mother in her late twenties with three children.  She has not been able to return to work after a medical procedure.  With $220.67 we can pay her power bill until she returns to work.

    The fourth need is a man in his fifties who just suffered his third stroke.  He has finally been released from the hospital and is worried is power is about to be cut off.  With $350.98 we can ensure this man has power in his home as he continues to heal.

    The fifth need is a lady in her fifties trying to make a new start after a disastrous last few years.  She is really excited about the direction her life is heading but became extremely sick last month.  With $450.76 we can help her with medications and utilities so that she can continue turning her life around.

    The sixth need is a couple in their forties with four children.  The husband was recently injured in an accident, and the wife’s hours have been cut back at work.  The missed income has this family in a financial bind.  With $270.00 we can help this family keep their utilities on.

    The seventh need is a lady in her late twenties who experienced unexpected emergency expenses this month.  She works all the hours she can and has never asked for help before.  With $224.77 we can help this young lady with her utilities.

    The eighth need is a lady in her fifties who has been laid off from a job she has had for years.  She has managed to find a new job, but she is worried her utilities will be cut off.  With $251.73 we can keep her utilities on as she starts her new job.

    The ninth need is a young mother with two children who could barely make herself ask for help.  She has always paid her bills, but the unexpected cutbacks with her employer lowered her income.  The only reason she asked for help is her children.  With $235.98 we can provide utilities and rent assistance until she can work more hours.

    The tenth need is a lady in her late forties who has gone through her entire savings after being laid off from work.  She finally found a new job but not before her utilities mounted to more than she could afford.  With $275.98 we can enable her to catch up on her utilities.  Thank you for allowing God to show provision for these needs through your prayers and giving.

    For your information- Any story I write will be after an individual has been checked out through the Wesley House Clearing Procedure.  Each individual must bring proof of I.D., pay stubs, tax records, and a social security number for each member of the household. In addition, any child over 18 must provide income information, copies of any outgoing bills, and proof of any subsidy such as food stamps, housing allowance, etc.  There is an extensive application that proves who the people are and the situation they face.  Phone calls are placed to verify employment and information provided. The money you give will go in full to the individual if you decide to help.  God is so good, and thank you for being somebody God can use.  Please pray for each story and see if God gives you the means to help.  If God puts it on your heart, please do not use the excuse somebody else will take care of it because it might go undone.

    Monday mornings at 7:15 we have a weekly segment on 1010 AM WMOX called the 1 John 3:17 segment.  We will highlight the Today’s Need during the segment and take call ins for about thirty minutes for pledges.  Please listen and call in 601-693-1010 or 601-693-1891 to help.  You can also get updates by joining the 1 JOHN 3:17 Facebook page or the weekly email list.  You can join the weekly email list by emailing “Add me” to trey@longwholesale.com.  Checks can be made out to the Wesley House and mailed to Trey Long, PO BOX 664, Marion, MS 39342.  Donations are tax deductible.  Glory belongs to God as lives are changing physically, financially, and spiritually.