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 seven circumstances. The first need is a young mother working all the hours she can to provide for her one child. She was laid off from work but quickly found another job right away. The missed income between jobs caused her to fall behind on rent. With $378.75 we can help keep shelter over this family’s head.

    The second need is a lady in her seventies struggling to afford her utility bills.  She has worked her entire life and never thought she would be in this financial shape.  With $371 we can help pay her utility bills as she gets back on financial track.

    The third need is a young man with one child worried about his utilities being cut off. As a single dad he did not want to ask for help, but he felt he had no choice. He is working all the hours he can, but unexpected expenses caused him to fall behind.  With $265 we can help keep his utilities on as he continues to work hard and raise his child.

    The fourth need is a young mother with one child who has never asked for help. She has no family to turn to for help as she tries to provide her child with a good life. She works as hard as she can to give her child opportunities she never had in life. With $610 we can help this young mother with utilities so she can continue creating a better future.

    The fifth need is a lady in her late fifties who feels blessed to be alive as she heals from a massive heart attack. She has always provided for herself, but the missed work has her behind on several bills. With $629.75 we can help with rent and utilities as she recovers.

    The sixth need is a mother of two children in her early forties just laid off from work because of company downsizing. She has already had several interviews and feels confident about a new job. With $358.10 we can help with utilities while she finds a new job.

    The seventh need is mother of four doing all she can to make ends meet. She has always been able to support herself and her children. Her employer recently reduced her hours, and she has been looking for a second job. With $335.75 we can help her with utilities while she straightens out her finances. Thank you for allowing God to show provision for these needs through your prayers and giving.

    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 older than 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.