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, 2012, and 2013 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 four circumstances.  The first need is a young couple with three children trying to stay in their home.  Unexpected expenses have caused the couple to run through all their savings.  They are both working all the hours they can to make ends meet.  We can provide a mortgage payment and utilities to enable them to keep their home.

    The second need is a single mother with four children working as much as possible while attending college.   She left an abusive husband to make a better life for her and the children.  She has been going down a hard path but things are starting to look up.  She is a survivor, and we can provide utilities as she continues toward her goal of graduating college.

    The third need is a couple who both work in local restaurants with two small children.  They both work as many hours as possible to provide for their family but have seen a dramatic decrease in pay over the last few months causing financial hardship. The husband has found a second job to try to make ends meet.  We can provide utilities and necessities to help this family make it through a rough spot.

    The fourth need is a woman in her forties who suffered an abusive childhood and is currently escaping a very abusive marriage.  This woman has suffered abuse on some level almost her entire life.  We can support her with rent, utilities, necessities, and counseling as she tries to get her life back together after years of abuse.

    With $3,500 we can meet all these needs.  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.