I started my Sunday morning with it set in my mind that I was going to tithe bigger than I had ever before. I know I didn't have $2500, but I did have $250 times 2! The devil tried to deter me by reminding me that I had tuition due for my daughter's school. He tried to remind me that I hadn't received a dime in child support in the past year to help with the cost. But I knew that I wanted to tithe my $500 this day no matter what. I got to my car & it wouldn't start! Finally it started but gave me problems all the way to church. The next day, which was a Monday, I received a $2300 check from the state for back child support. I thank God. He is awesome, faithful, a provider, and He is alive!
Testimony 2
I joined in December 2009 and I am so grateful that the Lord put me here after such a long search for a new church home. I have been able to tithe and give offering, but I wasn't tithing the way I know I should have been. However, after my first visit, I have been tithing the way I should have. I was recently let go from my job on 2/10/10 and the first thing I was concerned about was how will I be able to continue to tithe and give offerings. I fast and pray and God blesses me with confidence to trust in Him. I'm still unemployed praying that God bless my business to increase and bless me to open a community center. I ask that you pray for me and ask the Lord to grant my prayer. I am so excited to give the enclose 10% of my income tax check to the church to continue to finance the gospel. Thank you Pastor for your teaching, comedy, and love.
Testimony 3
I was raised in church and due to circumstances there was a period in my teens when I did not go. When my family moved closer to the church, Salem members started coming and praying on the corners. I was affected by Katrina and upon my return I discovered my Grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer. I decided my friend and I would visit Salem. On that day I joined but soon stopped attending. In Nov 2009 I lost my grandmother. My family and I were feeling terrible and then I heard my Mom scream to me that Pastor Meeks was on the phone. Out of all the churches that my family is connected with, you were the ONLY one that called. It wasn't my week to tithe and I hadn't planned on giving an offering. I had four singles in my pocket and said to myself "give it to the church". On Monday I forgot my bus pass and the bus driver let me ride on the bus free. I was hoping I could use my ATM at the train station but it was broke. I needed to get to work and could not be late. The train lady eventually let me ride the train to work and I made it on time. God gave me back my offering two fold.
Testimony 4
I just wanted to share this praise report regarding giving my tithes on this past Sunday. As of this past Sunday, I was unemployed and receiving unemployment. Sunday before last I tithed from my unemployment and this past Sunday I tithe what I could. Less than 6 hours later on this past Sunday, unexpectedly, a friend gave me the same amount I tithed in an envelope. Having been unemployed since November 2008 and having lasted worked on a temporary assignment in August 2009, on this past Monday, I received a phone call from one of my HR recruiters offering me the opportunity to work a temporary assignment for the next 6 weeks, with the possibility of a permanent offer coming from the company in the near future. I thank God for the Word He has given to Rev. Meeks and for me being obedient to that Word.
Testimony 5
I was laid off my job on 08/12/09. I've been collecting unemployment and has lost almost have of my monthly income! But thanks be to God that I haven't lost my apartment/car & ins/food/Cell phone...I've still been able to maintain my bills...but I didn't think I could pay all my tithes...I mean was paying $25 every Sunday. Rev. Meeks you've been speaking alot about paying your true tithes & watch what happens...well I did just that along with my daughter on Sunday 02/21 ..I paid $100 & my daughter paid $10 & when we left church my daughter received $20 from her grandmother. I had not checked my mail all week until today and there it was a check for $191.66! It was money from my old job from an investment! Rev. Meeks I just wanted to say that I am grateful to God for using you to deliver his word so clearly week after week.
Testimony 6
I just wanted to give a testimony on what has happened in my life since Sunday when Rev. Meeks told us to tithe and if we didn't get it back in 30 days he would give it to us. Well, I consider myself a tither but lately things have been tight so I haven't been giving what I should. After his sermon on Sunday I tithed the amount that I should have been doing in the first place and on Tuesday received wonderful news in the mail. My son, an 8th grader took the test to get into Seton Academy fall of this year. I received a letter on Tuesday that not only he got accepted but being one of the top scorers he automatically received a $500 scholarship. Seton's tuition is a long way from $500 but it is truly a blessing and a start. If you can pass along the message to Rev. Meeks my family wants him to know that we won't be looking for him in 30 days for our money back. The Lord provided that scholarship money for us and now we know.
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago • Rev. James T. Meeks •House of Hope Worship Center
752 East 114th St. Chicago, IL 60628•Church Office: 773-371-2300
Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.• Sundays at 8:00 a.m.• Sundays at 11:30 a.m. • Wednesday Bible Class: 7:00pm
