https://www.rickbergen.net Help Plant 1,000 Churches Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:01:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 169531157 https://www.rickbergen.net/?p=1973 https://www.rickbergen.net/?p=1973#respond Fri, 28 Aug 2020 20:24:25 +0000 Rick Bergen http://www.rickbergen.net/?p=1973

Clenildo told me a story about two of his friends who both died recently because of COVID-19. “Ademir spent his life spreading the gospel in the Xingu Region. When Ademir got some money, he invested it in spreading the gospel. Ademir is a modern-day hero. “I have another friend who died unexpectedly of COVID-19. One day this friend talked to me. ‘Clenildo, God has blessed me with great wealth. I have five ranches. I don’t know why God blessed me with so much financial wealth. What should I do with all these riches?'” “I responded thoughtfully, ‘You should pray and ask God what to do, and then obey God. If you want some ideas we are building a church in a new community. You could help with that project. We also have other expenses in our church-planting work.’ Some time later I was talking to this man again. He asked about the church project and was surprised to hear it was already done. I told him he was not the only person with money. If he does not want to help God will choose another source.” “The wealthy rancher was sorry he had not helped, and asked about more projects. Then he promised, ‘I will go home and pray about this.’ Some time later the man died. As far as I know he never invested significantly into the Kingdom of God. “Ademir is rich in heaven. My rancher friend is not. If he got to heaven, he is poor. He left all his wealth to another man. His wife will marry again, for sure. And that man will inherit his wealth.” “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). Your thoughts?

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