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DID YOU KNOW?
As we begin our New Focus on benevolence and our stewardship of funds available to help others, here are some facts about money for you to ponder…
GOD CARES ABOUT OUR FINANCES:
The Bible makes over 2,000 references about money and possessions.
The Bible refers to money 3 times more than to love.
The Bible refers to money 7 times more than prayer.
The Bible refers to money 8 times more than belief.
1/5 of Jesus’ teaching was on money and possessions.
17 of 38 parables were teachings about money.
Jesus talked more about money than any other single topic, except the Kingdom of God.
FINANCES ARE A COMMON STRUGGLE:
Americans owe $1.7 trillion of the total consumer debt.
Americans paid $50 billion in finance charges in 2001.
The average American household has 10 credit cards and close to $10,000 in credit card debt.
Eight out of ten families spend more than they make.
In 2000, more Americans declared bankruptcy than graduated from college.
Money is the number one issue in 90% of American divorce cases.
51% of Christians and 54% of non-Christians say that money is the highest symbol of success.
The average American shops 6 hours per week.
The average American spends 40 minutes playing with their kids per week.
Some estimate that we are exposed to over 2000 commercial images per day.
By the age of 20, the average American has watched 1,000,000 commercials.
33% of Christians say they can’t get ahead because of debt.
WE CAN CHANGE OUR FOCUS!
Ask God if you are called to help us reach our New Focus by
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Volunteering your time (Financial Coaches, Group Facilitators, Giving Tree)
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Donating resources (such as money or providing a need on the Giving Tree)
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Attending a Steps-to-Change small group and putting a New Focus on your own finances. (Small group discussions remain confidential.)
One more fact for you to ponder…
Christians give an average of 2.2% of their household income. This same average is true of “non-Christians” who give 2.2% of income to charity.
BE ABOVE AVERAGE! To help with New Focus, or if you have questions, please contact Jannette Miller, your New Focus Needs Coordinator, at 559-2079 or 325-320-1988.
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