Mercy Challenge
In an ongoing effort to make a positive impact in our surrounding community, we asked people on Sunday, April 19 to take on the "Mercy Challenge" in response to Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.
We want to be a Church filled with people who care for our community in compassionate and very practical ways. A question we have been asking ourselves as a Church over the past year is, "if Calvary Church were to disappear, would anyone in our community who does not attend our Church, notice?"
Mercy Stories
The people below chose from one of thirty five different Good Samaritan deeds; such as writing a letter of encoragement to a public official, washing a neighbor's windows, leaving flowers for someone at a convalescent home or even paying for the person behind you at a fast food drive thru. Some of these stories have gone far beyond the original Mercy Challenge cards as people have taken the call to be used by God through kind deeds, simple gestures and steps of faith as they reach out to their neighbors with love and grace.
One day, a guy from work needed some money for "fast food". I told him that I would buy him lunch. He was quite suprised and said "ok" I will pay you back on'payday".
When payday arrived I told my frind not to worry about the money. He was happy and so was I. ~ 
Lisa Ann Porcella
My husband and I both drew Mercy Challenges last week at service. We both came up with the same challenge: Buy lunch for a Janitor / Custodian at your work. Easy enough for me. I bought a couple of Subway giftcards, and left them anonymously in the Janitor closet with a note to have lunch on me (no name) and God Bless! Felt Great! My husband on the other hand, had a more difficult time. You see, he is a self-employed individual, in the construction field, which has come to a complete stand still the past year or so. He had no clue how he was going to fulfill his challenge. Being slow on work, he really didn't have much cash. He had offered to help a family member with some work on thier house, not expecting anything in exchange, just trying to help out family. At the end of the day, the family member handed him $20 and said, "Take it, for gas." So, my husband gratiously accepted and headed straight over to the gas station. As he was handing the $20 to the cashier, he realized that now was an oppurtunity to fulfill his challenge. He told the cashier to put $15 on his and $5 on the guy behind him. The gentleman behind him did not hear any of this, as he was busy counting his dollars to determine how much gas to put in. When my husband walked out- he said "God Bless you" to the gentleman - still counting his money. The man smiled. My husband felt so elated, he walked out of the gas station, to the wrong vehicle - which happened to have a group of youngsters congregated around it. Still smiling from ear to ear, my husband announced outloud "this isn't my truck!" and pointing said "there's my truck!" As he walked away towards his truck - on the other end of the gas station, he heard the kids saying to each other - "that guy is high!" - My husband chuckled so hard - because he was - HIGH ON GOD! He was smiling and feeling good all evening. Realizing that although we are all in tough times, any little good deed matters. I enjoyed my challenge and my husbands! Thanks Calvary! ~ Paul Arredondo
My daughter and I were out of town the past two Sundays and were dismayed to know that we would be missing the sermon about one of our favorite parables. We were further bummed when we heard about the Mercy Challenge but decided we didn't need a card to participate, it sounded like so much fun. We decided to pay for the person behind us at a local fast food. After much discussion, we decided that we did not want to take credit for this act, that it would be much more effective if this came from God as do all things. We prayed about it and then went to the drive thru. After buying our sodas we gave $40 to the clerk and explained about the Mercy Challenge. We asked her to pay for the orders behind us until the $40 was gone and to share the message that we were praying for them all. We were dying to see the reactions of those recipients but the huge smile on the face of the clerk was blessing enough. We were pretty sure that she got the message and that in itself was most rewarding. We are thinking that this needs to be incorporated into our lives as a regular practice. Thank you. ~ Terry
My husband and I were married on Thanksgiving. I owned a home however we knew that we wanted to buy a new home and rent my old one to a family. I prayed for a while that God would put someone in our path that would take care of our home and that they would be good renters. Little did I know that God would put a family of four and one on the way to rent our home. They were Christians however the husband had just been laid off and the wife was about to be laid off. However this man was a handy man and could do most anything in a home. I felt God kept tugging at my heart to help this family out and take a step in faith and let God work this out for all of us. I was able to witness to this man who was recently just saved. Long story short we made him a deal that if he did some work in my house that we would rent the house to his family. He is such a good worker and my house has never looked so good. I have been praying that this man would find work and he tells me every time I talk to him that God just keeps giving him side jobs so that he can provide for his family. My husband has his own Dessert Company and he has put him to work there as well. Everyone has been so blessed through all of this. ~ Barbara Ratkovich
The Mercy Challenge card that I drew was not to pay for the coffee of the person behind me in line at the coffee shop. My card was to help clean the Worship Center, which I will be happy to do next Monday. However, I was at Starbuck's on Friday morning, and was disappointed to see that I was the only person in line. But before my order was completed, a young man got in line behind me. I told the cashier that I would like to pay for this young man's coffee as well. He didn't think twice about it, and order 5 shots of espresso (all in one cup)! He was polite and thanked me, then went to sit down and wait for his order. I gave the cashier the gift card I had rec'd last Monday for my birthday, and told him to use it for the next customers until it was used up. While waiting for my order, 4 other people came up and thanked me for buying their coffee too, and the last gentleman said "May you be repaid a hundred fold". I left the coffee shop almost in tears!
I don't know if you know who Helen Wright was (she passed away last year). She and her husband, Bob, lived at Sunrise Assisted Living in Tustin. Bob is still there, and I think about Helen whenever I drive by the facility. After leaving the coffee shop, I stopped at Trader Joe's and picked up a small potted plant and a bag of the same cookies I used to take to Helen. I gave them to the receptionist and asked her to see that Bob get them. I have never met the gentleman, but I know he has Alzhiemers. He would not have known me even if we had met. Helen was a faithful servant for many years; I met her when she was a Prayer Group Leader several years ago, and enjoyed hearing of her testimonies to other residents at Sunrise every time I stopped in for a visit. ~ Dianna Gable
My younger sister and I have never been extremely close. I have always wanted to have a close relationship with her, but we never had much in common and always went our separate way. After some time of living "in the world" and not following God, she decided to marry her boyfriend and they didn't tell anyone. After finding out a month later, I was truly hurt and sad for her. Ever since it has created a larger rift between us. We barely talk anymore, and if so I just say "hi" to her. I have been praying for her heart lately that God would bring her back to Him & her husband as well. After picking the card that said to do something nice for someone who had hurt you, I thought of all the "easier" people I could choose. But God really convicted my heart that I could use this as a stepping-stone to build a relationship with her. The other times I have tried, I don't think God was my focus but making myself feel good or trying to get back at her.
I decided to buy her a gift card to Starbucks, and make her a CD of some worship songs that have really been hitting me hard. I wrote a letter to her along with it and let her know how much the decisions she has made have hurt me, but that God's forgiveness has made it so I can love her. I don't know what her response will be. It may be nothing like the other times I've tried. But I know that God can use me, and this little gift now, or in a couple months, or years...
I just want to let the mercy Christ bestowed on me, as a sinner, saved by His grace, to flow thru me to her. I want to remind her what He's all about. ~ Deanna Buoniconti
It started at the N door where I am a greeter every Sunday at First Service. Lavern Carver came through the door and we hugged as always. She had come with Phyllis Phaneuf but couldn't be taken home by her. As I was walking her to the Middle Door of the Sancturay I made a mental note of this and left her in the capable hands of my Husband, Don, to seat. He sat her by us in the back and after the Service she wanted to use a phone to call her Son and I told her that would not be necessary as I could take her home. I had plenty of time before my ABF started. Now God knew what Pastor Dave was going to propose to us that morning, but I didn't. He prompted me before we all knew about the Mercy Challenge. It is another example to me about the Providence of God to fit His purposes and when we listen and obey, the rewards are great. In just the time it took to take her home, I learned more about Lavern and was able to help her in a very tangible way. It is a small way that I can repay those who have helped me in times of need. Blessings come in all forms and in strange ways. This challenge is a good reminder for us all to be open and willing to what The Holy Spirit is telling us to do. Serving Him together, Barbara Clawson
My card read to take a dessert to a neighbor. I provided three desserts to my neighbor, (for him and his wife), and he was very thankful. Thank you very much and God bless, Karen, R.N.
My husband let our 6 year old son pick the card for the family. He picked a card that says "get a blue bible in the rack and give it to someone." We had planned to go to Downtown Disney that afternoon for a family walk as it was my son's last day of spring break. He was excited to pick the person to give the bible to. He kept asking us to whom he will give it to. We sat on a bench and prayed that the Lord will guide us. We said whoever will sit beside us, he will give the Bible to. About 20 minutes went by and a lady sat beside us. My son gave her the bible and she was surprised. I explained to her the situation and we are praying she will use the bible. My son noted that the lady was smoking and he prayed she will read the Bible and the Lord will help her stop smoking. ~ The Randolph Family
I went to 2nd service and thought this mercy challenge was an incredible idea! I took only one mercy challenge card, but wish now that I would have taken more. I hope we do this again very soon!
The card I picked was to take a blue Bible from the Church and give it to someone. Right away I knew exactly who to give it to. That morning my oldest daughter went to Church with us, it was her first time back in a long time and so that was an answer to prayers. She also brought a friend with her, and this was his first time in a Church ever. So I gave the Bible to her friend and he was very happy.
Later that day he was looking through his new Bible and flipped to the end, and wondered why the page count was so low. My youngest daughter got to share with him that this was the page count for the New Testament, and showed him there is an Old Testament too. What a great thing to be able to see someone look at a Bible for the first time! I was blessed by this. ~Paul Balius
I was so excited to hear Pastor Dave challenge us with the Mercy Challenge on Sunday. I was even more excited to see what the Lord had in store for me. I pulled out the card with the challenge of going to a laundrymat and giving people money to do their laundry. The first thing that popped into my mind was that this would be an awesome lesson to teach my 10 year old daughter to "be" a Good Samaritan. It was a perfect way to show her and experience it rather than just reading it from the Bible or watching a video.
We headed out early Tuesday morning with $20 in quarters and love in our hearts. When we arrived we were a little disappointed to discover it was empty so we had a seat and waited. I began to think of how we as a family are so blessed. Not having to drag our clothing, blankets, towels etc. out to wash. That is such a big task for a family especially when you have children.
We soon met two ladies that were pushing in huge carts with laundry. I asked them if they would allow us to give them money to pay for thier laundry and we were immediately asked why. It was so humbling explaining to them that we wanted to show our love to our community and the Parable of the Good Samaritan. They soon realized that we were not expecting anything in return and gladly accepted the money. In 30 minutes our money was gone. The Lord blessed us with 5 families we were able to help with exactly $20. As we were leaving my daughter asked if we could do it again tomorrow. Wow!!! She gets it. Thank you Lord for this awesome experience. ~Shirley Stone
I got the slip that said to buy a coffee for the person behind me in line at a coffee shop. For some reason I hadn't been to a coffee place in a while, but I was at Barnes and Noble and I wanted to order a coffee. So I awkwardly got in line, but I was worried because nobody was coming behind me so I walked away for a while and then came back. Finally a man got in line behind me. I ordered my tall black regular coffee and then said to the cashier, "And whatever this guy wants too!" He was all flustered and confused, but ended up being really grateful. There wasn't any prayer at the end or anything. I just showed him some love and I think he appreciated it. The cashier was pretty excited about it too. ~Pastor Eric Wakeling
I pulled a slip in devotions last week that stated to go to the local Laundromat with a bag of quarters and help people with laundry. Well, I went today (Wed., 4/15). Did not have quarters (place I went doesn't take quarters). I took dollar bills. People thought I was nuts or that there was a catch. One lady did not want to take the money. But I can be pretty persistent. She broke down at the end and took the money. It would really have helped if I could speak Spanish. Two people asked me "Why?" It was fun explaining about being challenged through my job and church to be a good Samaritan. Everyone was very thankful. What a great feeling. It was just so much fun walking up to a total stranger, handing them money, and telling them "I want to help pay for their laundry." ~Gayle Dedmon
My Mercy Challenge was really simple: "Be friendly in public, practice saying hello to everyone you pass throughout your day." I try to do that anyway, but this made me more aware and determined. I found that when I said "Hello" or "Good morning" to some people they would lift their eyes and smile as they responded. They appeared to feel validated and encouraged when someone noticed them and made the effort to greet them. I also found myself talking more to ladies at my Curves gym, going beyond just "hello." ~Debbie Rowley
I was actually the recipient and encouraged through the Mercy Challenge. Apparently Norma drew "Encourage a Calvary Pastor" from the Mercy Challenge Jar. I received an encouraging note from Norma this week. It was an unexpected encouragement, but much needed. It is easy to go through times of discouragement in life and ministry, but God is faithful to send people into our lives to support us and pray for us. ~Pastor Josh Simpson
My challenge was to send a letter to someone in Calvary struggling with cancer. Mine was so easy. I took flowers to Tami Stewart and Bonnie Sorensen on behalf of the Women's Ministries. Then I have sent them letters (cards) from me this week. ~Ferrel McKee
Check back often for more Mercy Challenge Stories. If you have a story of your own, you can share it here.
