Inspiring stories of Financial Freedom

1/3/2009

My husband and I had always tithed, but knew very little of other Bible teachings about finances. In the 1980's we learned about and followed Larry Burkett's teachings.

Now that we are both in our 60s and retired, our income has been greatly reduced. The poor economy has taken a large portion of our investments, but because we live debt free and have an emergency fund, we are doing fine. Crown Financial Ministries continues to keep us on track and gives us tools to share with others. Praise God!

Ruthie, PA

1/3/2009

I listened to the Money Matters radio program each day during our first years of marriage. It taught me God's wise principles and financial priorities, which led to us making crucial decisions early on for which we are now so grateful.

In our first two years of marriage we paid off student loans and a car loan, and saved money to build a home. We practiced living on one income while I was pregnant, and then I was able to become a stay-at-home mother to our baby. Then, when my husband was laid off from his home-building job, we had a 3-month emergency fund to sustain us during his 3 months of no work. God provided in so many ways! He then blessed my husband with a secure DREAM JOB.

Thank you to Crown Financial Ministries for teaching us to pay debt off early, save, learn to live on one income before having kids, and to create an emergency fund. We've made it through some hard times and are so thankful for God's provision and guidance through it all. Praise God!!

Lacey , OR

1/5/2009

I just wanted to affirm your work at Crown in our lives over the past several years and specifically the past few months. Yes, Chuck is not Larry or Howard, but his heart for the Lord and his biblical stance on stewardship issues are evident! What an encourager he has been during this economic uproar! Oh how we need wise counsel based on "real truth" and not financial principles alone.

Recently, my wife and I received news of a significant upcoming pay cut from my company. Certainly we are not happy about this news, but we know God is in control. Additionaly, He is not in panic mode for our sake or that of America.

We appreciate you and everything you are doing for the kingdom of God. Thanks so much.

In Him,
Mark and Lisa, TN

1/8/2009

Eight years ago I married my beautiful bride. Before we got married, I read Larry Burkett's book on Finances for Newlyweds. This simple, easy to understand, yet profound book, influenced my attitude about money heading into marriage.

First, the money I make is God's money. Hold it loosely, but be profoundly generous, as He is.

Second, set up a BUDGET and COMMUNICATE with your husband/wife about it and the expectations of each.

Third, it isn't my money, it's OUR money. No matter who makes what, it's OUR money.

These simple truths have made money a blessing in my marriage, not a burden. It's all God's money! God used Larry and Crown Financial Ministries to bless my marriage, and I'M SO GRATEFUL.

Solo Deo Gloria

Eric, CA

1/11/2009

The ship Doulos docked at Sydney, Australia in September 2008. It was there that I got hold of the book, Debt-Free Church, by Larry Burkett. I chose that book because our church is in the middle of planning to build a church of our own. We are currently using a basketball court for Sunday services.

After reading the book, it spurred me to share it with my Bible Study group, hoping that they, too, would catch the vision of building our church debt free. Our head pastor has been burned from setting up a building fund from a previous church he pastored, so he decided that we will not have a building fund until we start the actual building phase.

Anyway, reading the book has led me to your Web site and eventually asking my sister who lives in Texas to get me the book, Your Money Map, by Howard Dayton. I am just going through the first few chapters when the Lord impressed upon me to pass on these lessons to others. He showed me that with the financial crisis going on right now (even in Australia), this can be a vehicle of sharing His gospel. I don't know how, but I'm sure He already has the plan.

I thank God for your ministry and for the technology. May you continue to make an impact and influence people to live life the way God meant it to be.

Victoria,
Sydney, Australia

1/13/2009

We wanted to share the good new with everyone that my wife and I have completed the Money Map. We just made our last payment on our house last Friday, so we are debt free now. Crown Financial Ministries has been a great blessing in our life. Thank you so much for your ministry and your dedication to our Lord.

Mr. and Mrs. Marsala, CO

1/17/2009

I was living what I was lead to believe in our secular society was the good life. A big house in the suburbs, 3 cars, a loving wife, good job, and lots of "stuff." I thought my life was financially secure.

Then my world crumbled around me because I had built my house on shifting sands. My wife left me on Father's Day. Within two months I required two surgeries to remove a small tumor, my daughter required an emergency appendectomy, and my wife required treatment for an Aneurism and a hysterectomy. I also lost motors in both of the vehicles I had retained. I suddenly found myself in a financial crisis. While I wasn't thinking of my financial condition, I found myself on my knees one night in my kitchen crying out to the Lord, "Lord, take me or heal me!"

I got a vision of the pastor who married my wife and me. I sent him an email and received a reply within 10 minutes that he wanted to meet me the next morning. I explained to him what had happened in my life and, after praying together, I promised him I would seek out help from a church. The Lord lead me to the church I now attend, only to find out it was the same church the pastor attends.

My church just started the Crown Financial Study ministry, so I went to the orientation and signed up for the course. It was the first time in my life that I had ever heard the phrase "Financially Living God's Way."

After reading all the information they gave us, I saw all the mistakes I had made in stewardship of the wealth the Lord had provided me. I will have a long road ahead of me in turning my life around financially but now, through the grace of God, I have the tools I will need to be able to make this happen. Praise God for Howard Dayton and Crown Financial Ministries, for without them, I would still be lost like a cork adrift on the sea.

James, WA