The Story of an 80 Acre Farm.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In 1989 they began conducting monthly outreach crusades in the government projects of their city. Using tents and community centers, they faithfully ministered year after year to people of all ages through evangelistic services, medical care, food, and clothing.

As the needs of people increased, more and more came to them with every imaginable need. This growing influx of people revealed to them the pressing need to have an onsite outreach in the area, which would better position them to meet their needs.

In 1998, a newspaper article identified the area of Tulsa as having the highest crime rate. The people began to pray that God would give them land for an outreach center that would turn the tide of violence and make this a place of peace. They wanted to see Jesus exalted in the middle of their neighborhood.

Within a few days two sisters named Mary Trotter and Martha Cobb contacted them. They informed them that their grandfather had left an 80-acre farm to them in the very location over which they had prayed, and that they had a desire to see the land used by the Lord as a community outreach. As they walked the property, they sensed in the Spirit that this was, indeed, special ground; there was a reason it had never been developed.

The Lord brought together a team in their church who started to research the land in courthouse records. They were told the land would never be rezoned for the purposes they desired; thus began the lengthy process of preparing the appropriate documentation needed to present a case for a special exception.

In November 1999, they appeared before the Tulsa County Commission, requesting a special exception to be made that the land might be used as an outreach facility. A pastor from the church presented their case with charts and explanations of the plans. One of the commissioners surprised them by saying, "if you had sent Sharon Daugherty to sing, this deal would already be over." At that point we knew God had gone before us!

They were soon granted the zoning they requested, which enabled them to begin the first phase of their dream.

Today they have almost 25,000 square feet that is comprised of the following: a medical area with a pharmacy, dental offices, clothing distribution area, computer center, gym, kitchen, and dining areas with a food distribution center. Outdoor areas for sports and recreational activities make possible make year-round outreach.

Mary and Martha gave what they had-they gave the farm. And because they did, on that land today worship and work, miracles and mentoring, praise and play are taking place year-round.

Are you willing to give what you have today to help further the kingdom of God?

Dear Lord, we thank You for what You have given to each of us.  We pray today that we would be willing to let You use it in whatever way You want us to.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.