WILMINGTON, N.C. – First Advent Christian Church kicked off Penny Crusade 2020 by reminding their people of how the fundraiser was initially started back in 1956. After sharing the story, small painted burlap bags were passed out to be used to collect money – men one color, women another. This church has historically held a fun challenge between men and women culminating in a celebratory meal.

The challenge started off great and each Sunday folks brought their bags emptying them into a blue basket for the men and a pink basket for the women. The bags really helped people remember to collect money at home throughout the week.

A science project board was also displayed that highlighted facts on India and showed progress of weekly giving. Each Sunday, they shared facts about India and even used some WWII Indian artifacts, which included a huge necklace of bells that was used in India to help alert villagers of an elephant approaching. These bells were used each Sunday to playfully announce the “Penny Crusade update” portion of the service.

Because of COVID-19, First Advent only had three indoor services to promote Penny Crusade before services were suspended. On May 31 they resumed meeting in cars with the pastor preaching from the carport. This change of plans didn’t derail God though, note this testimony:

 “God guided my husband to a man in Michigan, who had been stock piling antennas that could be used over an AM radio channel – no FCC license needed. We purchased the antenna with an amplifier. My husband built a stand for it. We are able to sit in the comfort of our cars and hear Pastor Sam Hill over AM 1630. It is so clear and can be heard from a quarter of a mile away. The man we purchased this from is a Christian. He told us that he didn’t know why he was being led to stock pile this product, until COVID happened. Then he realized this was in God’s plan. Now he could provide churches with a safe way to continue conducting services. Our God works in such miraculous ways!! Now we could continue our Penny Crusade giving while worshipping in the parking lot.

Another God-inspired moment related to Penny Crusade involved an idea our pastor’s wife had. She usually spearheads the Penny Crusade program for our church. At the end of last year’s Penny Crusade, she suggested that the adults do challenges throughout the year. First, was a coffee can for people to put quarters in. Next was a clipboard where we could write a monetary pledge for the year. The money from the pledges, was then placed in a tall bank that looks like a traffic light. The children also used this bank to put change in throughout the year. This was an excellent, fun way to contribute all year. Our pastor’s wife, Terry, had no idea COVID was coming, but God did. He gave her this idea, which provided the way for us to be able to provide for our missionaries, when they would need it most. Our God is awesome!!!!” – Susan, First Advent

All in all, First Advent had 13 Sundays combined with their year-round challenges and raised $2,054. For a small group of 20-25 regular attendees, this was a testimony to their faithfulness and God’s provision.