Was it Worth It? – By Kevin Cross

“Was it Worth It?” by Kevin Cross

It is not necessarily a question one would quickly ask if they were more spiritual. But here goes – “Was it worth it?” to be honest my background as a CPA and a self-proclaimed economist now “missionary of finance”, I can’t help but to ask this question. I have been both trained and conditioned to think about this – whether in time or in money – or both. On 4/17 we witnessed a costly day. City Hall was filled with over 2500 people from the community, served by nearly 1000 providers of hope from 28 churches, and fed thousands of hot dogs, and 40,000 pounds of groceries, plus health care, jobs, resumes, counseling, and a plethora of other services. The grand total of the cost of this investment in hope was $60,000. Which comes out to $24 a person served, which isn’t a bad investment given a return.

            However, there is more. 168 people asked Jesus Christ to be there Savior and forgive them of a debt they could not pay. Hundreds of others prayed prayers too of thankfulness, and surrender in the prayer tent, while scores of others were prayed with under trees, in the street, and over a perfectly grilled hot dog prepared and served by hands that hoped the receiver would experience eternal food.

            If we put a price tag on the people who are now going to spend eternity with God in Heaven – forever – that cost comes out to $357 per person, almost the same amount as the average monthly car payment! That certainly puts a new perspective on the true cost of car payments. I cannot wait to meet these new brothers and sisters some day, as we literally run into each other in great excitement and they start telling me all about their amazing Heaven home and literally invite me to take a look at their God place. 

            But that is not the total financial disclosure from this CPA’s report. I can attest that the nearly 1000 volunteers who gave their most precious resources scores of hours, talents, and yes – money! Over $5000 was sacrificially given the night before at the volunteer rally, some sacrificed even beyond their ability. As a result, my faith and many many others were deepened and our trust and desire to follow Jesus Christ more was the result.

            So if all of us who were served or served were impacted (about 3500 people total) the cost was $17 – the price of a large pizza nice topped!

            So my question is, “Did we gain the most valuable of all returns on investment – “real friends” through this massive “hope-a-thon?” We actually showed the world that we love people more than money and according to God’s economics – there are people who will be in Heaven instead of Hell because of the way we used His money. Was it worth it?  From a financial standpoint that is one of the hugest, and most radical returns on investment I have ever seen!  The cost was great though – as evil was delivered a huge setback and many were snatched from the jaws of hell.  In the words of missionary C.T. Studd. “Some wish to live within the sound of the chapel bell, but I wish to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell!”

            Thank you Fellowship for your savvy investment skills. Share the math, share wisdom, and share the wealth!

Jesus summed it up pretty well when he said,

 “Use money to gain friends for yourself so when it is gone you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9

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