Joy on Purpose
We connected with two of the most humble individuals in West Michigan about what the Lord is doing in their lives. These two met through a bible study and one day decided to take a bolder step in their faith and take some of their earnings and give back to the community by heading to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc., and handing out gift cards while praying with each person!
This was not something that came easy to them, but they were obedient to God and let Him pull them out of their comfort zone. By doing this, story after story of God’s ordained intervention started coming from the boldness of their giving! They eventually created a non profit called Hands and Feet of Jesus Ministry so they could keep pouring into the community as God guided.
The Lord led them to the JoyBus for an even bolder step in faith! These two partnered with the JoyBus to give away a VERY generous amount of gift cards for ANYONE to pick up, and then go out and bless someone else! Can you even believe it!?
Their hope was that YOU would be able to experience the joy of giving and the opportunity of connection through a divine, God-ordained moment. Also, each person that picked up a gift card was greeted and prayed over.
Below are some of the stories we already received:
A womans was using her gift card to purchase things for the break room at Holland Hospital for supporting the nurses.
A man was going to give his to a person he knows that is living with homelessness.
A woman and her kids came in to pick one up for a family friend who is struggling as a single father.
There was a woman that knows of two single moms that are doing their best to make ends meet, but could use the extra support.
A woman stopped in because her coworker came and picked one up and told her she was excited to go bless someone. Once that coworker left for lunch, this lady drove over to us to grab one for her! She said that this coworker needed financial help too, and was moved that although she was in need she still was more excited to go bless someone else. It’s cool that the blessing was coming back around full circle!
Another man took a bag for his Mother-in-Law. She had a double mastectomy, and could really use a pick-me-up!
A young man came in and said that he loves talking to random people at the grocery store, and wanted to bless them!
A woman that works in retail has regular customers and there is a specific on on her heart to bless!
One couple eats at the same restaurant on the same day every week was going to give it to an older couple that they see eating at the same restaurant on the same day every week.
A mom and her daughter picked one up on their way to Meijer and she let her daughter choose who to give it to in the store.
There were many parents that came with their kids to pick one up and did this as a family, which is cool to teach their kids to spread joy in care for their community like this!
So great to see so much JOY spread throughout West Michigan! Can’t wait to see how God moves next!
~Joy