The nature of the Blessing House is to bless whomever enters.
Blessing is given to whomever comes to the door because God has brought them to be blessed. Blessing is given, not charged for. To charge for a blessing is counter productive to the nature of blessing. At times those who come give a free will offering to the speakers or to cover food. Often students bring food or supplies to replenish the Blessing House pantry. But there is no charge for the blessing.
The concept of blessing my world as a Steward is creating a conundrum within me. The new building of the Blessing House requires a business plan for the Private Foundation the sons and I have formed which means the legal realities demands an accounting of income. Since I have never charged for activities (unless there is need for a speaker's remuneration) I have no idea of the value or costs associated with what I do.
Now, however, my question is..."How do I maintain the nature of the Blessing House to freely bless; and account for the needs and maintenance to run the place as required by law. This will be a larger enterprise which requires more than I have to cover the monthly expenses. The Blessing House is not the name of the ministry center....but a dynamic experience of blessing to whomever enters. Charging for the blessing is contrary to the nature of blessing. AM I BEING NAIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE OR OPERATING IN TRUST AS A STEWARD?
Can I trust that the Lord will cover the costs that I cannot from my own larder? I have filled out the form that requires an estimate of how much the Blessing House will "bring in". But, I have no reference point to expect that others will want to give to the work of blessing their world. Isn't this an interesting place to be? The Blessing has always been freely given. If I start charging for activities, The Blessing House is only a name on a sign.
My expectation is that God is going to bless the Blessing House through unconventional ways so that it can continue to truly be a Blessing House. I am reminded of the widow of Zarepath who cooked her last meal to give away to Elijah, only to find the miracle of abundant replacement (1 Kings 17). And the widow of Schunem whose oil was multiplied by Elisha so she could sell some of it to meet her bills. She was able to serve him whenever he passed through town. (2 Kings 4) I am a widow and expect surprising things from the Lord, my Master, so that I can truly keep the Blessing House a Blessing. It is going to be exciting to watch.
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