Whether it’s at the grocery store check-out line or an email in my inbox, people are always asking me how to use coupons. Several months ago I felt like the Lord really wanted me to teach others about this. Even though there are many other (and more talented) couponers teaching classes out there I felt like I could offer a different perspective– using coupons to give more.
Over the past seven months I’ve tracked my charitable giving of food and toiletries and it turns out I’ve bought over $500 worth of stuff while only paying about $20 out of pocket. About 20 people turned out to the class which was held at my church. That was more than I expected since I didn’t advertise except through our church bulletin, Facebook page and my personal blog. Several of the people do not attend my church but told me after that they had been praying for someone to teach them about coupons. One woman told me she had been praying about learning how to use coupons so she could buy more food to help a friend who’s in a bad financial situation.
My presentation was only about 40 minutes long and included the basics of couponing as well as some information and ideas on how to use couponing to increase your giving to local food pantries and shelters. I showed them these verses on giving:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35)
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” (James 2:15-16)
There were lots of questions and plenty of interest so I’m excited to see what this group of 20 will be able to accomplish with coupons.
November 19th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Great job! Thanks for teaching that class! Keep up the good work!
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November 19th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Great post! It is so important to take the extra time and ensure our money is going to a company that will use its profits to support causes we would support as well. Keep up the good work!
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 am
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