Jim and Brenda Martin were a couple who had always dreamed of financial freedom but found themselves entangled in a web of credit card debts, overspending, and missed opportunities. One day, they decided that enough was enough – it was time to take control of their finances and embark on a journey towards a more secure future.

Their journey began with a decision that would prove to be both challenging and rewarding: enrolling in Crown’s Budget Coaching program. As they stepped into this program, they had no idea just how transformative it would be for their lives.

Jim reflected on the course. “This has been a challenging, convicting, and rewarding course,” he admitted. The program forced them to critically examine their spending habits, the importance of saving, the power of giving, and the potential of investing wisely. What ignited their hope, however, was the realization that they could claw their way out of their debt-laden existence and stay debt-free.

Brenda’s perspective was just as enlightening. “This course has been very enlightening and convicting,” she expressed. She wrestled with regrets for not taking such steps years ago. Nevertheless, she found encouragement in the course’s emphasis on starting from where they were and moving forward with newfound wisdom.

The couple’s beliefs were being challenged by their behaviors – a stark contrast they could no longer ignore. The blind spots in their financial habits were no longer concealed; the course had spotlighted them with undeniable clarity. Priscilla Douglas, their Budget Coach and guide through this transformative process, played a pivotal role with her patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their financial well-being.

Jim recognized the need for discipline and diligence as they navigated the intricacies of their cash flow. The allure of “try it free for a month” offers, which had quietly drained their finances, was now seen for what it was: a costly temptation that had to be firmly resisted.

Brenda realized that while trusting in God’s providence was essential, it did not absolve her from the responsibility of being a careful steward of the resources they’d been entrusted with.

Trusting God to do what He can do, and taking practical steps to faithfully do their part, creating a budget became a cornerstone of their journey. The budget forced them to make tough decisions, cutting back on unnecessary spending to align their lives with their financial goals. One of the most significant turning points was the decision to have their sizeable credit card debts taken over by CCC – a decision that facilitated their path to financial redemption.

As their journey progressed, Jim and Brenda faced numerous challenges. They had to communicate, cooperate, and compromise to ensure their finances were under control. This collaborative effort, while not without its difficulties, became the bedrock of their transformation.

Through ups and downs, moments of clarity and bouts of uncertainty, Jim and Brenda Martin weathered the storm. Their commitment to change, their dedication to following the lessons of the course, and their willingness to face their financial past with honesty and intentionality propelled them forward. Over time, they saw their debts shrink, their savings grow, and their perspective on money transform.

Their story serves as a reminder that financial freedom isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the transformation of beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. With each step they took, Jim and Brenda Martin moved closer to the life they had dreamed of – a life defined by financial wisdom, responsibility, and the promise of a debt-free future.

At the Crown Gathering in October 2018, David and Marilyn Butler felt called by God to establish the first Crown Stewardship Center™ in the USA, at Faith Bible Church in The Woodlands. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, they developed a proposal and worked with Pastor’s and Staff at FBC and the Crown staff and volunteers around the world during the past year to develop the concept of the Crown Stewardship Center, USA. Crown wants to provide churches with more than just Bible studies. We want to teach redemptive stewardship to church pastors and lay-leaders by equipping them to teach biblical principles of redemptive stewardship and unite believers to accelerate their impact for Christ through self-sustaining centers to perpetuate the teaching of redemptive stewardship for generations to come.

What you can’t tell from this photo is the resounding noise filling the room. Laughter, hands slamming down on tables, and feet rushing across the room are the melody behind these mens’ smiles. Meet three pastors from the Anglican Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro who have come together in Arusha, Tanzania to learn how they deepen their own understanding of stewardship, and how to raise up faithful stewards in their congregations. This scene is from the middle of a raucous Money Map game, where the pastors learn hands-on about budgeting. Crown partners have used this game to teach hundreds of people how to budget with a biblical mindset. Some groups have played for over eight hours! This game, which originated in Africa, is being spread to other Crown partners and is being developed to minister to kinesthetic learners around the world.