Loverne and Robert are among the many economically vulnerable people who have been impacted by life changing, biblical financial principles. They immigrated to the United States and found themselves in a deep financial pit. But with the help of a Crown Budget Coach, Robert and Loverne deepened their faith and God has set them free from the burden of overwhelming debt and financial stress!
As immigrants we were new to this debit focused financial culture and fell prey to using our credit card for payments until we weren’t able to keep up with clearing the cards monthly with our paycheck. We thought the card would help build our credit score and give rewards cash, but quickly got out of control. After Christmas purchases, untimely medical bills and an unfortunate timeshare purchase, we were overwhelmed with our financial state and began to seek debt consolidation but were rejected because we were still paying on the debts ‘too often’ .
We cried out to the Lord for a solution since this was the first time in our marriage, we had such debt and knew that God had something better in store for us. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Crown Money Map that I got when we just migrated, and I went in hot pursuit of that site. We searched through the site and saw so many tools but were convinced that we needed to have personal guidance to mentor us into this unknown system and were elated to discover that exactly what we asked God for was what Crown offered. We knew God was taking us into a new season and was prepared for change. The new biblical perspective about our mindset on money, transformed our approach to facing our challenges.
A small, colorful piece of paper (the Crown Money Map) was the start of Robert and Loverne’s journey to freedom in their finances. That map was created more than 15 years ago, and has since been updated, digitized, and continuously shared around the world.
The creation of biblically based tools that are easy to use has been at the heart of Crown’s mission for decades. And just as important as creating those materials is getting them where they need to be. Millions of people around the world have started on a journey like Loverne and Robert’s because one of our trained partners or volunteers ministered to them. An act of kindness to a new migrant, a Crown Money Map and a Certified Budget Coach, was all God needed to spark change in this couple’s life.
Our mentor was a Godsend, he brought a level head and new insight that helped us in the debt elimination. Today, our credit cards are paid off and we are on our way to eliminating all our debt. The topic of God’s economy and man’s economy had a significant impact on us. Everything in God’s economy gives. Whatever God created on the earth provides us with sustenance and enjoyment, in contrast to man’s economy of hoarding and taking without regard for others and is entirely about self-gratification. Contentment and peace were another area that helped us grow. The Lord is our ultimate provider,and no matter where we are in our journey, we should be content while simultaneously thanking the Lord and resting in His promise…So much freedom and mental relief came from seeing the debt reduced even though our income didn’t change, our hearts and minds did and started giving priority to closing those debts one by one.
Crown is helping individuals in a uniquely personal and transformative way. While organizations that provide free food, clothing, and more to people experiencing financial hardship are needed and helpful, this testimony points to something greater that is necessary. Learning to steward what we already have! Our certified budget coaches are on the front lines, serving as the guides God is using to provide the one-on-one counsel so many people are looking for. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer Budget Coach so more people like Robert and Loverne can experience a life of true freedom and purpose, Crown can help. Our online Budget Coaching program matches you with one of our certified coaches to thoroughly analyze your financial status. Your coach will work with you to develop a customized spending plan and debt elimination strategy to put you on the road to financial freedom! It all can be done securely and from the convenience of your home. Learn more and connect with a Budget Coach by clicking here.
Dear Chuck,
I work very long days and provide nice things for my wife and children. However, I’ve grown increasingly aware that I am missing out on valuable time with them. Can you help me find balance?
Torn Between Work and Home
Dear Torn Between Work and Home,
Having struggled with this early in our marriage, I can certainly relate to your struggle. The tension between providing materially and relationally can easily get out of balance. For most, money tends to be the top priority because it seems inflexible in order to meet monthly payments and flexible because one can make up for lost time with family later. So your question of balance is a very good one.
Don’t Let Money Master You
If you prioritize money over time, you may be undermining your happiness. An article by Elizabeth Dunn and Chris Courtney at the Harvard Business Review tells why. They reference several studies
supporting this theory. Researchers found that students who prioritized money were less happy a year after college graduation than those who prioritized time, even after controlling for happiness beforehand and accounting for various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Evidence shows that wealthier people are happier than the poor, but excessive amounts of money do not inevitably make one happier. On the other hand, low deposits in bank accounts impact people
negatively. Those who can build a cash reserve, even while eliminating debt, relieve stress. Those who can access $500 of cash show a 15% higher life satisfaction. So these authors propose two
questions to consider prior to spending:
Ultimate happiness is found not in spending money on things but in experience, time, and investing in others. In addition, research proves that giving can boost your mood. Jesus warned us that we cannot
serve both God and money. When we serve Him as our top priority, He will lead us to care for our families while also providing for our needs to do so.
All the Time in the World
I’ve traveled the world and been invited into many different cultures. One thing I’ve witnessed is that people in other cultures tend to do a better job spending unscheduled or unhurried time with one another. Africans have a saying that “they may not own a watch, but they have all the time in the world.” They are not driven by clocks or schedules or impacted by things that people emphasize in our culture.
Perhaps you know the lyrics to Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin.
Busyness does not mean effectiveness. Movement does not mean eternal impact. Unless we control the minutes in our days, they will control us. External pressures will drive us; escapism will lure us. Proverbs 90:12 is appropriate for combatting warfare over the minutes of our days: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Time Impacts Finances
Employees who use their time wisely, on and off the job, are more productive and better employees. They are the ones who often receive raises, promotions, or new opportunities. This translates into more money.
If you grew up in a home where hard work was modeled for you or if you are passionate about your job, it is even more challenging to learn to relax. Balance is important so that time with family, church, neighbors, and community is not neglected. Learn to detach from work (as much as possible) when you are home. Develop healthy habits. Laugh and play with your children; invest your time into their lives. Ask your wife to hold you accountable. Is there an older man (father, uncle, pastor, mentor) who will honestly speak wisdom into your life?
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.
