Have you ever wondered if a small gift could really make a difference? Sometimes, what seems like a simple, modest offering becomes the seed God uses to produce an incredible harvest.
In this blog, Man in the Mirror’s South Carolina Area Director, Chris Rondeau, shares how a single $300 donation, intended for a trip to meet Kirk Cameron, was used to spark a movement that continues to bear fruit years later. What unfolded is a powerful reminder that no amount is too small for God to multiply for His purposes. Through the generosity and faithfulness of a few, as well as the grace and power of God, lives are still being changed across the Upstate of South Carolina.
If you are considering making a one-time gift to a ministry but are concerned that your gift might not make a difference, this story is for you.
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At the end of COVID-19 in 2021, Man in the Mirror hosted Kirk Cameron for a gala in Orlando. Two donors were gracious enough to offer us a visit to Orlando to see him and donated $300 for travel expenses. It didn’t take long to realize that instead of meeting him in Orlando, this gift could be better utilized to draw others to our mission and purpose by hosting a mini-gala in Greenville and inviting others to attend. The contribution proved to make a tremendous impact on our ministry.
In March 2021, 23 people gathered at the restaurant where my son works, with one guest traveling three and a half hours from Atlanta to join us. We watched video messages from Pat Morley, Brett Clemmer, and Kirk Cameron, originally recorded at the Orlando gala. A local church men’s leader, with whom I collaborate, also shared how our efforts have impacted his men’s ministry.
That night, David Delk, a board member of Man in the Mirror, challenged everyone to provide a partnership gift in one of three ways:
- Give a new $50 gift
- Raise their current giving by $50
- Raise their gift by 50%.
Within weeks, that original $300 investment had produced $5,000 in special gifts and monthly support.
To this date, many have continued supporting our ministry. In fact, all the attendees David challenged are still giving to the ministry in some way, either monthly or with periodic special gifts. Half of these individuals were not partners at all before that night. Everyone is giving something, including a 93-year-old man and another 2-time widow who donates $20 semi-monthly out of every paycheck.
Because of their generous giving and biblical stewardship of resources, those 23 donors have contributed $30,000+ over the past three and a half years.
Many ask me, “What is the annual impact of your ministry to men in the Upstate?”
Based on feedback from surveys, meetings, lunches, and coffee chats, our ministry is introducing almost 1,000 new men to discipleship every year. Twenty-five percent of these men are NEW followers of Christ. This impact continues to grow as more Christians continue to support our work.
I cannot thank the original couple enough for donating just $300 to see Kirk Cameron in March 2021. Looking back, it’s clear that what began as a thoughtful gift has blossomed into an incredible testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision, reaching more people across the Upstate. Every dollar, every prayer, and every partnership has played a part in advancing the mission God has called me to. I am continually humbled and amazed at how He multiplies even the smallest offerings for His glory.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
To learn more about Man in the Mirror, click here.
