Norma Goss took the office of Investment Leader for the Yuma Central church on Jan. 1, 2006. The investment program had raised a whopping $75 in 2005. She knew the members could do better.

Goss prayed earnestly about how she could get the program going again and sought the advice of some of the members. They decided on a goal of $3,000 (based on $10 per member average) would be reasonable. Goss had a few doubts, but she kept them to herself and prayed for faith.

Each month, Goss made a presentation during Sabbath school encouraging members to begin their investment projects, as well as giving them ideas for fund-raisers.

Fall Fair

Members schedule a craft and bake fair for November. They publicized it with announcements in the church newsletter, newspaper and radio advertisements and word of mouth. Members were encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors to the event.

Fare at the fair included Hispanic, Oriental and East Indian dishes — and even vegetarian hot dogs. In addition, special non-food items were sold, including an Amish doll from Elsie Knight and beautiful original paintings from Barney McClaskey. There was even a clown on hand who painted the faces of the brave and daring — mostly the children.

Individual Projects

One retired couple planned a lengthy trip over the summer. The wife was not well and prayed for God to relieve her pain so that they could attend her husband’s family reunion. She pledged 16 cents per mile to investment for each pain-free and safe mile that they traveled. Immediately after her prayer, the pain disappeared. They traveled comfortably and safely for almost 6,000 miles.

Another couple could not decide on a project. Then the wife remembered a little investment bank that her mother had always kept by her bed to collect her loose change. After her mother passed away, she inherited her personal effects, including the bank, which was a little jar with the inscription, "Shall we not by self-denial, do all that we can to advance God’s enterprise of mercy," written on the bottom. They also dug out coins they had collected during their lives and sold them for a total of about $1,200, about half again more than they expected.

The school principal sold bottled water to the students and raised $200.

Pastor George Boundey was thrilled when Goss gave her year-end investment report to the church. "The combined efforts of our church members when partnered with God and His blessings is in excess of $4,000, with more funds still coming in," he said. "These funds could build a church in India. We pray that God will use these funds to further His work that His coming may be soon."