We were there. We saw it happen. We even helped a little.
The Parsons Family sang at Rubyville Community Church on July 30, 2017. The Southern Gospel family stays on the road about 320 days a year and ministers through music. The ministry is their life and means of survival.
The family of five has sung together since 1993 and has many albums and CDs on the market. Since they are on the go 87 percent of the time during the calendar year, they rely on faith to meet monthly obligations. The family consists of Kenny, his wife Annette, and daughters Olivia, Chloe and little Avery. Kenny is completely outnumbered 4-1.
“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Some singers do not live a lavish lifestyle and have needs beyond the scope of understanding.
I have never had to live on faith like some, but Kenny Parsons and his family do every day. On top of everything, he suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. But this does not stop him one bit.
When the group rolled into Rubyville in the middle of the summer, they had no idea what was about to happen.
“To say we were caught off guard is an understatement,” Kenny said. “I have never experienced anything like that night.”
Earlier that week, Kenny had a discussion with our pastor, Cal Ray, and he disclosed some of the needs the group had in front of them. One was transportation. Their method of getting around was not good. Since they are on the road most of the time, they desired a large bus equipped like a home for travel.
“We just talked, and I told him about a bus we liked and asked him to pray we would be able to find a way to pay for it,” he said. “I never asked for money — I just asked him to pray for us.”
The Parsons Family finished singing during the special service when something special happened – God appeared and provided a miracle for the group.
Cal Ray got behind the pulpit and informed the congregation of about 600 about the Parsons’ need.
People started to get up one by one and made their way to the stage.
“They started handing us money,” Kenny said. “I was astonished and shocked. And then what took place next was directed by the hand of God.”
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Cal Ray called for a special board meeting in the middle of the service while the family continued to sing.
Within a few moments, board members returned to the service, and Cal Ray announced the group unanimously approved a love offering gift of $100,000.
“We left Rubyville with more than $118,000.00,” Kenny said. “Needless to say, we were able to get the bus we needed to stay on the road full time. God provided for us.”
Please understand this is not about money at all — it’s about when you allow God to bless others through your obedience.
Has God ever met your needs in a dramatic way? Have you witnessed a miracle? Has the Lord ever told you to help someone and you didn’t?
Members of the congregation prayed over Ruby before it left the church.
I understand the magnitude of what we witnessed at the service. Hundreds of people obeyed the Lord’s instruction and helped a family who spreads His word.
If God lays it on your heart to help someone, do you listen?
The Parsons Family had to have a bus to continue their ministry. Without it, they would have had to reduce their days on the road. They did not want that to happen.
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6
God knew the desires and provided. The Parsons were supposed to be in that service. The Holy Spirit indeed was there too, and the Lord answered prayer and used the people of Rubyville Community Church. He came through at the perfect time.
“And then what took place next was directed by the hand of God.”
Kenny Parsons
“I’ve never been in a service like that before,” Kenny added. “We were there to lift up the Lord, and He blessed us instead.”
As the holidays approach, listen to the Holy Spirit. When you see a person in genuine hardship, help them. God will not distinguish between $1 or $500. He only wants to see the need met.
Suppose you see a child who is hungry. Will you provide a meal?
What if you see a person in the cold without a coat? Will you ignore and pass by?
In this day when people take advantage of a person’s goodwill, you have to be cautious. But at the same time, if you feel the Lord’s instruction to help, you must do so. What you give might be the difference between life and death.
“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Proverbs 28:27.
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You cannot give to everyone in despair. But you can do something. My wife and I select specific charities to support each year and buy gifts for children to help them at Christmas. But that does not get us “off the hook” should God instruct us to help another person.
The point is to assist and lift up in some way.
You might find yourself in a store and hear a voice which tells you to pick up the bill for a person you may not know. Do it – and don’t tell anyone. You don’t give for recognition. You give to glorify God.
Kenny Parsons and his family had a giant need, and God provided a gigantic solution. Never doubt the Lord will deliver.
The need could be to help repair a neighbor’s car or provide a $200,000 bus. There is no need too big for Jesus.
God’s people listened and helped a family. The group recently came back to Rubyville to sing and arrived in their new bus – which they appropriately named “Ruby.”
Before they left, the church gathered around the chariot and prayed for the family. What an amazing scene.
The Parsons opened up their new home away from home for the church attendees to tour. The bus is beautiful on the inside and spacious with a full kitchen, laundry, and bath. Bunks will be installed soon so all the family members have a cozy place to sleep.
They can lay their heads down at night and be assured God will provide for them.
Do you give when the Lord tells you – even if it might hurt? Do you trust He will come through for you?
