The Briggs: 37 Years Old and Retired!

Dale Briggs always dreamed of being his own boss. So at 24, he left his job making $60,000 dollars a year to start his own hydraulics and machine repair business. “From that point, it took a lot of courage (because I had a young family) to leave a secure job with insurance and benefits to go to the virtually unknown,” Dale says.  Typical of a start-up business, the first year was tough. But for the Briggs, it was rock bottom. “It got to where half the time, just putting groceries on the table was a very big obstacle,” Dale says. Carrie knew the importance of tithing, even in the midst of their financial struggles. “I knew I had to give,” she says. “God was pushing me; He would say,'This is what I want you to do.'” As the business faltered, Carrie gave more. She even joined The 700 Club. But Dale was torn between providing for his family and being obedient to God. Giving became a point of contention. ”Knowing what I was facing, having to provide for my family, I questioned her several times,” Dale admits.  “I would have to think in the perspective that God has told me to give it. I need to do it, and He will take care of me,” says Carrie. Dale soon realized he also needed to trust God with their finances. He decided it best to sell the company. They continued to give, and God was faithful. “It seemed like every time that we were in a bind and needing [something], the Lord would always provide,” says Dale. So much so that Dale bought back the business. Then two years later he sold it again for millions. “I’m 37 years old, and I’m completely retired,” he says. Today, Dale and Carrie say they’ve seen the Lord return what they gave when they didn’t have the means to give.  “My wife taught me that when you don’t have it, you need to give, and it’s been given back onto us tenfold, “says Dale. Carrie and Dale learned a great Biblical truth: When we are obedient to God and give of ourselves to His work, He pours much more back into our lives. It’s called the Law of Reciprocity. This is true when we are obedient with our finances too. Carrie and Dale gave to God’s work even when they were struggling financially themselves. The Lord blessed them abundantly in return.  One way you can give to the Lord’s work is through the ministry of CBN. Partners joining together to help those in need accomplish so much more than any one person on their own. Partners make it possible to send medical and humanitarian aid to areas hit by disaster; dig wells and cisterns where clean drinking water is not available; and provide food, clothing, and job training to the poor. Most important of all, Partners bring a message of hope and the love of God to people around the world. Please join with us today.