Leap of Faith Leads to New Frontier

Richard had a successful law practice in Michigan’s upper peninsula for most of his career. He says, “I was very good at disability cases. I did social security disability and worker’s comp cases.”

But in 1994, a nearby military base closed. As the local population diminished, so did his income. His wife Lynn worked with him and remembers that time. “There’d be less and less appointments. Less and less ability for people to pay their bills.”

“I discussed it with my wife, says Richard,  “and I said, ‘if things continue the way they are that at some point I don’t believe I’m going to be able to make a living as an attorney in the Upper Peninsula.’”

Although their income took a hit, Richard says he wasn’t worried about the future because he knew the secret to financial stability: tithing. He says, “I continued to tithe through it all. I really do believe that the blessings that come from tithing are something that if we put into practice in our daily lives now that God will bless us for doing so.”

They believe that happened when Richard got a phone call from a friend who told him about job opportunities in Austin, Texas. The idea of moving and starting from scratch in a new part of the country seemed daunting...  But Richard and Lynn believed that god would  provide for them. He says, “Right from the start I had a steady source of referrals.”

Lynn says, “In the long run it did better financially for us and for me to really grow.”

“The way things worked out for me in hindsight I could not have ordered them any better myself.” Says Richard.

The couple is now enjoying retirement.  They continue to tithe to their church and give to ministries they believe in, like CBN. Lynn says, “Oh I really like CBN they’re into so many things that I couldn’t possibly do myself and it’s so cool that I can help in some way.”

“One of the things that I really like is when they drill for water. You’re improving their health and their daily living.” Says Richard.

They are quick to say their success has come from doing things God’s way with finances. Lynn says, “You have to have trust in the Lord there is no other way. You do have to tithe and you may think that you can’t afford it but you can’t afford not to tithe.”

Richard agrees, “If you’re having financial difficulties one of the fastest ways that you can do that is start honoring God by giving him of your first fruits give him of your first ten percent no matter what it is and see what he starts to do with it.”