How To Get Ahead and Stay Ahead

Merritt and Charlie Lane put 100% into everything they do—from Merritt’s backyard garden to Charlie’s cell phone business.

These CBN partners have tithed faithfully for many years, even when money was tight.

Charlie was a developer and built spec homes. When interest rates skyrocketed in the 80s, Charlie’s business suffered.

The couple couldn’t afford to pay their bills, much less their mortgage. 

“We were not able to make a house payment for 17 months. We got different phone calls and letters, saying that we were going to lose our home,” says Merritt. “I just decided that God’s word was true, and I was going to stick with it, no matter what happened. I wasn’t going to not give to God, and meet Him one day, and He’d say, ‘Merritt, why didn’t you decide to give this little bit of your money?’ So I remained faithful, and so did my husband.”

Charlie adds, “I knew if we kept giving, that’s the only way I could get out of the problem I was in. So that’s the reason we kept giving.”

Time after time, they were spared foreclosure.  During that same time, Merritt got into politics.

“I didn’t win, but it taught me that I could speak about God, and speak about God’s principles in a public arena, and that was the kickoff for me to start my seminar business,” she says.

For ten years Merritt traveled all over the country as a motivational speaker.

“I made about $1.2 million during those years, and it was more money than I ever thought I would make,” she says. “I really can’t say that. The Lord had so prepared me that I expected to be successful. I expected to make that money. I will say that.”

Charlie started a coffee service business, and with their new income, Merritt and Charlie paid off the loan on their home.

Later, Charlie got into the cell phone business, and he currently owns 12 cell phone stores.

“Even when you go through hard times, it’s just for a season,” says Charlie. “Meditate on God’s word. Also keep giving. Try to find out what you need to do to improve your life. It’s just for a season. You can move forward.”

“God is more interested in your character, than He is in your finances,” says Merritt.  “He’s more interested in your character than anything else, to make you like Jesus.”

Like Charlie and Merritt, you can be a part of what God is doing in the world today by partnering with CBN. You will bring the love of God to millions of hurting people all around the world.  Through your gifts, you provide medical missions that treat the sick, dig clean water wells to help thirsty villagers, and comfort disaster victims, quickly bringing them the help they desperately need—all in the name of Jesus. Please join with us and make a life-changing difference in the world today.

Become a CBN partner today!