Merle's Challenge - White Hyacinth

12" x 9" oil on linen, White Hyacinth

Merle’s Challenge 2009

Three years ago, a local man named Merle handed our worship leader $100 and challenged the congregation to “grow” it with the hope of helping some needy people in the area. This man has little money and even less desire for recognition, but his generosity and dare to our church inspired the name “Merle’s Challenge” for this grassroots endeavor. We ended up raising $2,100 to help three families with medical bills and Christmas presents. Word of the challenge spread to other churches and groups and many more dollars were raised for needy people all over the Ashland area. Merle’s Challenge became an expression of the love of Jesus as His people reached out to those in need.

This year, Merle did it again! This time, he expressed his concern for the kids in the area who suffer because their families are struggling financially. He gave us $350 and dared us again to grow the money to help kids with basic items that would contribute to their health and quality of life. At church on Sunday, April 19, ten volunteers each selected one envelope containing various amounts of money from $0 to $100, totaling $350. Mine had $20. I accepted the challenge to take the money and creatively, legally, quickly grow it to help out kids in our area. The money will be used to create basic health kits for children in needy families, including things like toothbrushes, dental floss, oral thermometers, ibuprofen, antibiotic cream, etc. – all things that can prevent or ease health issues in kids.

After praying, I felt led to paint this white hyacinth in oil on linen and auction it off right here. The painting will be framed as well. I have used my $20 for the opening bid.  I hope and pray that you feel led to raise the bid to raise money for this worthy cause! The bidding will close at 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 3, 2009, which is when our church service begins and we are to announce our results.

To place your bid, simply comment on this blog post with your bid amount. If you would like to remain anonymous, simply email me your amount and I will place it on the site for you. Last bid in before 11:00 on Sunday wins the painting. Your bid will be tax deductible as you will write your check to Park Street Brethren Church and send it to me.