Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

I had a great time handing out the water bottles. We went to a few different places but ended up at Fairview Park. We were driving along and I got out to hand water to a couple of teen girls that were on the walking trail. They expressed their thanks and said "you saved our lives!". It was so fun to see them smile and joke around with me. After that, we went all around the park handing out water. People were so grateful and it was great to bring a smile to their day!

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

It took me days to decide where I was going to give away the 'water with a message'. I guess I didnt' just want to give it away at the grocery store or the bike trail. I kept thinking about WHO really needs a drink? Then I really started thinking about what my family and I have been through the last few years, quite alot...and all the changes and sacrifices we've made. You see my husband and I are in our Fourth summer of Lay off. That's right Four. In the last three years we have moved 3 times to 3 different states, we have had 7 addresses, my kids have been to 5 different schools...Do you know what its like to have your husband come home with another pink slip in his hand?It's devastating! But you know what we got through it. We didnt always like it. But we did it.Sure we had depression, anger, resentment going through our minds every day. But now even in the fourth summer, I'm not packing my house this time. Because all those moves were to get me to a better place. And until recently i hadnt looked all God had done for me in those dire moments. He gave us shelter, food, clothing, money, friends, (who still call us). After all my questions to God,do you know what i say now "Yahoo God where we going next!!" Because now I know how to take God with me and I can see all the times He carried me when I was doubtful and weak. And How every time I call his name He is right here next to me whispering in my ear "It's going to be Ok, trust me you can do this". We are not afraid anymore, we are strong and prepared. So where did I go to give out water? The Unemployment office of course. What better place than to give something for free to someone who may have nothing, right now. .I know what they are all going through. I've lived it 4 times. And every time God says its time to go it just gets better. And people need that kind of encouragement and strength to go on with their lives. Back to my story, When i arrived I asked the woman at the front desk if I could give out free water, She looked shocked and smiled and said of course. So asI handed out the 'water with a message' people had this look on their face of shock and then a smile and then a "Thankyou" , someone even said,"that is the nicest thing to do". Some of them had a look of worry or a or that stern stone face that just seemed to melt away into a big toothy smile when when it was their turn. It was the great feeling to make people smile at the Unemeployment Office. They so need it. After I left I went directly to GT for more water cards. Because in the dire need of our country we need more smiles and more hugs from God, because HE WILL get you through it.

water bottles

Are you thirsty? My mom drove and i would hop out if seen any form of living life! My mom was, who you giving it to? Why? Does it matter? Well don't waste e'm! If their at home they can get their own drink. " mom!" I did find one guy who was mowing and he lite up like a christmas tree. I found a construction crew working at a house and they were alot more interested in the water than the card. A little old man smiled and said, "You surely don't expect an old man to drive to Decatur." No, I told him," we just want you to know that Jesus loves you." He said he has read the New testament 37 times, the entire bible three times. The last six bottles went to a family out on an evening stroll. They said that they were moving to Decatur and was going to be looking for a church. Twenty-four bottles of water and cards, gone in ten minutes flat all in Atwood.

water bottle story

Last night, my husband and I took our grandson, to the skate board park in Fairview Park. We selected this place to pass out the free bottles of cold water. There were mostly teens there, of course. We handed out 12 bottles of water. The teens seemed appreciative and several knew of GT and the Edge. Some said they attend the Edge. We met one adult who said he was a born-again Christian from the Peoria area and he brought his son to the skate board area. It was an interesting experience. We tried to explain to our grandson the ministering opportunity; how we were trying to do a good deed and show people God's love. He immediately thought of selling popcorn for Cub Scouts. We told him it wasn't exactly the same idea.

Not just another trip to Walmart

Thinking about how I can be a blessing in my everyday life has opened my eyes to lots of possibilities and lots of people around me that are hurting. I recently went to Walmart, and as I was going down an aisle I saw a lady I hadn't seen in years. I had already worked 12 hours that day, had not been home, and had not seen my kids so I just wanted "get in and get out." But I felt that "tug" from the Holy Spirit to stop and talk. She was going through a hard time and I was able to minister to her. Then I saw someone from GT to talk to. Then I actually PAID ATTENTION to the clerk at the register. Then I went out to the parking lot and asked to help a lady with her groceris b/c she had a van full of kids. She refused my help, but at least I offered. I am leaving my DNA everywhere I go. I left 4 pieces of evidence at Walmart of the love of Jesus for this world. It was not just another trip to walmart.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

We gave out balloons at the Zoo. The kids were so happy to get one. We tied the GT DNA cards to the string. Our two little boys were told they could keep a balloon each for themselves, but they wanted to give those away also! When they gave theirs away, they looked so happy!!

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

We looked for people who have to work outside in the heat first of all. We left water and Gatorade in a cooler for the garbage man. We gave some to the produce vendors on street corners. Others were the mailman, tree trimmer, and a lawn service worker. Then we gave some to people fishing around the lake, waiting at a bus stop, and people walking. Everyone was grateful. It makes us happy to do a good deed and make someone else feel noticed and cared for.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

Ever seen that “going out of business” sign, the one that has the guy that dances with NEVERENDING energy? So blown away by his intensity for his job, we stopped at a gas station bought him a snickers candy bar, a Pepsi & a water, and handed him a GT DNA card. He was surprised & happy & we had fun doing it!

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

I’m 9 years old. I’m at Zoo Camp this week. I get to make a lot of new friends. Today I made a pretty bracelet. I’m going to give it away with the GT card. I’m so excited.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

Monday night down at the band concert in the park I had fixed up little blue baggies with minature snicker candy bars in and included one of our cards in each and gave them to the parents of several handicap children that they bring every Monday to hear the band and WOW!!!! was I ever a hit with them. ha They are so precious and I always think they are God"s Special children.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

Just wanted to let you know people of all ages are having a ball with this DNA project. Anyone can do this if Larry and I did and this is what we did. Larry packed his little blue cooler with ice and his water and away to work at the car wash he went. He passed out to the elderly ones that came through the wash and received so many nice compliments and one lady came back and said she was really excited he gave her that little card. I passed water at the post office and to a couple of walkers and then last Monday evening at the band concert in Central Park I fixed up some little blue baggies with miniature snicker candy bars in them along with a card and gave them to parents of several handicapped children they bring down every Monday night to hear the band and WOW!!!!! was I ever a hit. These children are SO sweet and I just love them. I always say they are God's special ones. It is a real joy to be able to share our blessings with others.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

Today at Hobby Lobby I had an extra coupon that I didn't use for 40% off an item. I searched for someone that it might be a blessing to. I didn't have my cards on me, I wish I would have. I said to all of them God bless them. They were very thankful. Reminder to me, keep cards with you at all times - you never know when God will want to use you.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

My story is about water bottles in the parking lot at Menards. It was a very pleasant visit and giveaway. I was not comfortable at first walking up to strangers, just as I am sure that some of the strangers were not comfortable with me walking up to them; but it all worked out for the best. I approached a lady that was loading her truck, asked if she was thirsty and she said what are you psychic? I gave her a card and the water. Some tried to pay me for the water and others carried on a conversation with me. Overall it was a great experience just to see the expression on people's faces. They could not hardly believe that someone was giving them something for nothing. God does work in mysterious ways.

Re: Tell us your GT DNA story...

My husband and I have been coming up against many mountains in our marriage and for reasoning that I can't explain began to pull away from GTchurch. Our first Sunday back in months was the first week of the DNA series and something sparked inside of me to not only give God control of the mountains but to get out of my comfort zone and start loving people. The first person that I wanted to love without gaining anything in return or without expecting something in return was my husband and after a week of doing this and the week 2 of the DNA series something sparked inside of him. Through this series we have found so much joy in each other by loving other people around us and coming up with idea's to bless people. Thank you so much GT Church!!!!