In 2012, I filed for separation to protect myself because my husband had been irresponsible with our finances. He filed for divorce instead, so I was single again after 42 years. After the divorce was final, I began receiving half his government pension. Money was tight, but I was able to pay bills on time and not be quite so anxious about them.
In November of 2020 my ex-husband died. The money I had been receiving from half of his government pension was immediately taken away. For three years I lived on a monthly income of $662. My church graciously helped with medical expenses, rent, and car repairs, but three years without my main income were years of anxiety and frustration, and some shame that I needed help.
When my church said they were requiring me to meet with a couple who would help me with my budget, I was more relieved than nervous. However, it was a bit unnerving to meet with people who were going to discover how well or not well I had been handling my finances. Would I be chastised? Would I feel ashamed? Would they be kind? Had I really been doing well with my limited income or not?
Carey and Andrea Northington, with One Master Ministries, could not have been more kind or helpful. Working with them has been an exciting–and revealing– process. I moved from not being able to pay all my own expenses, to a program of monthly budgeting that allows me to pay my bills! On my wall is a plaque that says, “God Will Provide,” and God has provided, even during my years of very limited income. But now God has provided a financial and spiritual freedom that has enabled me to grow in my Christian faith and, for the first time in years, feel confident about my finances. That is a new feeling.
I often make mistakes or forget what to do, but Carey and Andrea are always there to gently correct my mistakes. God has taught me, through this ministry, to trust in Him, to willingly trust the people He has brought into my life to help, and to fully realize that financial stewardship is a sacred responsibility. I am now able to smile when bills come my way and thank God for their provision. Thank you, Lord, and thank you, One Master Ministries!
