Anonymous Lottery Winner Donates $3 Million Winnings to Church, which in turn, "Pays it Forward" Blessing Other Ministries
"This is a rare, remarkable, generous person."
Pastor Bertrand Crabbe of True North Community Church in Port Jefferson Station, NY, knew one of the members of his burgeoning congregation had won big in the state's Ba-Da Bling lottery, but when the member decided weeks later to donate the entire winnings to the church, Pastor Crabbe was shocked, but recognized the extraordinary generosity.
"I was stunned. I was in disbelief, but I was immediately very excited, because I could tell that this person was serious," remarked Crabbe, who'd earlier joked with church members that barring God dropping "a million" on them, the church would have to rent a facility since they'd outgrown their current building. (Photo: Newsday.com)
Pastor Crabbe exclaimed during a news interview, "It's a miracle; it's absolutely a miracle when somebody gives away three million dollars?that's a miracle!"
The donor's only stipulation was that [he/she] had to remain anonymous; Crabbe relented, noting, "This is a rare, remarkable, generous person."
According to a Newsday.com article, the church's 12-member leadership board then spent some time going over how the church would use the money. Their decision?to give away the entire first year's check?is one that pays forward the blessing, helping many others in the process.
Newsday reports: The bulk of the first-year money, $102,225 after taxes, would go to Love146, a New Haven-based charity that looks to end child sex trafficking. The Lighthouse Mission in Patchogue, which feeds the poor, and Prodigal House in Port Jefferson, a halfway home for boys, will also get donations. After that, the church has promised to tithe at least 20 percent of the earnings and use the rest for a bigger meeting place.
Watch the Newsday video report at the source link provided.
