As our student ministry grew, we gathered a small group of new believers for an in-depth discipleship study. Around week 8, we studied a chapter entitled "Mastering Your Money."    

My husband led the study and explained the importance of being good stewards of our money and the concept of tithing. Suddenly, Oleg, a former mafia member, interrupted the lesson. "Randy, why haven't I heard about this tithing thing before? Is this in the Bible?"  

Our eyes widened as we looked at each other and shrugged, and then my husband sheepishly replied, "Yes, it's in the Bible."  

"Well, why haven't you taught us about this before?" Oleg barked. 

Wow. What an eye-opening, heart-stopping question. Why hadn't we taught about tithing? 

Truthfully, we felt uncomfortable asking students to give an offering. We realized that money was scarce for these struggling students. 

This humbling experience was a turning point in our ministry. Our reluctance to teach a challenging biblical lesson hindered our students' spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Oleg's rebuke, though initially embarrassing, was a powerful reminder from God that we must teach His Word in its entirety. This lesson, learned the hard way, ignited a renewed passion for guiding our students toward a deeper understanding of God's Word. 

When we counted the offering the following Sunday, it was double the average amount. Our students, including Oleg, had joyfully given their "widow's mite." 

We entrusted God's truth to our small student group, and they, in turn, taught it to others. At times, we saw signs of fruitfulness, but other times, we felt like we were plowing concrete. In those moments, I remembered Charles Spurgeon's words: “We can't accurately gauge the fruitfulness of current ministries. What looks like unproductive service may yield eternal dividends later on.” This quote reminded us to trust in God's timing and to continue sowing seeds from His Word. 

Twenty-five years later, this church continues to bear fruit. When we began this ministry among students, we never imagined that someday global workers would be sent from this church to pass along the truth of Christ to others.