GOD'S ECONOMY

A Creative Way to Pay Off $40,000 in Debt

By Michelle Wilson
The 700 Club

CBN.com - Professional artist Mark Pendergrass is a very talented man. He's a painter, illustrator, sculptor and songwriter.

"God has been very wonderful to me because all of my life I've been able to do what I enjoy doing," Mark says.

When Mark and Rhandi married in 2004, he was a freelance artist and Rhandi helped him with the business. They found out the most stressful part about being self-employed was wondering when they would get their next client.

Rhandi says, "At one point he was without a project for about 3 months. And we were literally down to our last dollars."

At times, the Pendergrass' had to rely on credit cards to pay the mortgage and buy everyday essentials. Eventually, they ended up $40,000 dollars in debt.

Mark recalls, "When the creditors really came knocking at the door saying, 'You know, you got to do something here.' We had a lot of debt and we knew God was going to have to do a miracle."

Then, in 2007, Rhandi started breeding and selling Mexican Frenchies' to make extra money.  She had also been watching The 700 Club and learning about giving. She became a CBN partner using the income from selling puppies. Mark also gave to CBN from his business.

Rhandi says, "Every time I sold a puppy, they would get at least 10%, and sometimes a lot more than that."

Financially, things got better, but they hadn't quite turned the corner. Rhandi admits it was hard to trust God.  Then one day she and Mark had a talk.

Rhandi recalls, "Mark lovingly told me that he was not my source. That God was my source. And it was almost like a light bulb went off. And God really started dealing with me about trusting Him through the times when Mark doesn't have a project."

Rhandi says she learned an important lesson.

Rhandi says, "To give with a joyful heart. And the other major thing is to understand God is your source."

Shortly after, Rhandi came across a job listing for an illustrator for children's books.  Mark got the job, and the client liked his work so much they gave him two more contracts. The couple continued to give, and God continued to provide.

Mark says, "God starts doing miracles and allowing us to pay our bills out. Like we can't believe, jobs coming along. It's just been a fantastic journey for us."

Since then, Mark has had plenty of work and they were able to start paying down their debt. They also increased their giving to CBN and now give at the founders level. 

Mark says, "We see the wells that are being dug and the children that are being ministered to in countries overseas. Man, there's nothing like that. I can't go there, I can't do that, but we can send some money. And we love doing that."

Today Mark works full time and still gets work on the side.  Soon, he and Rhandi will be practically debt free.  They say it's all because they trust God with their finances!

Rhandi says, "I had given in the past but I always did it out of obligation. I always did it with a kind of grudge feeling you know. Giving out of a cheerful heart and giving in a joyful way, is the only way to give."

Being obedient to God's truth made an incredible difference for Mark and Rhandi. It can make a difference in your life too! Join them in partnering with CBN. You will make a difference in lives around the world, through medical missions, food and clothing programs, humanitarian outreaches and so much—all in the name of Jesus. Please join today.

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