Stan Getlinger
The lay pastor of Columbia City Company shares a personal account.
The fledgling 43-member Columbia City Company in Lake City, Fla., was in desperate need of an organ but lacking funds to buy one. As the lay pastor, I decided to advertise in local newspapers looking for a free organ.
Just prior to submitting the advertisement, I saw an ad for a custom-built, nearly-new Lowrey organ selling for $7,500. Immediately, two inner voices began to compete. One voice said, “Don’t even think about it!” The other voice said, “Call the owner and ask that the organ be donated to the church.” This voice was persistent and brought to mind the Bible passage, “Ask, and it shall be given…” Matthew 7:7.
My mind game was long and intense. Finally, the voice of faith prevailed, and I made the call. Pat Milligan, the owner of the organ, spent three minutes extolling the virtue and capabilities of the instrument as she pitched her sales talk. Then, after what seemed to be an eternity of silence, I asked her to kindly donate the organ to a church in need.
“Pastor,” she said, “this is something I would have to discuss with my husband.”
Four days later, Pat called back, and her voice was like music to my ears. “Pastor Worrell, my husband and I would be delighted to give our organ to your church.”
Columbia City Company was pleased to welcome the Milligans when they came from Ocala to worship and officially donate the organ.
Florida | July 2017
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