“Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.” -2 Corinthians 8:7
Kelvin Ellis made a kind gesture while showing the world that a generous spirit can truly make a difference. Kelvin is a 9-year-old boy who had a dollar in his pocket. As Kelvin and his dad were walking down a busy sidewalk, Kelvin spotted Matt Busbice. Kelvin mistook Matt for a homeless man. He walked up to Matt and offered him the only dollar he had. Kelvin said, “Excuse me, sir, are you homeless? Because if you are, here’s a dollar.”
Matt Busbice was surprised and blessed to receive such kindness. Matt was not shocked that Kelvin thought he was homeless. Kelvin’s sleep was disturbed early that morning when a fire alarm went off at his business. He rushed out of the house to check on his property. Thankfully, it was a false alarm. Once Matt determined that all was safe, he decided that he would get a coffee at a local shop before returning home and getting ready for the day. After he received his coffee, Matt, a faithful Christian, stepped outside to say his quick prayer. It was at this moment that Kelvin Ellis would approach Matt with his desire to help.
This unexpected moment would restart the day for Matt. Matt owns several large companies that specialize in outdoor equipment. The extremely successful businessman invited Kelvin and his father inside the shop for a quick breakfast. Matt would learn that Kelvin received this dollar as part of a reward for good grades. Matt would add to Kelvin’s dollar by taking him on a shopping spree at a local store. Kelvin’s moment of generosity has become a blessing to so many people now.
In an interview with CBS News, Matt Busbice said, “I hadn’t had that much faith in humanity in a long time.” Kelvin’s gesture reminded Matt of how powerful a kind heart and a generous spirit could be in our world. He would go on to say, “If you give, you are actually going to get more out of that, I couldn’t grasp that as a kid, and if we spread that around, everything changes.”
Our purpose is to share God’s love and bring hope to this world. Kelvin Ellis reminded me that we all have the ability to do that very thing. For Kelvin and Matt, one brief moment, a few kind words, and a dollar bill brought a day full of love and hope. It doesn’t take much. When we take a moment to share God’s love, we will change the world.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
