Nothing But Nets

The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church redefined extravagant generosity by pledging nearly half a million dollars for Nothing But Nets during the week's activities.

It began with one $20 gift laid on the altar, and ended with $8,400 overflowing an office-supply box that substituted for an offering plate. During an afternoon presentation about the delegation’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire, the Chapelwood church presented a check for $100,000, which started a ripple effect of $100,000 pledges from St. Luke’s, Windsor Village and The Woodlands United Methodist churches. First United Methodist Church Longview encouraged others to give whatever is possible, with its pledge of $25,000.

In a matter of minutes, the extravagant generosity of the people of the Texas Annual Conference netted enough for more than 40,000 nets. It all ended with a successful auction of an autographed photo of Bishop Janice Riggle Huie throwing out the first pitch at an Astros baseball game. The photo long with the acutal baseball brought in $13,000 for Nothing But Nets.

In all, $123,462 was collected for Nothing But Nets during the annual conference gathering, $325,000 was pledged and much more is expected as God continues to move people to express extravagant generosity.