I Opened A Business in a Recession - Colin and April Carr: Testimony

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of Grace and Faith Today! I'm Andrew Wommack, and with me today are Mike and Carrie Pickett. It's a great day to discuss finances and the principles of financial stewardship. I’ve got a book and a brief summary that dives deep into this subject. People have strong opinions about finances; some love discussing it, while others have a strong aversion.

I grew up in a church that believed that if you were doing what God wanted, provision would automatically follow. There was a general belief that seeking prosperity was unholy, often quoting "the love of money is the root of all evil." This perspective certainly shaped my view on finances.

Mike expressed his background of growing up in a financially tight environment but later gained insights regarding God’s intentions for prosperity thanks to education and revelations he received in Bible school. He noted that many wrongly associate poverty with holiness, a belief he and I have struggled against in our journeys.

During my ministry, Jamie and I went through intense financial struggles for about six years. We could barely afford basic necessities. It’s during this period of financial hardship that I began to seek a deeper understanding of God’s view on finances.

After several years of dedication and hard work, by 2002, I received an incredible revelation regarding "financial stewardship." This teaching was mainly inspired by Luke 16, where the significance of managing finances properly is emphasized. I’ve learned that if a person lacks faith in handling finances, it may affect their faith in other areas of life.

Today, we are excited to feature a compelling journey of two exceptional people — Colin and April Carr. They made a bold choice to pursue their education at Caris Bible College during a time many consider economically challenging. Their experience in the commercial real estate sector, their transformation through God's principles, and their financial breakthrough are captivating stories to share.

The Journey of Colin and April Carr

In 2007, as the recession began to take hold, Colin Carr was faced with a decision: continue working or attend Bible College. With the imminent arrival of their first child, the pressure was immense. Despite the odds, Colin and April chose to seek the Kingdom of God first. Colin, a broker for a large real estate firm, had a lucrative job, yet his heart longed for more than just financial success.

Though they lived what seemed to be the American dream—nice homes, luxury cars, and high-stress jobs—they felt spiritually bankrupt. They were caught in the trap of performance-oriented faith, where their worth was tied to their works, leading to deep health issues for April, including migraines and depression.

Craving a more profound relationship with God, Colin and April discovered Caris Bible College. Their first night at school was transformational as they learned about God’s grace and unconditional love. Eventually, they committed to all aspects of the curriculum, seeing the same truth transform their lives and those around them.

When financial necessity forced Colin to transition from night classes to daytime classes, conflict arose with his employer, who demanded he choose between work and education. Colin courageously told his boss that God had called him to attend Bible College, and if his productivity decreased, he would understand. Surprisingly, his production soared, and he had his best year ever, seeing a 50% climb.

After graduating, Colin received a specific word from the Lord to pursue a national expansion of their business in commercial real estate, focusing on healthcare. Though the industry faced hardships, he trusted God’s direction. Today, they serve over 5,000 clients in all 50 states and are on track to complete a billion dollars in transactional volume this year.

Their success story doesn’t just end with finances. Colin and April turned their company into a ministry, helping their agents grow professionally and spiritually. They help their team members find balance in life and empower them to be generous and caring.

Through their journey, they also share how God's principles of stewardship play a crucial role in their success, stressing the importance of putting God's Kingdom first, and the beautiful cycle of giving and receiving. They invite others to understand the importance of stewardship, reflecting God's love and generosity in their finances and beyond.

Their experience highlights the necessity of putting faith in God rather than finances. Today, Colin and April Carr remain testaments to how faithfulness in pursuing God's kingdom towards financial stewardship can lead to abundant blessings and meaningful lives.

Keyword

Financial stewardship
Grace
Prosperity
Colin and April Carr
Faith
Bible College
Kingdom of God
Commercial real estate
Abundance
Ministering

FAQ

What is the main message of Colin and April's testimony?
- The main message is about seeking first the Kingdom of God and understanding God's desire for abundant life, even during challenging economic times.
How did Colin and April succeed during the recession?
- They focused on financial stewardship, applied God's principles in their business, and maintained their faith despite the economic challenges.
What role did Caris Bible College play in their transformation?
- Caris Bible College provided them with teachings about grace and unconditional love, helping them overcome performance-oriented faith.
What is financial stewardship?
- Financial stewardship involves managing money in a way that honors God, recognizing that all finances ultimately belong to Him.
How can someone apply these principles in their own life?
- By prioritizing God’s kingdom, trusting Him with finances, and being a steward of what He has provided, one can live a fulfilling and prosperous life.