Internet's first get-out-of-debt community - 134,000 members

Stephanie LeFew · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:30 am Subject: $28,008 in Forgiven Debt

We had great credit. Credit card companies sent us offers. We filled them out and got the cards “just in case” we needed them. In 2003, my husband and I were $80,445.28 dollars in consumer debt – just credit cards and medical debt. I had come home after our second child was born. Bills started piling up gradually; without even realizing it we were over our head --- it just snuck up on us. We were so stressed out. We were starting to really lose hope, feeling like a slave to our bills.

It became more and more difficult to make our bills. I prayed for favor and called our creditor with the lowest balance. I let them know that we were about to start falling behind, that I was very upset about it. I let them know that I was just starting to call our creditors and see if anyone was willing to take less than what is owed. We were not even late yet with this creditor --- the woman was very nice and said she felt she could give me a 20% discount and write it off. She treated me so nicely, and faxed me a letter agreeing to the discount. I just praised Jesus and mailed her the agreed amount.

Then we started getting late with the rest of the bills. We just kept praying. We were buying and selling houses that were in foreclosure. It was just amazing --- as a creditor was calling and threatening to file suit against us because we were so delinquent, God gave us a house to fix up and sell. We were paying off these creditors just in the nick of time. The key was God’s favor and communicating with the creditors. When they called, I picked up the phone, apologized, let them know that I was very sorry that we had fallen behind, that it was not our intention, we are good people, self employed and business had slowed down. God provided what we needed at every step. I will tell you also that we were tithing at our church the whole time --- we gave God 10% of our gross income, and offerings. God blessed us because we were obedient to His Word.

Since 2003, the total amount of our forgiven debt is $28,088. We paid off $52,357.28, as God gave us the money, all while staying home with my kids.

Now, I am a realtor and God is still giving us increase. We are still helping people in foreclosure. If we can work a deal with the Bank, we are able to buy their home and sell it and get them some moving money. The home owner’s credit, like ours, went up as the debt was paid off at a reduced and agreed upon amount.

There is hope.

We have a new website. If you would like go there and let me know if there is anything I should add to it, or change ---

God Bless,
Stephanie LeFew

Personal info removed for your safety - Mike

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:27 am Subject:

Sorry!

Anyone who invokes Gods name that many times has to
be up to no good! Especially if the name is followed
by $$$$$$$.

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:45 pm Subject: Forgiven Debt

How would I go about getting any of my debts
forgiven? Almost all are with collection agencies,
many are medical bills.

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:48 pm Subject:

If you work under a settlement program, a large portion of your debt is forgiven under the program. The counselor negotiates with your companies for a settled amount. This amount that is forgiven is later filed in your taxes as forgiven debt. I will explain you more on this if you have any queries. Let me know when you have any questions. ok..

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:55 pm Subject:

Personally, I don't understand how God would approve that you are tithing while you are neglecting your debts. Tithing, is meant for people to give to help others and help spread the word when they are making their basic ends meet, and not for people to tithe when they themselves are asking for help. I do believe God would want you to tithe first before you buy that sweater on credit. But does a beggar (meant nicely) need to tithe before he accepts bread...do you really think that was Gods meaning? Personally I do not.

Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:23 pm Subject: debt recovery

filing BANCRUPTCY is this a good out for me if I am trying to buy a home in July of 2007

Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:28 pm Subject:

I don't think that would be a good option because depending on the type of bankruptcy it will be on your credit for the next 7-10 years. You are going to get HORRIBLE rates which will cost you and that's if they approve you. I am about to finish my chpt. 13 and I was wanting to refinance to take cash out earlier this year but my 6% rate was going to jump to 10.5% because of my credit score and the bankruptcy.

Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:02 am Subject:

Sorry Juzzme: you can't back that up Biblically. Tithing is not optional. The only tithe that was for "beggars" is the tithe of the third year.

Tithing was established in the Old Testament and the precedent remains in the New Testament church. It was not established as a way of giving to others less fortunate. That is alms.

Tithing is worshp; a way of showing God that He is first in your life and finances. It's not what's left over--it's the first thing you pay.

You put God first in every area of your life, including finances, and you will see your world turn around.

Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:42 am Subject:

Tithing was bringing into the storehouse the first tenth of your crop so the less fortunate could be fed. Tithe is interpreted directly as tenth. Christ simply says not to give begrudgingly but cheerfully. Today we have taxes that go to social causes that did not exist in early biblical times. The place of worship was responsible for helping its own. It still is, but not to the great degree as in the past. It is my belief that you should give anonomously as not to be seen by men but by God and do not give to seek increase as your motive. If you give ten percent of your salary the day before your rent is due which leaves you short of paying the rent, expecting to be rewarded, I believe, would be foolish and not a good example of stewardship of Gods money! Do not get me wrong, if you can give more than 10 percent is a good thing but use wisdom. The rewards promised are not neccesarily monetary.

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