Mr. Bin Jiang & Mrs.Tian Zhang

This is the family that lost all of their worldly possessions on Monday when their apartment caught fire. We would like to collect as many household goods as possible for this family. Think of the items you use in your home daily and lets start there...

1. Sheets and towels
2. Dishes, utensils, cups and food staples
3. Clothing
4. Clock
5. Bathroom supplies (shampoo, soap, tp)
6. Papergoods

This list is by no means exhaustive- just hoping to give you some ideas. Items can be brought to First Presbyterian Church Champaign at 302 W. Church St or email generosityincu@gmail.com and we can schedule a time to pick them up from you.

Housing Found and Housing Lost

Good news to report that the woman and her son in need of housing were able to secure a place to call home.

Some of you may have read on the front page of the News Gazette today about the fire that left a couple with nothing but the clothes on their back. Stay tuned for details on their needs both immediate and long term.

Housing Needed

There is a woman and her 9 yo son in need of a 1-2 bedroom place. They have an incredibly well behaved dog and are needing to live in the boundaries of Unit 4 schools. She has a budget of $600/month for housing. She is employed at Christie hospital and saving money for a place of her own. Until then if you are able to provide temporary housing please send an email to generosityincu@gmail.com

Willing and Able

There is a young man beginning college in the fall looking for work. He needs money to help his family. He is open to all possibilities. Whether you have some odd jobs you could use help with or are looking for some more consistent help with the yard, etc please email at generosityincu@gmail.com

We all need to eat!

There are two families in Urbana in need of meals. I am currently awaiting details regarding allergies and number of people. Stay tuned and get cooking!

Shiny Happy People?

I've had too many conversations in the last 48 hours to believe that we are simply a bunch of shiny happy people. People out there are hurting and hurting bad....in need of their brothers and sisters support. Now here's the rub folks. If you don't share your needs there is nothing your community can do.

If you know of someone in need please email generosityincu@gmail.com

Looking for a boot

"I'm looking for a Bledsoe Boot to borrow, used is great! If you've ever worn a boot you probably know what I'm talking about. It has a rocker bottom to make walking smoother on the rest of your body."

If you happen to have access to one of these boots please email: generosityincu@gmail.com

What is this?

Last week at church, ok in all honesty during church, the sermon to be specific, I had an idea. The pastor (a guy I know fairly well) was talking about the church being a community where we meet each others needs. He read from Acts 2 and I thought to myself this is all good but how do we know what each others needs really are? Maybe you are a total superstar and are honest with those around you and ask for help when you need it. I'm not and have a feeling I might not be the only person who is not. So...I wanted to create a forum for folks to share what their needs are. Their true and honest needs. Are you in need of a ride to an appointment? Did your childcare just fall through? Are you unable to pay your utility bill? Did your washer just break and you can't do laundry? Did something in your house just break and you have no clue how to fix it?

Since we're not a culture that likes airing our weaknesses I had the idea that a blog where these needs are anonymously posted might be a good venue to match one person's needs with another's blessings.

Here's how it works if you have a need:
1. Send an email to me at generosityincu@gmail.com. I will not share your request with another soul.
2. I will then post your need on this blog anonymously.
3. I will notify you when someone responds and is able to help.

Here's how it works if you are looking to be generous:
1. I will update the blog with needs of individuals.
2. If there is a way you are able to generously provide for someone you can email me at generosityincu@gmail.com. The idea is that both parties will remain anonymous unless otherwise requested. Of course this won't always be possible if you're providing a service of some sort.

Some questions you might have?
Is this just for The Launch? NO. It's for everyone.
Is this just for First Church? NO. See above.
Do I have to live in Champaign Urbana? NO. See above again.


We are called to live in community with one another. There is very little in our culture that supports this idea. This has had a tragic impact on our willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Instead we exhaust ourselves, rack up debt and simply don't live life as Christ intended because we are too busy trying to look like we've got it together. I've got news for you- no one has it together! So join the generous revolution and let God use you.