HARRISBURG, Pa. (BRN) — It does not often occur to most people to find any use for their old, discarded junk. Chairs, wheels, bed frames, pots and pans, and anything else metal will not do much but collect dust and take up space.
At least, that is the common misconception. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and it is that philosophy that forms the foundation for the success of the Metal for Missions program.
The program was initially created by Dan Long from East Shore Baptist Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was inspired to create the initiative after listening to a radio message years ago from Crown Financial’s Larry Burkett. Listening to Jack’s message, Long realized that so many big corporations (such as Ford Motor Company, U.S. Post Office, and J.C. Penny) were founded by Christian men who chose to give 90% of their profits to God. From this, their businesses bloomed and blossomed.
Having been scrapping metal for almost 25 years, Long came to the decision to change his perspective on what was initially simple side money. Praying with his wife about the subject, he decided to begin giving 90% of HIS profits to the Lord. Flooded with calls from the community for metal collection, Long pulled in nearly $12,000 for East Shore Baptist Church within only the first year. Mind-blowing!
Long places the emphasis of his ministry on a “needs first” basis. Acting as the centerpiece to a grapevine of information, he offers his collection services to anyone and everyone he hears needs the help moving or downsizing. Gathering up pretty much everything, the accumulated loot is either auctioned off or recycled.
Many of these trips were only made possible through the industrial-sized moving van Long managed to acquire for this ministry. The best part? He does not press any fee charges to solicit his aid in cleaning out garages, estates, or basements. Not one cent is needed!
At the end of the day, Long is most thankful for his ability to act as a compassionate, friendly Christian brother to those who may have lost a loved one or are wondering what is coming next in their lives. He is able to witness to them in their time of grief and carry them through their struggle. Long has seen many stories of changed lives play out before him, and an equal number of needs met. His joy comes from seeing his Jesus working in people’s lives on a daily basis. Jesus gets the glory!
