Church Wipes Out $8 Million In Medical Bills
A teenage boy from Johnson City, Tennessee, had a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with his father, thanks to a debt relief initiative by his church. The Altar Fellowship, led by Pastor Mattie Montgomery, partnered with RIP Medical Debt to forgive approximately $8 million in medical debt for their local community. This collaboration was inspired by a local businessman who dreamed of helping others by alleviating their medical debts.
The church managed to purchase and forgive the entire $8 million debt for just $50,000. Instead of pursuing collection, they sent letters to the debtors informing them that their debts had been forgiven and expressing their love and support. This gesture of generosity allowed the church to make a significant impact on individuals in their community.
A particularly touching story involved the teenage boy who regularly attended the church alone due to his parents not sharing his faith. After the debt relief initiative, his father contacted him to share that the church had paid off all his medical bills. This unexpected act of kindness provided the boy with a chance to discuss his faith with his father.
Pastor Montgomery acknowledged the challenges faced by the community, including poverty and addiction, and expressed uncertainty about repeating the initiative. However, he emphasized the church’s commitment to extravagant generosity and hoped that it would inspire others to see the church as a place of support in times of need.
Montgomery’s vision extends beyond his own church; he desires that the Church, in general, be recognized for its compassion and support, serving as a tangible example of Jesus’s love and care.