** MEMBERS CHALLENGED TO LIVE ON TITHE FOR WEEK

It is called Miracle Sunday--the day when the congregation of Life
Center in Lakewood, California, takes a collective leap of faith.
The challenge: to live on 10 percent of a week's wages while
giving the 90 percent in a thanks offering.

"We received a promise from the Lord: 'If you'll help water the
deserts of the world, I will tend your garden at home,'" said
Pastor Charles E. Atherton about the challenge God gave his church
a quarter century ago.

The Miracle Sunday offering collected each November is donated to
a variety of ministries and outreaches, ranging from Teen
Challenge to the nearby Westminster First Vietnamese Assembly of
God. Life Center has collected more than $1 million the past
25 years.

In 1978, Life Center needed funds to expand, but leaders sensed
God directing them not to borrow. Instead, through the concept of
reverse tithing, the church raised $79,984 for the building.

By 1990, with the church's debts paid, Miracle Sunday became an
outreach, with teenagers and children also contributing. "The idea
is more about participation than amount," Atherton said. "It's
equal sacrifice, not equal giving."

Atherton said God enables church members to make the sacrifice.
"Most people's budgets are already overextended, but when they
give on Miracle Sunday, it's a miracle that they don't miss the
funds," Atherton said. "God provides other ways. It's a whole way
to demonstrate our trust, faith and confidence in God."