Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Madison resident Mark Colvin did not grow up in a wealthy family that had everything in abundance. In fact, his experience was quite the opposite. As a young child, the Ripley, Tenn. native was abandoned by his parents and left to be briefly raised by his grandparents. At age six, Colvin was sent to a large orphanage in Nashville, Tenn.When Colvin was 18, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he met his wife, Kay, and learned the value of caring for others. This has been a constant theme in his life since those early days, as he gives to the needy and previously helped burn victims through the Shriner's organization. Colvin has also served as a foster parent on numerous occasions. Colvin is convinced that he has been blessed to be able to do these things because of his commitment to tithing 10 percent of his income to the Lord.
Like most folks, Colvin has seen his share of ups and downs, but he has continued to tithe. "I've never wanted for anything," said Colvin, who sees tithing as the best "test" he has ever taken. In Malachi, the Lord instructs His people to test Him through tithing, so that He can prove to be faithful. "We simply believed all those places in the Bible that promise that tithing is the foundation for sustenance and growth," commented Colvin, who sees tithing as a reminder that everything ultimately belongs to God. Psalms 24:1 states that "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof ..." Colvin has found that God provides more than enough for his needs and for helping others as he gives to God the first 10 percent of his income.
The impact on his life has been so significant that Colvin recommends that everyone begin a practice of giving to help others. "When one meets or knows a person in need and helps them directly – neighbor helping neighbor – this is the key," said Colvin. "These people are often put in our lives for just that reason. So tithing and giving is not optional."