Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Why pay parking tickets?
The project is a really kind of like a modern day parable designed to
illustrate how God’s grace and mercy is given to people. It’s not based on
earning it, but on asking for it.
2. Where did the money come from?
The money (to pay for the tickets) was donated by local businesses and
churches.
3. Could the money have been better spent on humanitarian efforts?
Each year, millions dollars are given to very worthy humanitarian
organizations in the Treasure Valley who perform vital acts of love and
care. The Grace Gift project, and the $10,000 budget for parking ticket
fines will also go to needy families and individuals who will be served
through this outreach. The Grace Gift project is an expression of God’s
love, and a demonstration of how his gift of forgiveness is received. Not by
earning it, but by receiving it as we would a Christmas gift. No funds were
taken from any humanitarian organization or cause.
4. Will you do this every year?
We’re not sure; we’ll see how this year goes. December is a great time to
draw attention to the message that God has an amazing gift for us, but many
don’t understand how to receive it. So maybe next year we will come up with
something else, we’ll see.
5. What churches are involved?
Approximately 70 churches from different Christian denominations that work
together in the community. It’s called, the Christian Churches Association.
6. What was the process in selecting those churches?
Churches who have a heart for serving the community and who have a common
belief in the core doctrines of Christianity.
7. How did you come up with this idea?
It was just an idea we came up with that would creatively illustrate how
God’s grace and forgiveness is given to people. It’s all about a gift that
we don’t have to earn, and many people just don’t understand that. We hope
this will help people understand. It’s good news!
8. What inspired you to do this?
We (pastors) have all experienced God’s love and mercy in our own lives, and
we wanted to help others understand it as well. A relationship with Christ
is the greatest relationship a person can have, and many people think they
have to get cleaned up and do good works to earn God’s love. The good news
is, all you have to do is ask.
9. Is there a cash limit to the tickets?
There is a budget of $10,000 designated to pay for the parking tickets.
10. What if you run out of cash?
We will write checks for parking tickets as long as the funds hold out or until 1 p.m. – whichever comes first. It’s first-come, first-served.
11. How many tickets can a person bring in?
As many as they have. There is no limit, as long as funds are available.
12. What type of tickets qualify?
Parking tickets only. No moving violations.
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