What does a person do when he's made a billion dollars and owns part of the American dream? What does he do next? In one man's story, he gives it all away, because he found all his wealth and achievments didn't matter as much as his relationship with God.
In 1985, Tom Monaghan had everything a man could want or imagine. He was wildly rich, owning Domino's Pizza, an enormous collection of classic cars, several Frank Lloyd Wright houses, an entire island in the Great Lakes, boats, planes, several smaller companies, and even the Detroit Tigers baseball team.
But something changed Tom Monaghan's heart and moved him to sell all he had and give his money away. Today he is a devout Christian who heads a religious foundation that distributes his former wealth to many human needs. He has built a half dozen churches in Central America, a Christian University, and supports conservative Christian causes however he can.
When he was four and his father died, Tom began life an orphanage, foster homes and even a juvenile detention center. He finished last in his High School class, and served in the Marines and barely made it through college. In 1960 he borrowed money from his brother to buy a pizza place in Ypsilanti, Mich. This single store ultimately grew into Domino's Pizza and propelled Tom to power, possessions and prestige. But with all his successes and influence, Monaghan became a prideful and demanding man. After reading C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, he decided to give up his worldly goods and rededicate himself to God.
Repentence is a powerful force that changes people. Few people will ever achieve the worldly success of Tom Monaghan, but all of us can be eternally blessed by repentence. Jesus died for the sins of all, young and old, rich or poor, and the Holy Spirit can re-make us into new people.
Praise God that He loves us enough to change us for the better!
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