GENE RONCONE

RESOURCES TO ACHIEVEHis name does not appear on the Declaration ofIndependence; but without him, the American Revolution wouldhave run out of money. His name was Hayam Solomon (or Salomon, 1740–1785).Whenthe Continental Congres was broke and George Washington’s army was dyingof starvation at Valley Forge, his financial sacrifice kept the embers of freedom burning.Born in Poland as the Jewish son of a rabbi, Solomon came to New York in 1772.As one thecolony’smost successful merchants and bankers, he accumulated a hugefortune that was secretly funneled to the freedom fighters during the American Revolution.Records reveal that he lent the United States government about $800,000. Inexperiencedand bankrupt, the infant nation was never able to repay Solomon. In 1776,he was captured and sentenced to death by the British but escaped to Philadelphia.During his incarceration, he contracted tuberculosis and died penniles. Solomon’sgenerosity was motivated by his commitment to the American concept of freedom andhis belief that the infant nation would one day be a world power. He gave because hewas able to look beyond what was and remain committed to a vision of what could be.Every vision needs a Jefferson to dream, a Washington to fight, and a Solomon to give.In light of our relocation project, we need the vision of people like Hayam Solomonwho are able to see potential in the future of Aurora First Assembly.In the previous four chapters, we examined how David led the people in buildingthe temple and leaving a legacy to the next generation. If we are to be successful in ourown Season for Legacy, we must give the next generation: VISION TO CONCEIVE (1 Chronicles 28:1-10) STRATEGY TO PERCEIVE (1 Chronicles 28:11-19) COURAGE TO BELIEVE (1 Chronicles 28:20-21) RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE (1 Chronicles 29:1-10)In 1 Chronicles 29:1-10, David charged the people to join him in making a financialcommitment to the temple construction.1 Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God haschosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is notfor man but for the LORD God.2 With all my resources I have provided for the temple ofmy God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the ironand wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors,and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities.3 Besides, in my devotionto the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for thetemple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple:4 three49