The Heart of a Giver

When category 4 Hurricane Harvey slammed into south Texas in August 2017, Chip and Carol Wagenhauser witnessed the damage it did to their community.
 
Carol remembers, “Hurricane Harvery was complete devastation, ruined homes, families. Just a current devastation that we were incapable of coping with.”
 
Chip works in the lumber industry and even though the business was severely damaged they supplied building materials to help their community get back on its feet.
 
Chip recalls, “We opened our doors up, had volunteers come in, grab shovels, saws, anything they needed to get going again.”
 
Chip and Carol are grateful for all the volunteers that pitched in, especially the Operation Blessing team that stayed for weeks to help with the rebuild.
 
Chip shares, “And CBN was really stepping up and helping out giving those people, once again, hope and supplies to make it back through and rebuild their lives again.”
 
The couple has been 700 Club viewers and partners since 2006. One of the reasons they support CBN is because of the work of Operation Blessing. Chip also relies on CBN News’ reporting from Israel to keep current with the events in the region. Chip says, “CBN’s News coverage and analysis of Israel and the Middle East, its straight on, it’s factual.”
 
Carol loves that their giving goes toward helping the most vulnerable in need. Carol shares, “The Bible says take care of widows and orphans. When you see that child’s face light up just because a bowl or a cup of fresh water and that you could possibly make a difference in having anything to do with that, it’s a great feeling.”
 
Even during Covid-19, when Chip’s hours were reduced at his job and Carol’s pet sitting business stopped, and her cleaning business slowed down they continued to support the work of CBN.
 
Carol says, “CBN was providing the resources for the churches to be able to be the safe houses for the community and they were also telling about Jesus Christ.”
 
Chip shares, “I encourage people to give to CBN for the very reason it’s a proven track, we’ve seen what they’ve done in the past, what’s going on in the future. It helps not only their community, but helps the whole nation as well.”
 
In 2021, Carol’s pet business stayed consistent and her cleaning business increased in revenue. Chip took a management position at a different job that doubled his salary.
 
Carol shares, “I have experienced God’s hand of how faithful He is. Absolutely. The income just came in. And you knew that you were being blessed because you’re able to help someone who’s helping you, and I call it a God Circle.”
 
Chip explains, “People are happy once again, they’re wanting to build their dream home. Business has come up quite a bit.”
 
Chip and Carol encourage everyone to give back. Chip shares, “You give back, you keep the ball rolling, the ball grows. You become healthier, those around you become healthier financially, mentally, spiritually, it helps in tremendous amounts.”
 
Carol says, “And when you see other people that are willing to do the footwork, and all I have to do is just give a little piece of what I have. I love it that you give us the opportunity to be able to help.”