By Sharon Mager
Ryan Weaver, pastor of Remedy Church, with his sons, Ryland and Rance before he cut his beard. Photo courtesy of SMDi Photography.
SALISBURY, Md.– Ryan Weaver, Pastor of Remedy Church, Salisbury, was shocked when he was offered $1,000 to shave his trademark beard, but it was for a good cause—helping orphans in extreme poverty in Haiti.
The extreme shaving happened on July 14. Chris Marlow, from “Help One Now,” a partnership of businesses, churches and individuals who work together to assist those in extreme poverty, care for orphans and rescue slaves, recently spoke at Remedy Church. Marlow jokingly reminded the congregation that Weaver had committed to cut his beard if someone would donate $1,000 to engage extreme poverty.
An anonymous donor gave the $1,000 before the end of the service.
Ryan Weaver, pastor of Remedy Church, with his sons, Ryland and Rance after he cut his beard. Photo courtesy of SMDi Photography.
“When I followed Chris on stage to give a final challenge and provide transition toward our communion gatherings… I mentioned that if it took me growing (or even cutting my beard) to encourage our church to further engage the global orphan crisis then my beard was totally for sale.
“I should have known better than to give such a challenge to this church full of generous and messy followers of Christ. The donation was given anonymously before we even sang the final song,” Weaver said on his blog.
Though his sons Ryland and Rance were heartbroken, Weaver said it was a “teachable moment.”
“And I am now the proud grower of a $1,000 beard.”