The Kingdom Assignment May 29, 2004KINGBAR

One fall weekend in 2000, the Rev. Denny Bellesi, pastor of the Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, Calif., concluded his sermons on stewardship by handing out $100 bills to 100 of his congregants. Their instructions were simple: The money was God's money, they were to invest it in building God's kingdom, and they were to report back in 90 days.

The Bellesis had wanted to do this for years, said Leesa Bellesi, the pastor's wife and co-author of their book, "The Kingdom Assignment." But the release of the film "Pay It Forward," with its message of one good turn leading to another, convinced them that the time was right.

The response was overwhelming, as volunteers turned their talent and energy to the project. Since then, the original investment of $10,000 has grown to "probably a couple of million," by Leesa Bellesi's estimate. And the Kingdom Assignment has been taken up by hundreds of churches across the United States, as well as in places such as Brazil and Australia.

The Bellesis have since created a second and a third Kingdom Assignment, each inspired by a parable in the New Testament. Information about the Bellesis' book, "The Kingdom Assignment," and its sequel, "Kingdom Assignment II," is available at www.kingdomassignment.com.

Jeremy Iggers