A church in the US state of Texas is giving away $100,000 to senior citizens who are struggling to make their rent payments. The 15,000-strong Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas, Texas, announced the massive giveaway at its Thanksgiving service, noting that some 100 elderly people who were on the brink of being evicted will now be able to cover their rental costs and stay home for Christmas.

The church announced the financial gift on its Instagram page, noting that the special gift service had been a "tremendous blessing".

"Our special guest singers, Jessica Reedy and Tiffany Andrews were powerful, and one of the most inspiring moments of the service was IBOC's surprise to 100 senior citizens," Body of Christ wrote. "#IBOC Church and Pastor Rickie Rush are thankful that God positioned us to provide rental assistance to 100 senior citizens! Glory to God! IBOC has committed $100,000 to ensure these seniors are not evicted from their homes." 

IBOC, led by Pastor Rickie Rush, is one of the largest nondenominational megachurches in the Dallas area.

One of those to benefit from the financial aid was Betty Young, who said she had been struggling financially since the pandemic hit earlier this year. Now, with her rent covered and hope for the future, Young says giving all the praise back to the Lord.

"God is an awesome God, and He works in mysterious ways," she told KHOU 11. "I was praying the other night, I didn’t know how my rent was going to be paid. I was totally surprised.”

The church works alongside Dallas County Precinct 1 Judge Valencia Nash, Judge Thomas G. Jones, and Constable Tracey Gulley to identify elderly residents who are on the verge of being issued eviction notices. 

”At a time like this, especially with the pandemic, it’s saying that we need to keep seniors in their home and do all that we can do,” Jones said of the initiative.