What's your story?

We recently asked you to tell us what inspired you to consider planned giving. Here’s a selection:

You can add yours using the below form.

To understand how I started to plan my giving I need to give a little history. There were two of us, both friends, both teachers, similar ages, same length of service, same school. Janice had a deep faith in Jesus; I was taking some time out. We stopped working at the same time, giving up decent salaries. I depended on my husband to provide; she looked to the Lord. I stayed at home awaiting motherhood; she went overseas to live by faith.

I admired what my friend was doing, but did not offer regular financial support. She never complained about her tougher circumstances; I mostly thought about my own. If I earned a little extra money from supply work, I’d send her a cheque.

Years later when she returned we met up. She told me how she’d used my occasional gifts to make and freeze soup from seasonal produce at the market. It was then that planned giving crossed my mind. I realised that by planning my giving, I’d help her plan her living! Once the penny dropped I put the money aside each month. I then discovered Stewardship; who support Christian workers, including Janice; I partner with Stewardship to support Janice now. I have been delighted by the service. It is quick, easy and efficient.

Hazel Lee

Worcestershire

I learned the discipline of tithing after becoming a Christian 30 years ago. With a young family to take care
of and a husband on a fairly low wage, it wasn’t always easy, but putting God first was important and he always provided for all our needs. Over the years, I developed interests in various Missionary Societies and wanted to give towards their work as well as my local church, so money was put aside and given when prompted.

Recently, both my parents died, leaving us a reasonable inheritance. I then discovered Stewardship and found this to be a wonderful organisation. I opened an account with a tithe from my inheritance, and now top it up from our income. My donation requests to mission work are sent regularly by Stewardship, and there is always enough money for extra gifts or emergencies such as the recent Haiti earthquake.

Some people give all their tithe to the local church, but I see Stewardship as my ‘storehouse’, as it says in Malachi 3:10. God has proved this to me time and time again. Praise His Name!

Margaret Vaughan

Wales

I was inspired by the wonderful example of my parents-in-law. They were poor by today’s standards, yet every week they would set aside their tithe for the Lord’s work, whatever their needs for everyday living. This regular giving of their tithe was their top priority, and they would sometimes give offerings over and above that. They taught me by their practice the Biblical principle of tithes and sacrificial giving beyond tithing.

They have both passed into the Lord’s presence, and my wife and I throughout our 46 years of marriage have practised those same principles of tithes and offerings on a planned basis. Monthly direct debit for the bulk of our giving is a real help in this. We also have some available for emergency relief and other needs which present themselves, and we keep our giving under regular review.

The Lord is always faithful, and He meets our needs. In our turn we have opportunities for teaching and encouraging others in planned giving, and my beloved and departed parents-in-law are still an inspiration to me.

The Reverend Peter Levell

Surrey

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