Giving with purpose: A life shaped by generosity

When David became a Christian at 19, he knew his life would take a different path. But he didn’t yet realise how deeply generosity - of his time, resources and finances - would define his journey. 

Sixty years on and David’s story serves as a powerful story of intentional stewardship, radical generosity and deep trust in God’s provision, and an encouragement to those want to live a similarly purposeful life.

A heart for hospitality and service

For David, generosity isn’t just about money, it’s a way of life. In his early 20s, he witnessed first-hand the power of hospitality when he stayed with a couple who fostered children. Their example left a lasting impression and, shortly after marrying, David and his wife became foster parents themselves.

“There’s a generosity in opening your home to others - particularly to children, single mothers and those in need,” he reflects.

David's generosity extended beyond his home. At 53, he made the bold decision to retire early and dedicate his time to serving others. Over the next two decades, he worked pro bono as a counsellor, giving the gift of time to those in need of support and guidance.

A biblical approach to financial giving

David’s journey with financial generosity began with the concept of tithing. “That wasn’t difficult,” he says. “We quickly got into the routine of giving 10%.” But as he studied the Bible, particularly Paul’s teachings in the New Testament, he felt challenged to go beyond a set percentage.

“We’ve been on a journey, my wife and I, towards giving as much as we can,” David explains. “That raises the question- how much do we actually need for ourselves?”

David and his wife made a countercultural decision: they would live on the average UK income and give away the rest. Today, that means living on approximately £32,000 per year and giving away about half of their total income.

“John Wesley famously said, ‘Earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, give as much as you can,’” David recalls. “We find joy in saving so that we can give more.”

Living simply to give more

David and his wife embrace frugality - not as a restriction, but as a joyful choice. Their commitment to generosity has shaped their lifestyle. “We enjoy not spending. It enables us to give more,” David says. Among many small everyday decisions they have made the following choices around more long-term financial patterns and commitments:

• Shopping mindfully: They buy discounted groceries and shop in the lower-end supermarkets. They choose to shop for certain items in charity shops and they keep all their purchases as simple as they can be.
• Buying economically: With sizeable items they think deeply about getting value for money. For example, David bought his car second-hand and he plans to keep it until it at  least 12 years old. rather than buying a new one every three years or so.
• Choosing modest holidays: Their travel choices align with their decision to prioritise giving.

Strategic giving with Stewardship

David has been giving with Stewardship for over 40 years, dating back to its early days as the UK Evangelisation Trust. He sees it as an invaluable tool for separating the act of giving from the decision of where to give.

Each year, David and his wife prayerfully decide how much they will set aside for giving. That money is placed in their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) account - ready for when they feel led to support a cause, rather than waiting for a need to arise.

“I tell people, ‘This money has already been given to God. Now it’s just a question of allocation,’” David explains.

Their giving focuses on:

• the local church – their first priority
• Tearfund – ensuring their generosity reaches beyond the UK
• individuals in ministry – supporting Christian workers who live by faith
• Christian education – including a National Baptist College

By giving with Stewardship, David also maximises tax efficiency, ensuring his donations go further.

Receiving generosity in return

Though David has spent his life giving, he acknowledges moments where he has been the recipient of generosity too. One key moment was when he received a redundancy package from his employer, allowing him to retire early and focus on serving others.

“It meant we no longer needed an income,” he says. “That was a gift from God - one that freed us to be even more generous.”

At various times, David and his wife have received unexpected financial blessings, allowing them to make significant one-off gifts.

Encouraging others to give generously

David believes more Christians should talk openly about giving. “I’ve shared more with you today than I have with anyone,” he admits. “There’s a fear of sounding boastful, but if we don’t talk about giving, how will we encourage each other?”

He challenges others to consider their financial priorities before God. “Work out what is appropriate for your station in life,” he advises. “Do you really need to upgrade your car every three years, have more than one holiday? Could you live on less to give more?”

For David, the joy of giving far outweighs any sacrifice. “We live simply, and we give as much as we can. And we’ve never lacked what we need.”

His story is a powerful testament to what happens when generosity becomes a way of life. One that extends far beyond finances and into the very heart of Christian discipleship.

Start exploring what a Donor Advised Fund account can do for you

Our Donor Advised Fund account is quick and easy to set up. Let us take care of the admin so you can enjoy supporting the causes you are passionate about.

Find out more