International Women's Day: Interview with Ange Pattico, Stewardship Trustee

With International Women's Day in March, we thought we would interview one of the many wonderful women behind the scenes at Stewardship. We ask one of our new trustees, Ange Pattico, about why she loves to give and the causes that she loves to give to.

1. What were you taught about generosity when you were a child?  

In Sunday school I was taught that if we give it would come back: pressed down, shaken together and running over. It’s a scripture (Luke 6:38) but we also learned it as a song. That said, my parents always taught my sisters and I ’neither a lender nor a borrower be’, meaning they would rather we see a need and gave out of what we had, in love, without expecting anything in return.  

2. What’s the best example you’ve seen of generosity in action?

There have been so many but one that sticks out is a church who arms their team with money, they all go to different supermarkets in some areas where they know people are struggling and when people reach the counter, they pay for their groceries. Its heart warming and such a wonderful act of being the hands and feet of Jesus on the earth.

3. What biblical passages inspire generosity in you the most?

2 Corinthians 9:11, Malachi 3:10, Luke 21:1-4 and Matthew 6:1-4. The combination of all of those scriptures reminds me that God will continue to bless those of us who actively choose to be generous out of whatever we have. It’s not something we need to broadcast or publicise because ultimately it’s about making God smile and blessing his people and that is enough of a reward…it is for me anyway!

4. Who or what has had the biggest influence on your giving?

Both my parents are Christians so what I learned about generosity was what I saw in how they treated other people. Our home was always open to anyone, they’d share whatever they had with others without complaint and they did so in love and with joy. My parents actively demonstrate what being a cheerful giver is all about. They’re GREAT!

5. What’s the hardest thing about giving?

My physical resources are finite so I have to make choices.

6. And the easiest thing?

My spiritual resources are limitless and I serve THE GOD of more than enough.

7. International Women’s Day is on 8th March and we are encouraged to support female focussed charities – what encouragement would you give other women to prioritise their giving?

Ask God what touches his heart, what breaks his heart and what moves his heart and prioritise your giving based on the answer he gives you!

8. When we have taken huge steps towards equality already – do you think we still need a day to champion women?

Interesting question. We don’t yet live in a world where everyone knows Jesus and loves the way he teaches us to so yes, I think we will always need days like this even with the progress we’re making.

9. What causes are you most passionate about and why?

I’m most passionate about children. I believe they are all world-changers and with a bit of love, attention and being led by God, they can make the world a far better place. My husband and I sponsor two children through World Vision and Compassion and I love to find little people to mentor and be a big sis to.

10. You are an incredibly busy person – and have just joined the Stewardship board as a trustee.  What do you hope to achieve and what is your motivation?

This is really simple for me - I believe in Stewardship’s vision to transform generosity and that I have a set of skills that are needed 'for such a time as this’. Fulfilling God’s will for my life is what motivates me and I believe he gave me the skills and gifts I have, so ultimately, I want to use them for his glory.