The story posted below is a shining example of a family who was touched by a school (like mine, like yours) and then provided scholarship aid through their estate. This is an example that we can share with our donors who may not have even thought about this kind of giving options.
Recently, I was speaking to friends of mine (in their mid 60's) who said that, until we spoke, that they never thought about where their "residual" would go except to their children. This kingdom-minded couple know that their grown children didn't "need" any more money and they wanted to see ministries that they care about be strengthened.
We can have some wonderful conversations from this perspective and ask questions like:
1. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What would like to be remembered for?
2. What do you want to leave your heirs? Will they spend your money as you would?
3. What kind of impact would you like to have today (this side of the grave) vs. after you go?
Read (and share) this inspiring story!
Through generosity, their legacy lives on
By Alta Mayhugh, Staff writer
Williston Herald
Williston, North Carolina
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:01 PM CST
Thanks to the generosity of a former Williston couple, six organizations have received donations of $120,000 each.
On Dec. 22, the estate of Ernest and Elma Sylte was distributed among the couple’s nieces and nephews, as well as Bethel Lutheran Foundation, Mercy Medical Foundation, Trinity Christian School, Upper Missouri Ministries, Williston Council on Aging and Williston State College Foundation.
Stan Grev of rural Williston, Elma’s nephew, is an executor of the Sylte estate. He said the Syltes chose to give to the organizations because each one has touched their lives in different ways.
“Caregivers is what they were. They’ve always given to these charities,” Grev said.
A portion of the estate was given to the 11 nieces and nephews, and more than half of it was given to charity, Grev said. “They thought the 11 nieces and nephews were OK on their own,” Grev said.
Both Ernest and Elma were born in Williston; Elma (Grev) Sylte was born east of Williston. They were married on Dec. 30, 1957, and owned a farm northwest of Williston. Elma Sylte was a teacher, having taught in one-room school throughout Williams and Divide counties.
Ernest Sylte raised sheep, cattle and farmed spring wheat, durum and other grains on the family homestead and was known for taking wedding photos as well as portraits of family and friends. He died Feb. 8, 2008, at the age of 90; she died Aug. 1, 2005, at the age of 94.
Representatives of the organizations are grateful for the donations.
“I’m very respectful and appreciative of people that have this kind of philanthropy,” said Terry Olson, director of the Williston State College Foundation.
Williston State College Foundation received its donation just after the last board meeting, Olson said. Thus, it’ll wait until the board meets again to discuss what to do with the money.
Although the WSC Foundation appreciates gifts that are designated for specific uses, such as endowments and scholarships, Olson is grateful this particular gift comes with no strings attached so it can be put toward what the foundation needs.
“The nicest thing about this gift is the Sylte family felt confident that the foundation and its board would see fit to spend it. It’s very nice to to get a gift like this that’s unrestricted,” Olson said.
Jim Yockim, director of Bethel Lutheran Foundation, said its donation will be used for the new assisted-living center being built west of the El Rancho Hotel in Williston. Ground broke on the project in August, and it may be completed by fall 2009, Yockim said.
“It will add a badly-needed service to the community,” Yockim said. The assisted-living center will not only offer a place for seniors to live independently with some services, but it will also free up some housing in the community once seniors can move in, he said.
Upper Missouri Ministries will use its money for scholarships for children to go to summer camp and to replace cabins and upgrade facilities, said Nick Johnson, camp director.
“Faith was important to the Syltes. It’s a marvelous gift,” Johnson said, adding the donation will give hundreds of children the ability to experience God through the summer camp program. The camp is located north of Williston near Epping.
More scholarships will be available to children wanting to go to Trinity Christian School in Williston, thanks to the Sylte donation, said Doug Black, administrator and development director of the school.
“These people were so gracious. Even though they’re not here now, their legacy lives on. Many students will be blessed as a result of their gift,” Black said.
Copyright © 2009 Williston Herald
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Matching Up
Every school has its "wish list"; those projects that may not be currently budgeted but ones we would love to see funded with a special gift. So how do we approach the "problem"?
Sometimes we look at the list of donors and their giving range and make a guess as to whether their resources and our need are a monetary fit.
Or, we could look at the lapsed donor list and see whether it is time to give a "touch" to a friend who hasn't given for awhile; a type of a "welcome back" to the school.
It seems that we can and do make the case for some project at our school without thinking and praying about what is the specific interest and (dare I say?) need of the donor. Donors are our friends and we need to treat them lovingly; Jesus declares that clearly as we are to love our neighbor.
I suggest that a better way is to be in a current relationship with our donors/friends so that we are already in tune with their desires for our school. If we commit the process to prayer the Holy Spirit will guide us in formulating the request (the "ask" to others) and He will go before us to prepare the donor to hear and evaluate the request.
This preparation will not always result in getting the project funded, but it will allow us to have a respectful and thoughtful interaction with our friend such that we could come back at a future date with another idea.
After all, we can always bring ideas to our friends, can't we?
Sometimes we look at the list of donors and their giving range and make a guess as to whether their resources and our need are a monetary fit.
Or, we could look at the lapsed donor list and see whether it is time to give a "touch" to a friend who hasn't given for awhile; a type of a "welcome back" to the school.
It seems that we can and do make the case for some project at our school without thinking and praying about what is the specific interest and (dare I say?) need of the donor. Donors are our friends and we need to treat them lovingly; Jesus declares that clearly as we are to love our neighbor.
I suggest that a better way is to be in a current relationship with our donors/friends so that we are already in tune with their desires for our school. If we commit the process to prayer the Holy Spirit will guide us in formulating the request (the "ask" to others) and He will go before us to prepare the donor to hear and evaluate the request.
This preparation will not always result in getting the project funded, but it will allow us to have a respectful and thoughtful interaction with our friend such that we could come back at a future date with another idea.
After all, we can always bring ideas to our friends, can't we?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Bilateral Blessings
When we promote our schools to potential or current donors we are obligated to explain how this gift will benefit or bless our school. We should speak about the worldview and academic training that happens and how we are helping to train the next generation of leaders, parents, spouses, and workers of all types. So, the blessing to the school is to provide children an educational "hot house" for their growth and development so they will be ready and able to impact their communities for Christ.
There is another blessing that we may not be as conscious of; that is the blessing to the donor. When that happens the donor is being obedient in being a good steward of the wealth they manage. Further, the donor becomes linked to the work of the school in a way that gives them a "Kingdom connection" and participation in a work larger than the individual.
As we encourage this kind of two-way (bilateral) blessing, let us pause and give thanks to the Lord that He allows us to be part of work that allows to help people link their faith to their actions.
Come to think of it, isn't that a blessing to us as well?
There is another blessing that we may not be as conscious of; that is the blessing to the donor. When that happens the donor is being obedient in being a good steward of the wealth they manage. Further, the donor becomes linked to the work of the school in a way that gives them a "Kingdom connection" and participation in a work larger than the individual.
As we encourage this kind of two-way (bilateral) blessing, let us pause and give thanks to the Lord that He allows us to be part of work that allows to help people link their faith to their actions.
Come to think of it, isn't that a blessing to us as well?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ron Blue on Economic Uncertainty
Based on the January 2009 video seminar presented by Ron Blue, Kingdom Advisors
For more information on Kingdom Advisors, click here to visit their website.
For more information on Kingdom Advisors, click here to visit their website.
Perspective on Prosperity
- The paradox of prosperity - the more you have the more choices you have which leads to greater confusion and complexity, resulting in less real freedom.
- We do not have financial peace of mind or financial freedom even though the net worth of American families is well beyond what it was 50 years ago.
An economic perspective
- Economic uncertainty is always symptomatic of the violation of biblical principles - we cannot borrow our way to prosperity or peace. "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave." (Proverbs 22:7NASB)
God's Perspective on Economic Uncertainty
- Economic uncertainty is certain
- God will never leave you "...I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b HCSB)
- Do not fear "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10a HCSB)
A Spiritual Perspective
- Faith and fear cannot coexist - one will tend to dominate "...while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB)
- Fear reveals what I worship
- The eternal perspective begins with understanding God's ownership of everything I have
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone," (1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NASB)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
How evangelism explains fundraising
When we go out on Evangelism Explosion visits, our team's prayer is that the Holy Spirit goes before us and has done the heart preparation in the person to whom we will speak. Believing and depending on the Holy Spirit puts us where God wants us - that is, merely His hands and feet in His work of redemption. Then, if we are privileged to see someone accept the free gift of eternal life, we can know that it was not because our of persuasive words that this blessing occurred.
Similarly, when we embark on raising money for our schools, I think it is critical to remember that:
1. All resources are God's resources - they are not the donor's nor are the resources ours
2. Our work is to represent Christ - the donor should see Him in us even as we encourage the donor to link their faith to their possessions, as Christ does
3. Our work is to testify about our school and the consequences of Christian education
4. Our work is to be grateful receivers of the blessings God is releasing into our schools
5. Our work is to bow in gratitude for allowing us to play a small, but important, role in advancing the Kingdom as more children get to meet Jesus in our school
When we adopt this attitude, it gives us "professionals" great freedom to be passionate about our wonderful call to see God's resources unleashed for Kingdom growth.
Similarly, when we embark on raising money for our schools, I think it is critical to remember that:
1. All resources are God's resources - they are not the donor's nor are the resources ours
2. Our work is to represent Christ - the donor should see Him in us even as we encourage the donor to link their faith to their possessions, as Christ does
3. Our work is to testify about our school and the consequences of Christian education
4. Our work is to be grateful receivers of the blessings God is releasing into our schools
5. Our work is to bow in gratitude for allowing us to play a small, but important, role in advancing the Kingdom as more children get to meet Jesus in our school
When we adopt this attitude, it gives us "professionals" great freedom to be passionate about our wonderful call to see God's resources unleashed for Kingdom growth.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Resources to transform our thinking
As we embark on a new way of thinking about our work I want commend a few wonderful resources that you can use to get ourselves oriented to the idea of being "Ministers of Stewardship."
1. Read Randy Alcorn's book: The Treasure Principle - also a good gift to give to friends of the school
2. Read Revolution in Generosity, edited by Wes Wilmer (Biola University) - this is the best compilation of articles I have come across.
http://www.revolutioningenerosity.com/ This is the web site with a sample chapter and other great articles.
3. Get acquainted with http://www.kingdomadvisors.org/ , the group founded by Ron Blue to train professional advisors. They have 100 Community Study Groups that meet around the country - I am pleased to be able to attend the one in greater Philadelphia.
1. Read Randy Alcorn's book: The Treasure Principle - also a good gift to give to friends of the school
2. Read Revolution in Generosity, edited by Wes Wilmer (Biola University) - this is the best compilation of articles I have come across.
http://www.revolutioningenerosity.com/ This is the web site with a sample chapter and other great articles.
3. Get acquainted with http://www.kingdomadvisors.org/ , the group founded by Ron Blue to train professional advisors. They have 100 Community Study Groups that meet around the country - I am pleased to be able to attend the one in greater Philadelphia.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Are Development Directors Mis-named?
John 21:17
Our first call as Development Directors or Advancement Officers is to be ministers. Ministry means to serve, and with that consideration it is possible that we may be inappropriately titled.
Actually there is a pastoral hue upon those of us called to help find the financial resources to sustain a given ministry. Such a repositioning of our calling may cause us to reconsider the priorities in our present role.
In a real sense we are Stewardship Shepherds. Our mission is to nurture souls, not necessarily to negotiate gift giving. In the mandate of the Lord to Peter, He said, “Feed my sheep,” not fleece the flock! That ‘feeding’ includes prayer for the potential donors, passion for God’s will in their lives, and a pursuing of the Word of God and the parceling out of it to the sheep (donors).
We must be careful to shed the robe of being seen as money mongers. Rather we should clothe ourselves in the garment of His righteousness. Doing so does not diminish “the ask,” but rather prioritizes our approach.
Our mantle should be that it is far better to feed the flocks than forage the donor in the name of fundraising.
May the Lord give us great discernment and sensitivity as we reconsider our titled positions. Let us consider being recalled, retooled and renewed so that we are seen as Stewardship Shepherds.
From Sandy Outlar, Headmaster of Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster, PA
Our first call as Development Directors or Advancement Officers is to be ministers. Ministry means to serve, and with that consideration it is possible that we may be inappropriately titled.
Actually there is a pastoral hue upon those of us called to help find the financial resources to sustain a given ministry. Such a repositioning of our calling may cause us to reconsider the priorities in our present role.
In a real sense we are Stewardship Shepherds. Our mission is to nurture souls, not necessarily to negotiate gift giving. In the mandate of the Lord to Peter, He said, “Feed my sheep,” not fleece the flock! That ‘feeding’ includes prayer for the potential donors, passion for God’s will in their lives, and a pursuing of the Word of God and the parceling out of it to the sheep (donors).
We must be careful to shed the robe of being seen as money mongers. Rather we should clothe ourselves in the garment of His righteousness. Doing so does not diminish “the ask,” but rather prioritizes our approach.
Our mantle should be that it is far better to feed the flocks than forage the donor in the name of fundraising.
May the Lord give us great discernment and sensitivity as we reconsider our titled positions. Let us consider being recalled, retooled and renewed so that we are seen as Stewardship Shepherds.
From Sandy Outlar, Headmaster of Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster, PA
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What is Advance Christian Schools?
I believe we, in the Christian school movement, are missing a wonderful opportunity to do our fundraising work in a way that honors the Lord. Many of us (me included) have employed secular techniques, sprinkled on a little Bible (for sanctification), and wonder why we are not being blessed financially.
Here is where I describe a new opportunity:
Mission
The mission of AdvanceChistianSchools.com is to develop biblical approaches to development and advancement in the Christian school industry.
Vision
The vision is to train a new generation of leaders who will lead their schools to set new standards of biblical stewardship so that Christian schools simultaneously grow stronger (both relationally and financially) and glorify God, who gave them their original mission.
http://www.advancechristianschools.com/
I invite any administrator or school board member to join on this journey to transform ourselves and to assist in the transformation of God's people as we link the Gospel to giving and link giving to the Gospel.
Here is where I describe a new opportunity:
Mission
The mission of AdvanceChistianSchools.com is to develop biblical approaches to development and advancement in the Christian school industry.
Vision
The vision is to train a new generation of leaders who will lead their schools to set new standards of biblical stewardship so that Christian schools simultaneously grow stronger (both relationally and financially) and glorify God, who gave them their original mission.
http://www.advancechristianschools.com/
I invite any administrator or school board member to join on this journey to transform ourselves and to assist in the transformation of God's people as we link the Gospel to giving and link giving to the Gospel.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
ECFA's new ServantMatch program
There are few Christian schools in the US who have the ECFA designation. The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability certifies that its members maintain the highest standards of financial integrity - those who do are in the company of Focus on the Family and Campus Crusade for Christ.
The organization has a new service called Servant Match http://ecfa.org/ServantMatch.aspx that helps donors find organizations that match their interests and passions.
So, when you check "education" in the categories and either Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey in the state category you will quickly find "Christian Academy, The". This tool is useful for donors who want to fund other areas of course and I hope you will cascade this to friends so they can avail themselves of this new and helpful aid to their giving.
The organization has a new service called Servant Match http://ecfa.org/ServantMatch.aspx that helps donors find organizations that match their interests and passions.
So, when you check "education" in the categories and either Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey in the state category you will quickly find "Christian Academy, The". This tool is useful for donors who want to fund other areas of course and I hope you will cascade this to friends so they can avail themselves of this new and helpful aid to their giving.
Trash it by Joel Belz of WORLD magazine
Joel shares a simple strategy for saving money and for focusing resources for the benefit of both the donor and ministry being supported.
See what you think http://www.worldmag.com/articles/14827
See what you think http://www.worldmag.com/articles/14827
Charles Stanley - Thoughts on giving
In Touch - Dec. 15, 2008
Monday December 15
God-Pleasing Generosity 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church praises the Macedonian believers at Philippi for their generosity. Despite deep poverty and great troubles, they desired to bless others materially. From their example, we know God is pleased when we give . . .
1. According to divine revelation. The Lord has revealed in Scripture how we are to live. He wants us to base our decisions on biblical principles rather than on our own thinking. Looking solely at a paycheck or bank balance before determining the size of a donation is relying on “self,” not trusting God.
2. Out of our need. The Macedonians were poor, but they didn’t let that keep them from contributing. They gave out of the little they had. The widow who gave her last two copper coins was praised for her offering to the Lord (Mark 12:42-44). We don’t need to have extra money in order to give.
3. To those who spiritually nourish us. The Bible tells us to bring our gifts to the local church, where it can be used to further God’s work. The apostle Paul and others were able to evangelize because of the support provided by the church in Jerusalem. Recognizing that they owed those believers a debt, the Macedonian Christians desired to give something back.
Human reasoning tells us that we cannot part with our funds when debt seems too large or income too small. But the Scriptures tell us to trust the Lord to provide for our needs (Phil. 4:19)—and to give generously. Are you living according to these principles?
Tuesday December 16
God's Way to Give 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Our heavenly Father knows what our income is and how He would like us to spend it. He also desires that we demonstrate certain heart attitudes in our giving. These include faith, compassion, and generosity.
It takes faith to give before our own needs are met. The Macedonians at Philippi were experiencing deep poverty, but they still longed to contribute. Their behavior revealed a deep trust in the Lord's provision.
Compassion is also vital. This heart attitude cares about others and wants to bless them. The Philippian church saw Paul's situation and longed to help (Phil. 4:16). The Lord is pleased when we love one another and share from what we have.
The Macedonian believers were also generous. Though in great need themselves, they begged for the privilege of contributing to the collection for the Jerusalem church.
Consider how greatly we have benefited from the generosity of our heavenly Father. He provided His Son Jesus to take our sins upon Himself and die in our place. He has adopted us into His family, made us co-heirs with Christ, and prepared for us a permanent home in heaven with Him. And in this life, His Holy Spirit provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). As we make our Christmas plans, let's be generous towards others, just as God has been to us.
As we study biblical principles about how to handle money, God's Holy Spirit will help us put them into practice. Obedience to the Word will bring spiritual blessing (Luke 6:38).
Monday December 15
God-Pleasing Generosity 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church praises the Macedonian believers at Philippi for their generosity. Despite deep poverty and great troubles, they desired to bless others materially. From their example, we know God is pleased when we give . . .
1. According to divine revelation. The Lord has revealed in Scripture how we are to live. He wants us to base our decisions on biblical principles rather than on our own thinking. Looking solely at a paycheck or bank balance before determining the size of a donation is relying on “self,” not trusting God.
2. Out of our need. The Macedonians were poor, but they didn’t let that keep them from contributing. They gave out of the little they had. The widow who gave her last two copper coins was praised for her offering to the Lord (Mark 12:42-44). We don’t need to have extra money in order to give.
3. To those who spiritually nourish us. The Bible tells us to bring our gifts to the local church, where it can be used to further God’s work. The apostle Paul and others were able to evangelize because of the support provided by the church in Jerusalem. Recognizing that they owed those believers a debt, the Macedonian Christians desired to give something back.
Human reasoning tells us that we cannot part with our funds when debt seems too large or income too small. But the Scriptures tell us to trust the Lord to provide for our needs (Phil. 4:19)—and to give generously. Are you living according to these principles?
Tuesday December 16
God's Way to Give 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Our heavenly Father knows what our income is and how He would like us to spend it. He also desires that we demonstrate certain heart attitudes in our giving. These include faith, compassion, and generosity.
It takes faith to give before our own needs are met. The Macedonians at Philippi were experiencing deep poverty, but they still longed to contribute. Their behavior revealed a deep trust in the Lord's provision.
Compassion is also vital. This heart attitude cares about others and wants to bless them. The Philippian church saw Paul's situation and longed to help (Phil. 4:16). The Lord is pleased when we love one another and share from what we have.
The Macedonian believers were also generous. Though in great need themselves, they begged for the privilege of contributing to the collection for the Jerusalem church.
Consider how greatly we have benefited from the generosity of our heavenly Father. He provided His Son Jesus to take our sins upon Himself and die in our place. He has adopted us into His family, made us co-heirs with Christ, and prepared for us a permanent home in heaven with Him. And in this life, His Holy Spirit provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). As we make our Christmas plans, let's be generous towards others, just as God has been to us.
As we study biblical principles about how to handle money, God's Holy Spirit will help us put them into practice. Obedience to the Word will bring spiritual blessing (Luke 6:38).
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