The Joy of Used Computers!

What school or other ministry has not been offered one or more used computers? However, many times these "gifts" are not current in hardware or software or operating systems.

So, unless we have IT departments with nothing to do (no way!) these gifts are not really beneficial for either students or staff.

When this situation occurs, we can politely say "no thanks, our specifications require current operating systems". Or, we could take a tack that brings the donor into closer relationship.

Here are some thoughts from a call I received recently:

1. Someone thought of us. They tried to match their gift with our need: a great place to begin.
2. I called back and asked how they found out about the school and how this batch of hardware became available. I learned that this mom may be putting her child in our school in the next year.
3. We want to keep the dialog going to see if the computers can be used.
4. We want to discuss other areas of interest with the donor to see how they might contribute in another way.

A culture of stewardship looks for faith-based relationships, which takes more time and effort than a simple "Sorry, these units don't fit our needs".

In the ministry work to which we are called we welcome opportunities to help our friends walk closer with the Savior.