The Special Ask

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

There are times in the course of the year that require a special ask. A special ask is one where we are seeking funds for a particular project or need or opportunity that cannot be met through the normal annual fund giving.

What do we do in those instances? I believe that biblical generosity can be expressed in planned and unplanned ways. After all, if our donor-friends are oriented toward giving, then they would not be offended even if they were not able to respond at the time.

Here is a story that demonstrates this. We had a family whose dad was called up from the Reserves for Desert Storm. The military pay was lower than what the dad earned in his own business, so the family had serious challenges maintaining tuition payments.

Here is how the Lord led me to approach the problem:

1. Find out the size of the need - tuition for the balance of the year - $8,000
2. Think of families or individuals who are in the mode of helping the school
3. Call and present the situation - explain that this is a special request due to unforeseen circumstances
4. Present the entire amount and ask if he or she could see themselves helping and whether they were in position to do so
5. If they asked how much (some did), I suggested no more than $2,000 because I wanted to enlist the help from others who would like to share in the opportunity to help the family

Here is what happened:

1. Six out of seven I contacted people agreed to participate - from $500 to $1,500
2. They were pleased to be asked - it was a great cause
3. They thanked me for thinking of them
4. None wanted anything (card or letter) from the receiving family

When we are building relationships where stewardship is emphasized we are building a "platform for giving", one that honors the Lord who gives and owns it all.

What a privilege it is to be able to have relationships like this - it is also good for the asker to see God's mercy up close!