Giving Away Blessings

This past week I was at the annual conference of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools in Dallas.  At this conference I was able to conduct two workshops: the seasons of stewardship - how the sower prepares the soil. plants seeds, waters and fertilizes, nurtures growth of seedlings, and watches God bring in the harvest. 

The second workshop provided more detail on how the school can reach out and into the community through tours, music, and service.  The attendees were very gracious and told me that the talk was helpful.

In particular, here is one note that underscores one of the major points. "Your words echoed our mission statement: 'To mold and shape the minds and spirits of all students to what God has intended them in Christ to be.'  The focus being first on giving the blessing of God's Word and love to one another."

That is the goal of Christian fund raising or development; to help people grow in their love for the Lord through vigorous and regular blessing.  Secular development is man and technique-centered; it does not have the beauty of seeing the Spirit involved in transforming hearts.  What a privilege we have in our work.

Who have you blessed today?

A Fundraiser's Dream - "Self-actualized Giving"

In the progression of becoming generous, givers go through phases of maturity. We start by giving because of obligation or even guilt. We progress through imitation and following others until the giver reaches the point where they give cheerfully without any concern for what others do. At this point the giver just does what they do out of the sheer joy of honoring the Lord and blessing His people. It's not quite with reckless abandon, but almost.

Yesterday, a donor and friend shared a story where she was blessed and thrilled by giving something precious away to a young person who she knows well would love to have this special gift.

The details are not important, but the steps in the thoughts and emotions are:

1. She has her passions - seeing young people enjoy photography especially for building the kingdom
2. She has provisions - a really good camera and and a heart for sharing.
3. She has a purpose - to see the next generation fulfill their goals for sharing the gospel in many media.

My friend has grown beyond the point of wanting to keep stuff or money for herself. She sees a need, prays and asks the Lord how she should respond, and then joyfully responds. She doesn't care what anyone else is doing or whether the need is large or small. She obeys the command to give out of her thankfulness for what Christ has given her.

As I heard her story, I was inclined to describe the needs of our school and parley that generosity into something good for me, but that would be manipulative. Instead, we celebrated God's goodness to us all and ended there.

Recognizing and celebrating the Lord's blessings is part of the work of the fundraiser.

If we are faithful in the small things...

Students Learn the Joy of Serving Others

Today I had the distinct pleasure of watching our choral and string ensembles offer their musical gifts to bless the lunch crowd at the local Senior Center. This center is not a retirement or nursing home, but a daytime community center for seniors who are still ambulatory and who want some activities and fellowship.

I told our students that they get to be good stewards of their instrumental and singing gifts by using them to bless the senior citizens and wishing them a Merry Christmas. Yes, they said the Christmas word and didn't even have to apologize.

Afterwards, the guests were very complimentary and we invited them to our all-school Christmas concert in one week. Some of them took brochures about the school to see what we were all about.

Stewardship and service are part of the fabric of the school. We want to be seen as a school who is a good steward of what we have been given. Then, we can legitimately invite others to also share what God has given them - all good gifts come from the Father.

As we strive to see others be generous with their blessings, let it begin with me.

The Week of Fundraising - or blessing?

It is the end of another week of being that lone voice in the wilderness calling people to be generous. Are you tired of doing the things of development, like writing letters, organizing events, and worrying about the school's cash flow?

Let me ask, how about the being of development and stewardship? Were you filled enough to pour yourself out for another? How did you do in listening to some one's heart rather than trying to negotiate a gift?

My wife often asks me, "So, who did you bless today?" It is important to ask this because the question focuses me on the right issue, the heart of the donor or friend.

Here are a few that I can share; none of these resulted in an immediate cash gift:

• Had lunch with a friend from another school who is contemplating a capital campaign; I encouraged him to think of merging with another school who may be struggling.
• Met with a donor who has some longer-term ideas about a special program that excites his family. We discussed how we do some things in the near-term that might lead to these ends.
• Had a committee meeting with volunteers where I was able to share my passion that we do everything be first looking for biblical principles.
• Met with a local business leader who we were able to help by finding them a solution to seasonal parking problems.

In all of these we ask the Lord to direct our thoughts to how we can come alongside a person who has a need. The Lord of the Harvest brings all good solutions to pass.

What a joy to be useful in the advancement of the Kingdom, however He ordains it.

Christian Fundraising vs. Secular Fundraising

The book Revolution in Generosity does a nice job of comparing two mindsets about fundraising,; one honors the fundraiser themselves; the other seeks God's blessing on everyone and in every step of the process.

Let's look at how the two approaches differ:

Philosophical underpinning:

Transactional model - Philanthropy-improving Stewardship for the common good

Transformational model - Managers of what God owns

Focus Raising money through:

Transactional model - marketing transactions

Transformational model - Facilitate raising stewards to be rich toward God, which results in generosity

Ethical framework

Transactional model - Minimalist-”is it legal?” or “will it work?”

Transformational model - Commitment to gospel values of truth, integrity and love

Ideal Outcomes

Transactional model - Donor meets organizational needs

Transformational model - Giver becomes conformed to the image of Christ and becomes generous, like Christ

Solicitation

Transactional model - Manipulative business sales, technique intensive, hype the need

Transformational model -Present giving opportunity, prayerfully matching call to ministry

Motivator

Transactional model -Asker’s style, personality

Transformational model - Holy Spirit works to transform heart toward Christlike generosity

Follow-up

Transactional model -Pressure and persuade to meet quota, don’t take “no” for an answer

Transformational model - Encourage prayer to lay up treasures in heaven and experience godly joy

Accountability

Transactional model - To organization, the law

Transformational model -To God, external values

Predictable Outcomes

Transactional model - Success/failure depends on asker. burnout

Transformational model - Success/failure according to God’s calling

Rewards

Transactional model - On earth, temporal

Transformational model - Crowns and responsibility in heaven for eternity

Being Good Stewards of Opportunities

One of the wonderful aspects of being a stewardship officer is the flexibility we have in pursuing opportunities to make new connections because of and through the interests of our constituency.

Here is an example. One of our school families is interested in Christian citizenship. This couple wants to see Christian families take their place in the public square of ideas and to make our voice heard in legislative halls.

I was invited to attend a "summit" this week and took the opportunity because this family cares deeply about being good citizens and being good citizens is totally consistent with our mission, and civics is an area where we train our students.

The event was a wonderful morning of training and encouragement to get informed and to be involved in the political process, something each of us should do.

What are the blessings from this interaction?

1. We are connecting with each other on a deeper level and one that the donor is passionate about
2. I valued this couple by investing time and energy into them
3. The school made new contacts
4. We are in a better position to take on a special and targeted project since we know more about each other

Stewardship is hearing the passions of people's hearts and helping them make connections that will grow and strengthen the Kingdom.

Look for these - your phone is about to ring!

Stewardship and Snow Shoveling

Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to he grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.

If it is encouraging, let him encourage. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Many of us are having a lot of snow these days and I have not been feeling too grateful for the weather; especially since I am doing the removal without the aid of a powerful snow blower.

But, in my last outing to remove the most recent four inches, I was struck with the need to praise God and to be thankful for some gifts I had not thought of.

I am thankful for inventors, especially the ones who created waterproof clothing so I can be outside and not get wet. I was grateful for the shovel design that saves my back (a little!) from bad ergonomic moves. I am grateful for the paving company that made my driveway smooth and easy to push the shovel against.

Now, I remember what we stewardship officers are to be excelling in. We are supposed to be the encouragers that Paul writes about. We are to see the giftedness in others and, in a way that blesses (not puffs up), tell them about how grateful we are.

Then, we are to help our friends leverage the skill for the Kingdom so that the important expansion work is done and that so that others might be inspired to do likewise.

Why, I am almost ready to take another pass at that blizzard!

Give Thanks - Get Blessed

2 Corinthians 9:7-15



Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.



And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."



Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.



This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.



Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.



And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!



One of the best aspects of being a stewardship or development officer is getting to call thank donors for their gifts.



In these conversations I have the opportunity to hear the story behind the gift.



Here is an example. I called and spoke to a school parent who made a gift to our school. They were quick to say that giving is their pleasure and privilege; that they wish it could be more, but they will continue to give as God enables them to do so. They said they would continue to give after their son graduates because they are thankful to God for establishing the school and they want to help the next generation get this kind of training.



This is where the "bi-lateral" aspect of giving comes in; when the donor received blessing from God as they respond with grateful hearts to His provision of faith and other blessings (Christian education in this case).



If we are too busy to acknowledge gifts with personal contacts like phone calls, then we are too busy.



Take some time out of today to make a call or two - you will be glad you did!

Stewardship - The Heart of the Matter

I Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

When you are not "on the clock" what kinds of things do you think about and discuss with others?

Here are a couple of approaches - neither describes anyone exactly, but they represent two tendencies or orientations.

"I'm a fundraiser or administrator all day long. I want to have some downtime with people and not have them see me as one-dimensional."

"Every day that God gives me I will proclaim His glory to anyone and everyone who gives me the opportunity to share the Good News and to encourage others to walk in the way."

As I grow older I realize that my interactions with people will not continue forever. This includes family, friends and strangers.

We stewardship officers have an obligation to be good stewards of our own time, talent and treasure. For many, we may have more time and talent than treasure. So, how will we spend these?

Are we still supposed to witness and encourage others in their "gift deployment" when we are on vacation? Is it presumptuous to believe that relatives and strangers want to discuss what is on our minds?

Here is a question that I have to ask myself to help me make the right decision, "If today was the last day I ever see this person, what do I want them to remember from our recent conversation?"

I think we have a special obligation to be "on call" everyday, ready to give the reason for our hope in Christ and why we do not fear the grave.

That does not necessarily mean that we are advocating for our school at every turn, but it does mean that we care enough for others that we want them to experience the grace of our Lord Jesus.

And, yes, you may be the bearer of that good news!

Go, be blessed, and be a blessing!

Stewardship - A Case Study

Malachi 3:10-12

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty.

My stewardship model / motto is: Helping connect the PASSIONS of God's people with His PROVISIONS for Kingdom PURPOSES. These three P's help me focus and they help me communicate how the Lord is directing me in biblical stewardship.

This past week I had the opportunity to see the process work again:

A donor-friend calls and tells me that his school teacher friend has this wonderful collection of classic resource books for early elementary students. He knows of my work in my new school and gives me their contact information.

I call and make an appointment to have them meet me at the school later in the week. The visit went great, the couple was impressed with our school and decided to bless us with all 1,100 volumes. Our school probably doubled the collection for these grades. The donors were pleased to see their collection received and used. I even received a thank-you note from the donors! This is the "bi-lateral" blessing - when both the giver and receiver are blessed by the gift.

Lessons for the stewardship officer:

1. Good friends (like the one who called me) are precious gems
2. We must keep talking about the value (and beauty) of non-cash gifts
3. Often the best gifts come at times when we least expect them - be on the lookout for them
4. When PASSIONS connect with PROVISION amazing things can happen
5. Remember to follow through - my interactions with these new donors are just beginning; we want to have them come back to read aloud to the students and let them see the other aspects of our education enterprise

The Lord says "test me". With expectation, pray that the Lord makes us available for those unplanned blessings.

"This is too Hard"

Matthew 19:16-22

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Here is the modern-day equivalent for the development officer:

A development officer who had enjoyed some success in raising funds for his school was experiencing some difficulty in an economy where people were holding onto funds more tightly.

He went to the most experienced and faithful stewardship person he knew and asked, "What good technique must I employ to see continued giving to our school?"

"Why do you ask about good techniques? There is only one set of principles which are good."

"What techniques?" the young officer asked. The wise one replied, "Relational development, a good database, gospel-based letters, edifying banquets, and donor-driven auctions".

"All these I have done", the young officer replied. "What do I still lack?"

The wise one declared, "If you want to be perfect, pray for your donors and minister to them even when they cannot give. Spend your days serving and blessing and you will have great treasure in heaven". "Then you will reap a harvest in God's perfect time".

The officer went away sad because he had more foundation applications to write and big donors to chase. And, the annual fund goal was looming large.

Blessing - the "Healthy Alternative to Greed"

Proverbs 11:23-26

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

The Bible reminds us frequently of our need to think of others. Of course, this is modeled perfectly in the life and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus when He (the innocent one) volunteered to leave the glories of heaven to come to earth to fulfill His commission to redeem the lost.

We cannot do what Jesus did, nor are we called to. But, the wisdom literature of the Bible instructs us in a pattern of healthy living that calls us to let go of what is "ours" and commit it to the Kingdom.

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others hemself will be refreshed."

How refreshing! Does the Bible tell us (me) that we are really healthier when we give our time, talent and treasure away to those in need? Yes, indeed!

When we, as "stewardship agents", commit ourselves to blessing others with our gifts we are exercising the same disciplines that we ask our donors to; give out of our blessing in response to what Christ has done for us.

As an aside, when we put others in the center of our view, our own problems and challenges seem to to shrink; that is a good thing, too.

There is no act or thought that we have that does not have a spiritual dimension. Let's ask the Lord to give us that heart for others so that the next interaction we have enriches someone else.

Thinking about Capital Campaigns

As I begin my work in my new school I am forming up my own description of the Tall Oaks Classical School "story". It includes the courage and faithfulness of the pioneers who began the school 15 years ago (a few are still involved!) and the growth from the "networked home school" to a fully-accredited organization poised for growth today.

With that potential for growth, we get to dream about the future and I am in the process of doing with that various stake holders of the school. While each person has a different slant on things, I am hearing three recurring themes that might be helpful to share with other schools in a similar position.

I call it the "Human, program and property" Capital Campaign - not catchy (yet), but hear me out.

Human - parents are so willing to sacrifice to send their children to a premier Christian school, but it does cost a lot to operate one. How about an endowment for Financial Aid? A fund whose annual earning would fund the amount parents need to finish paying tuition?

Program - Is there a Christian school teacher who is paid what they are worth? Of course not. These men and women are called by the Lord to a good work, but they should be able to afford to live without having to supplement their income with unrelated work. How about an endowment for Teacher Enhancement? This fund's earnings could be used for increasing pay, offering bonuses or providing enhanced benefits.

Property - This is the capital campaign we are mostly familiar with, providing for future numerical (and program) growth. How about an endowment for our next home? This fund could provide the seed corn for the expansion or re-location to a new physical plant.

However we think and plan, let us share these big ideas in an atmosphere of expectation that the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills delights in giving good gifts to His loved ones!

Pastors promoting the Christian school

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Many of us who promote Christian schooling see the local church and her pastors as critical links to the parent community we are trying to reach. To forge links we have pastors' breakfasts, give them discounts for their own children to attend, and we pepper them with brochures and emails reminding them that we are out here doing Kingdom work alongside them.

I have done this "reaching out" and asked churches to put our school in their missions budget since the local school is an evangelistic effort. My experience with local churches breaks down like this:

- 10% serious about and in favor of Christian school - will educate their own children this way- the church may actually have its own school
- 10% generally in favor and will allow us to speak to a gathering and/or put out literature
- 60% favor public school (the salt and light argument) and because of the breadth of program
- 20% don't have strong feelings either way

Because of these "statistics" we cannot come barging in and expect pastors to be thrilled to see us. They will generally say, "I know all about your school". I always wonder what that means.

God is so good to provide so many wonderful case studies to learn from, and an opportunity to give an answer for my enthusiasm for Christian education.

So, today, I was visiting a headmaster of a church-sponsored school and had the opportunity to meet the pastor. The reason for the visit was to get to know each other and to see how I (we) could assist a sister school in their work.

The pastor was a little taken aback and asked me why would I want to do this and what could I offer to them. Thankfully, I have been asked this many times and I shared ideas in marketing, development, and strengthening the school culture. Like most of us, offering to serve or help is a pretty foreign concept; there must be an angle for me.

We have so much in common with our neighboring schools that it behooves us to find connections (like cooperative marketing on the radio or a Christian school fair). Like the body of Christ that we represent, each of has a something to contribute to the whole and there is always something we can learn.

Always be prepared to give an answer for why we believe in our mission and how the children, our churches, and our communities will be blessed if we produce strong soldiers of the Cross.

The Process of Discipleship in Raising Funds

1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

In the world of Christian fundraising, which often follows a secular model, those seeking resources tend toward one of two extremes: the relational fundraiser or the transactional fundraiser.

While the relational fundraiser are primarily concerned with being friends or "buddies" with the donor, transactional fundraisers focus solely on the "gifts" and moving on to their next "prospect".

Both extremes have their downsides: one avoids the financial issues entirely; the other misses the relational connection. How about a new perspective: financial discipleship.

If askers will take the discipleship of givers seriously, they will intentionally build relationships to address specific, spiritually significant financial issues in givers' lives.

Specializing in financial discipleship allows us to focus on one area, eliminating the burden some of us feel to be the "everything" pastor. Plus, stewardship of financial resources is plenty to concentrate on - we never master it anyway.

In this passage Paul presents two prohibitions and four exhortations:

Prohibitions:

1. Do not be arrogant
2. Do not put your hope in wealth

Exhortations:

1. Believers should put their hope in God
2. Do good
3. Be rich in good deeds
4. Be generous and willing to share

All of this is designed to help the giver to be "blessed to be a blessing". In this way the giver realizes that they have more than they need and are in position to benefit others.

If we approach or work this way, we will be rendering valuable service both to the school and to the giver.

Trusting and expecting

Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

In our work we have to trust. This is more than the declaration that God is in control in the overarching sense. Of course, that is true, but we cannot stop there.

Trust is also very personal, especially in the development and stewardship world. Are we really willing to trust the Holy Spirit to go before us and prepare the hearts of the people we speak with? If so, we can confidently and boldly describe our mission, hear the heart of the donor and know with assurance that God's Will will be done.

At the end of the fiscal year, we may come up "short" in terms of our monetary goal (especially by the end of June), but our Lord is not bound by our schedule or financial targets. Think back on the real fruit of your efforts, those "saints" who were encouraged that the school exists and who appreciate the education you provide. Pray that the Lord would prosper and move in their hearts so they can act on the desire to invest in this Kingdom work.

That, I think, is trusting and expecting.

By the way, if you have gotten this far, I can report that the Lord has "re-located" me to a new Christian school, Tall Oaks Classical School in Newark, DE. My title will be Director of Stewardship and my role will be to:

Connect the PASSIONS of God's people with the PROVISIONS He has supplied to accomplish Kingdom PURPOSES.

Be a blessing!

The Testimony of Generosity

The Living Stone and a Chosen People
1 Peter 2:4-12

As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

I have heard recently that a foundation that supports public schools exceeded their fundraising goal. They also had a really good time, lots of teamwork, and genuine appreciation for each others' gifts and talents.

When I see these qualities in non-Christian settings I am struck by their hopefulness, confidence, and joy in the mission. And, their hope is not in the Cross and the promise of eternal life - what gives?

In contrast, many schools seem so defeated and dour in their outlook as though "the world is winning".

What would happen if we lived our faith in victory and in "Cross confidence"?

What if schools were known for the amazing support that poured into them because donors believed (and knew) that wonderful Kingdom work was happening here?

Maybe we could stop looking at "those guys over there" and be blessed with the Christian generosity the Lord is sending our way.

What if non-Christian organizations were looking at how we were doing things so that they would be interested enough to ask about our school?

What if that became an opportunity to share the Gospel? "....they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

How do we measure development success?

The Greatest Commandment - Matthew 12:28-34

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Spring is the time for fund-raising events. My school has its major event this week.

Even before the event transpires, there is peace and joy about the outcomes. Why?

All the "hard work" in developing the relationships has already occurred; the event is the "dessert" that punctuates the relationship with the school. Yes, we fret over the logistics and the presentations, but the fruit is the growing connection with the school as we share the story of our mission and let the Holy Spirit make the connections.

But, what about the money? Isn't this a fund-raiser? Oh, yes, and the Lord has already brought in $9,000 in corporate contributions more than the cost. So, any gifts received will be designated for scholarship for needy families.

A friend reminded me recently that real stewardship cannot happen without love. That love is expressed by the giver because he or she has experienced the truest love from the Father through the Son.

We measure development success by dollars raised or pledged and, sadly, stop there. What if we could see the hearts of the new friends that we made or the old friends who were so blessed through the event? How would these count toward "the goal"?

I'm not sure, either, but we cannot ignore these dividends in light of the commandment "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

When you think of your most significant relationships or interactions, what comes to mind? Hopefully, you are thinking of someone who came alongside and loved you and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Did they spur you to see your life as a gift from God that is to be used for His glory? Did they encourage you to live victoriously and confidently?

Can the "wealth of friends" be a contribution to our schools? Yes, and giving will follow those passions that the Lord ignited.

Ann - a blessing in disguise

Proverbs 3:28

Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.

Luke 10:27

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "


I wrote earlier about the "spiritual" experience of sitting through a timeshare sale presentation. If we had not gone through this we would have missed the ministry opportunity we had with the "front person" who scheduled the visit in the first place.

God works in wonderful and mysterious ways; sometimes I am too busy looking in the wrong place to see Him work.

Meet Ann, the "concierge" at the resort we visited in South Carolina.

She scheduled our timeshare sales presentation; that should have been our last interaction.

However, she invited us to come back and let her schedule and reserve the seats for the entertainment that we earned for sitting for 2 hours. She was so helpful that we asked for advice for places to dine; she gave us great seats at the show and great advice on dining, too.

Something else was calling us into a deeper relationship with Ann. While we talked with her more, we found out that she had 2 previous marriages and no husband now for a medically-distressed four-year-old daughter, who weighs only 14 pounds - I thought I had problems!

Ann works all day and stays up all night with her daughter who can't sleep except for short naps; this goes on for 4 days each week. I get tired just thinking about it.

With all of the kindness Ann showed us, my wife and I bought a little gift for her daughter and presented it to her the next day. You might have thought the gift was a new home by her reaction; she was crying tears of joy before she opened the stuffed animal and a Max Lucado book for children. She gave us an Easter card the next day; more tears and hugs - you get the picture.

If you have gone this far, you may ask, 'what has this got to with development?'

All of life, if seen through the Savior's eyes, is a spiritual experience. There is a life lesson in almost all we do, especially when we go "life on life".

Ann is another person created in God's image with purpose, capacity, passion and a legacy. If we can open the heart doors through acts of genuine Christian love, there are marvelous opportunities to minister Christ and usher folks into new and exciting places; places where they can impact lives for eternity.

Isn't that worth the time with a stranger?

God's plans and our plans

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This week something sad or disappointing (in our eyes) happened and this week something wonderful (in our eyes) happened as well.

How do we know what is truly good or bad? Do we even need to know? If we knew such things, what would we do with such knowledge?

In God's economy there is no wasted or lost effort. Because we serve at His pleasure, it is His perspective that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. Nothing that happens is lost or is unuseful in the hands of the Designer and Sustainer of the universe.

All of it comes (as I said in a previous post) from the hand of a loving God who has marvelous plans for us. And, yes, plans to prosper us even when we cannot see how at the time. That is why we walk by faith and not by the very limited sight of our eyes and finite understanding.

Think about one wonderful school interaction; maybe you were blessed to receive a large gift from a donor. This was from the Lord and you were blessed to be the "catcher" of this material blessing for the school. I had that joy this week.

Think about a "sub-optimal" occurrence. Someone doesn't call back or a gift doesn't come through. Think on this and ponder what the Father is calling us to do, praise Him at all times and in all circumstances.

By the way, I was told this week that my position at the school has been eliminated and I am now out of a job. I am sad and puzzled, yet expectant about what our Lord is up to.

I worked for King last week; I will work for the King next week, too.

Be blessed and be a blessing!