Asking the Next Question

In our work to both bless others and enlarge the network of friends we must be somewhat inquisitive in asking questions. My general framework is the "3 P's of the Stewardship Conversation".

1. What has God given you a Passion for? What Kingdom work excites and fulfills you?
2. What gifts (Provisions) of time, talent and treasure has God given you that you can make available for Kingdom work?
3. To what destination (or Purpose) could the combination of your passions and provisions be applied? In other words, what ministry task or work would be a good intersection of the first two?

One month ago, I volunteered to host a meeting of the local green ways leaders. They are managing farmland adjacent to the school so we want to be in on the plans for Community Sustainable Agriculture (the co-op idea).

In the meeting I met Mike who asked me questions about the school and we got to talking about his interests. In addition to agriculture, he is also a Gideon. After a little more conversation we put together a plan for him to come and present Bibles to our fifth graders and to share the mission of the Gideons. It was a wonderful convergence of Mike's Passions and Provisions.

When the presentation was made, two other men joined for the presentation. One of the two told me that his son graduated from the school where our school is now located. Further, that son now has a newborn son who the grandfather wants to introduce to the school!

While we cannot predict how and where these situations go, we can be confident that our Father has gone before us and is bringing wonderful resources and solutions to bear. We just need to be available and trusting the Lord to lead in the direction He wants.

Asking Donors to Fund a Special Project

Two weeks ago I shared the story of the student whose family needed even more financial aid than the school could grant. I presented the situation to several people who had indicated an interest in helping in this way. I called each and got permission to present this "case".

Praise the Lord. The need was met by two and a half times! In other words, these friends of the school gave $5,000 against a need of $2,000. Generous is the way I would describe these four friends of the school. Also, they were very pleased to be asked and to help.

It happened again this week. Our debate team wanted to go to a tournament that requires a long drive and an overnight stay. We presented the $700 need to an attorney friend who appreciates this aspect of classical education and he responded immediately with a "yes".

These two stories illustrate the beauty of matching a donor's passions and provisions (money in this case) with a Kingdom purpose (training students in their rhetorical skills and providing Christian education).

The donors were not new to the school. They were all already on board with the mission. Again, they were pleased to be presented with a giving opportunity that touched their heart.