Benefactor Blessings
This blog was written by Wanda Fielder, founder and editor of the web site, Tealightful Inspirations, currently serves as Connections Director for the UPCI Ladies Ministries. She is married to James Fielder, and they have retired from a 40-year pastorate in Portage, IN. She is the happy mother of two sons, Brent and Bryan, daughters-in-law, Angie and Jaime and Nana to Maddi, Lincoln and Arabella.
As dreamers of procuring a better financial position in life, it is not uncommon to hear comments about waiting for a ‘rich uncle’ to carry one to a new economic level. Urban Dictionary describes a ‘rich uncle’ as the brother of your mother or father who has a lot of money but no children. For those lacking ambition in the work field these dreams may contribute to their lack of incentive and lazy approach for survival. Pecuniary difficulties in various nations have given rise to the belief that the United States is the rich uncle to provide resources during times of fiscal crisis, which has been the case in some situations.
When I married into the Fielder family, I heard about my husband’s great aunt of whom we had never met. She lived far away in New York and had never had children. Whether the idea of her wealth was legitimate or not, I cannot confirm. Nevertheless, the day came when news was acknowledged that she had passed away, and we soon received a letter in the mail from a law firm in New York. Prior to opening the envelope, a myriad of thoughts filled our minds. Were we named as one of the heirs? Are we about to become rich? Is there a lot of money awaiting dispersal? Being transparent I must admit that monetary visions were developing rapidly, and we unsealed the envelope with great anticipation. We quickly perused the letter in the hopes of exciting news. Suddenly our eyes focused on the lines that stated something like this: “The estate in its entirety was left to (another relative). You may contest this if so desired.” The Rich Uncle (Aunt) Syndrome had struck again leaving two disappointed victims in its wake.
Just recently I received an email stating that I was the lucky winner of over two million dollars from a lottery in Europe. Of course, I recognized it for the common scam it was but couldn’t help but wonder how many people received that same email and unfortunately assumed their rich uncle finally came through.
Instead of searching for the pathway to wealth, it is more important for us to seek God’s direction in our giving. He taught us the ultimate example of giving as stated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He GAVE . . .” We exhibit the heart and character of God through our benevolence. The more that God blesses us, the more He expects us to bless others. Luke 12:48 reminds us, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
The majority of us do not have a rich uncle in our lives; however, substantial improvements to those living in impoverished areas of the world or to missionaries living sacrificially to further the gospel have been made through the generosity of our constituency. This is an area that Sages can be a special blessing - through our giving.
The UPCI offers various areas in which our giving can make a difference. Consider the needs in just a few of these ministries: Sages Ministry, Mothers Memorial, Global Missions.
Mothers Memorial supports each of the following ministries: Church Advancement, Office of Education and Endorsement, Global Missions, Lighthouse Ranch for Boys, Music Ministry, My Hope Radio, New Beginnings, North American Missions, Tupelo Children’s Mansion, Urshan Graduate School of Theology and World Network of Prayer.
Highlighting Global Missions, consider the excitement of young nationals receiving foreign Bible school support allowing them to further their education to become better equipped for ministry in the kingdom of God. Or what about the missionary wives who are blessed with new appliances? We take so many of these items for granted not realizing what a luxury it might be to others. Don’t forget about the missionary children who have left friends and home to live in an unfamiliar foreign nation. Their elation at receiving a birthday or Christmas check is worth any sacrificial giving on our part. Let’s make dreams come true for these dedicated servants of the Lord!
Ponder the value of Tupelo Children’s Mansion in providing housing and support for children from dysfunctional homes and allowing them the opportunity to grow spiritually as well as emotionally. Having served on the TCM board for six years, I was privileged to see first-hand the tremendous benefits from generous benefactors. As a Sager, you may even have the time and ability to be a volunteer at the mansion serving in various areas of need.
Remarkable impact has been made at home and abroad through liberal giving. We can place credit on our heavenly accounts by opening our wallets with a generous heart. II Corinthians 9:6, 7 informs us, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” With combined efforts we can make a significant difference for the kingdom of God where both the benefactor and the beneficiary are blessed.