2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV)
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
Wesley and Lois Garsee first contacted The Stewardship Group in 2012 soon after the United Pentecostal Church Loan Fund was established. As the years went by, they moved more of their outside investments to Church Loan Fund certificates because the rate of return was more than they were receiving at their local bank.
In 2016 they contacted us to talk about how they could leave a forever gift to Global Missions. After reviewing the options of leaving a gift through a bequest or through an endowment, they chose the endowment route. They established the “Wesley and Lois Garsee Endowment” in the United Pentecostal Foundation as a way to give annually to Global Missions. This choice was a way that their life would live on and continue to give until the Lord returns.
The way an endowment works is simple. A contract is signed and funds are added. The funds are then invested and managed by the United Pentecostal Foundation. Once a year, a set percentage is gifted to the ministry or charity of your choice. In this case, the Garsee’s chose Global Missions.
The clear intentions of Wesley and Lois Garsee was that they would leave a legacy for the Kingdom through this endowment for ministry. They established beneficiary agreements on their remaining investment certificates to their children. At their passing, these assets were passed on without going through probate. That is the power of estate planning and planned giving.
While visiting with the Garsee’s children after their parents passing, they made comments that reinforced the promises of the Word of God in II Corinthians 9:6-11. They shared that their mother was a stay at home wife, their father never had a high paying job and retired at sixty. They were always faithful in following the scriptures, in paying their tithes and in giving generously. Because of their faithfulness, their parents were not only blessed while living, but they left a legacy for the Kingdom of God and for their children.
Stewardship that honors God is voluntary, not compulsory; generous, not tightfisted; joyful, not begrudging; purposeful, not arbitrary; and it is within your means. As you follow the scriptures you will discover that the church in Jerusalem in Acts 11 was in a severe famine. Yet the Macedonians, who themselves were in “extreme poverty” according to II Corinthians 8:1-5, took up an offering and generously gave to the believers in Jerusalem. God blessed the church in Corinth materially so they could share with those in need.
Wesley and Lois managed their money biblically, provided for their family (fulfilling II Timothy 5:8) and were grateful givers. When God blessed them for all of these things, they left a perpetual blessing to Global Missions and a blessing to their family.
If you are interested in leaving a forever legacy gift to your local church, district or your favorite ministry, why not establish an endowment in the United Pentecostal Foundation? You too can give a gift or gifts that will continue to bless others until the Lord returns.
Steve Drury
Stephen Drury is the founding President of United Pentecostal Foundation and United Pentecostal Church Loan Fund. He is retired from directing The Stewardship Group serves in a consulting role. He is also co-founder of LifeSprings.