Like any portfolio of investments, you need to keep an eye on it and see that it’s producing return for your money. If something in the portfolio is not, then you move your money into something that is creating a profit. So it is with our Christian investments in ministries; they need to be making a profit for the kingdom…making a difference, saving souls, and doing the work of the Lord. It is up to us to be wise stewards with our blessings.
In our retirement we are actively checking up on all those groups and individuals that captured our heart at one time in the past. We write them those checks either monthly or as their needs arise. Now that we have the time we can give them our full attention and effort and to see first- hand how our money has been and continues to be used. We pitch in, take on projects, get our hands dirty and try to spend at least 4 weeks with them. Debbie and I try to tackle the work they need catching up on, and we try to stay sensitive to their needs without injecting our egos. There is no work we’re too proud to do. Let me tell you, it has been eye-opening and humbling and an awesome way to be more tuned into a ministry. We've made new friends, seen lives changed, and become more involved. And Praise the Lord, our portfolio is strong and making a difference for the Kingdom!
In our retirement we are actively checking up on all those groups and individuals that captured our heart at one time in the past. We write them those checks either monthly or as their needs arise. Now that we have the time we can give them our full attention and effort and to see first- hand how our money has been and continues to be used. We pitch in, take on projects, get our hands dirty and try to spend at least 4 weeks with them. Debbie and I try to tackle the work they need catching up on, and we try to stay sensitive to their needs without injecting our egos. There is no work we’re too proud to do. Let me tell you, it has been eye-opening and humbling and an awesome way to be more tuned into a ministry. We've made new friends, seen lives changed, and become more involved. And Praise the Lord, our portfolio is strong and making a difference for the Kingdom!
One of those organizations is Focus on the Family. Many of us raised our families based on videos and books of the 1970s by Dr. James Dobson talking about the importance of the family. This was the first organization we sent our small amount money to outside of our church giving. Two years ago we decided to spend some time with them in Colorado Springs. Dr. Dobson has stepped down and James Daly is now heading up the organization of 900+ employees. It’s purpose is to support the Biblical view of Marriage, the Importance of Family, and the Sanctity of Life. Who would ever have thought that these would be radically politically incorrect principles in our current world? Focus is a wealth of support for the Christian community in a world that is losing sight of basic Biblical values. We were delighted to see how Focus is keeping current with the tech-savvy world with blogs, pod-casts and e-communications. Their counselors are there 24/7 all around the world! They have many amazing on-going projects such as seeking to get ultra sound machines in all women’s clinics. This act alone has saved over 125,000 lives through mothers seeing their babies and choosing not to abort. Another is adoption and foster care. Because Mr. Daly was abandoned as a young child and spent much of his youth in foster care, his heart-felt mission is to see all children have a family to call their own. Through their publications, broadcasts, seminars, counseling, and much more, they are totally invested in being there as a beacon in a darkening world. |