There are moments in our faith journey when giving stops being an obligation and becomes an act of worship. In the following article, one of our cherished donor families opens their hearts to share a deeply personal testimony. What you are about to read is more than a reflection on financial support; it is a story of surrender, of obedience, of trust and of generosity. It is about recognizing that everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and that when we release what is in our hands, He multiplies what is in His.
As you read, may you be encouraged, challenged and inspired to see financial generosity not simply as support for a ministry, but as an act of faith and a part of our calling that advances the Kingdom and honors the One who has given us everything. May this story stir within you the same conviction and joy—to give freely, faithfully and wholeheartedly unto the Lord.
—Marcus Jacob, Development Director
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Paul said it well: God loves a cheerful giver! Cheerful giving comes from the heart. The Creator of the universe is a cheerful giver—Jesus gave us the greatest gift possible, Himself—and everything we have is a gift from Him. With about 2,300 verses in the Bible that refer to giving, it is one of the most-mentioned practical topics in Scripture. Giving is paramount to our Heavenly Father and integral for each of us.
We regularly surrender to God’s will and listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice to lead and guide us along this charitable journey. God knows circumstances, and when we ask Him to show us where there is need, amazingly, He sends us opportunities to give.
Once, we received a large, unexpected discount on a purchase. We had budgeted and saved for the item. Happy about the savings, we thanked God, but the Holy Spirit then brought to our minds an AFM missionary family we had just met. With joy, we knew we needed to share our savings with the missionaries.
We easily found them on the AFM website and read their story. Then we saw their project’s monthly financial goal. To our surprise, they can live off very little. Knowing their needs made our giving easy. We also discovered many more missionaries who needed financial help.
All good things come from God. That means we do not truly own anything we possess. Our money, talents and resources are opportunities to give back to God and others. Paul says that God blesses us, not so that we might have comfortable lives, but so that we might be selfless. The next time you pray for God to bless you, think about how you are helping others. Then watch as God honors your joyful generosity.
— James and Becky Mularczyk, AFM donors
