GivingPromise
MEMORIAL GIFTS
The Maiden Lane Church of God in Springfield, Ohio, recently made a decision that blesses the ministry of Children of Promise. Pastor Mark A. Martin sent us this note:
“Our congregation has historically sent floral gifts as an expression of sympathy to grieving families, and over the course of a year this adds up to a tidy sum. Recently our leadership asked a simple question: Is this the most God-honoring way we as a congregation can express the care of Christ to a hurting family? The answer we came back with was, “No.”
On January 1, 2011 we made a change and now we honor the memory of the deceased person with a gift in their name to “Children of Promise.” Their family receives an attractive card we’ve designed informing them of this gift. The gift we give is equal to what we would have spent on the flowers.
Instead of an expenditure on a rapidly depreciable item (flowers), we are now making an investment into the life of a child created in the image of God. It wasn’t hard for us to figure out which one of these options brings a smile to the face of Jesus. And by the way, our congregation embraced the change wholeheartedly.”
Could your church consider this memorial gift approach as a practical and compassionate means of supporting Children of Promise? We are so thankful that Maiden Lane has shown us how creative thinking can expand our redemptive reach to even more children.
Dr. Charles G. Wanner
Development Director
