APRIL - JUNE 2019 VOL. 22. NO. 2 www.adventiststewardship.

com

BE A

ENJOY
THE
ABUNDANT
LIFE

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 1

INSIDE DYNAMIC STEWARD
3 H
 APPY STEWARDS 12 ON THE FRONTLINE OF MISSION
A merry heart is for those who count their blessings. Good news: the line is moving!

RECKLESSLY SPENDING OR
4  14 
MORE THAN GOLD
CAREFULLY INVESTING YOUR LIFE? The one thing that changes everything
Back to Eden, moving forward stronger!
16 
NURTURE AND HEART RETENTION
OUR POCKETS ARE NOT EMPTY
6  A reliable predictor helps to prevent dropout.
Emptiness is a wrong perception of reality.
19 
PLANNED GIFT REBUILDS TEMPLE
A STEWARD’S GUIDE TO
8  Unexpected sources of resources
ABUNDANT LIFE
“Trust and obey” forms the platform of an effective life. 20 
DOING WHAT IS RIGHT
Overcoming financial stress by counting the cents
10 NEWS
22 
THE JOURNEY

4
8 16
Par tner s in the Final Mission,

S ome of us are impatient to spring out of a long winter,

and others are looking forward to the cooling season.
important for life pursuers. “The Journey,” our children’s
story, is in line with our theme.
This issue of Dynamic Steward concentrates on the theme Take time also to read the ar ticle “Nur ture and Hear t
“Abundant Life”; a daily aspiration of the human heart. How Retention,” per tinent for a Church that wants to do
do we turn the slogan into reality? better in keeping those entrusted to her care. Warmer
Abundant life was a divine initiative at Creation that weather and holiday seasons will push us toward malls
continues through redemption (John 10:10). In Him, all have and other attractions, but “Doing What Is Right” provides
access to the eternal gift. It is not reasonable to believe that guidelines for smar t management of personal resources.
abundant life could be the product of distorted humanity. As a leader or a governing body, if you are currently
The first representatives of the human race had the reflecting on how to boost quality par tnership, you may
responsibility to “take care of ” and preserve an abundant find a critical clue from the pen of Don McFarlane in his
life. But they failed. In Christ, a new opportunity exists to ar ticle “More Than Gold.”
reconnect to the original design (1 Peter 1:18, 19). Be a Enjoy every piece of your magazine, and your feedback is
steward … enjoy abundant life! The contributors to this issue most welcomed.
of the magazine explore various facets of life management, Aniel Barbe, Editor

2 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
 S O LI D GRO UND

HAPPY STEWARDS
A m er r y h ea r t i s for thos e w ho count th e ir ble ssin gs .

NGOY KYALA How Does One Rejoice as a Steward?

S
It is by cultivating a spirit of thankfulness. David asks the
following question in Psalm 8:4: “What is mankind?” Without
tudies have well established that the consumption of despising his nature, he acknowledges that he has no merit in
antidepressants is much higher in so-called developed the sight of God. Everything he receives is a gift from God. He
countries compared to regions that are less developed. has brought nothing to the world at birth, and still God has
It appears that wealth does not have a direct effect on filled him with His mercies. Hence, he has a grateful heart. This
happiness. Another troubling reality is that a majority of is followed by a deep and positive feeling that contributes to
people in these countries define themselves as Christians. happiness. It is the same contentment mentioned by the apostle
Many believers are enjoying and managing God’s blessings, Paul: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
but this does not prevent them from feeling depressed. So, situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
how can we be happy stewards of God’s blessings. want” (Phil. 4:11-12). Gratitude is key to happiness, whatever
the amount of possessions entrusted to someone.
Who Is a Steward? Unfortunately, we live in a world where the value of a
The Bible is clear that God is the owner of everything person is often measured by their material wealth, such as
(1 Chron. 29:11). The believer, in contrast to the atheist, how many cars, properties, pairs of shoes, and employees
knows that everything belongs to and comes from God. they might have. All these things make us appear important to
Hence, the life of every human being is God’s proper ty. others. It is also common to think that we are blessed when
God, in His grace, has delegated the management of His God has given us a lot of “stuff.” The truth, however, is that
creation to humans (Gen. 2:15). The expression “take care of possessions alone cannot make anyone happy.
it” informs about the special relationship that exists between
humans and the God of creation: humans are stewards How Do We Enjoy Abundance and Live Happily?
on behalf of God. The Creator entrusted to humans His The aspiration of the rich young ruler was to be perfect.
patrimony, and this implies accountability. Jesus suggested to him an original strategy: “ ‘If you want to
be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and
Which Divine Patrimony Is Humankind Managing? you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me’ ” (Matt.
David is thankful, and he bursts into praises of gratitude 19:21). The young ruler had to free himself from his wealth
for the numerous and multifaceted legacy that he has in order to live an abundant life with Jesus. This is opposite
received from God (Ps. 40:5). He insists that God’s gifts to what we usually do. Jesus requested that the rich young
are too many to be counted. In this biblical passage, David ruler offload what was heavy—his materialism—and to trust
refers mainly to the material possessions that God gave and follow Him. He will take care of everything else. Jesus
him. Looking back, David sees himself as the little shepherd wants to provide freedom from the tyranny of materialism.
boy, without consideration from his own family. But God The Owner of all, the One who makes us His stewards,
had chosen him to be king. Through victory after victory, invites us to distance ourselves from “things” in order to
David extended his kingdom, and he now enjoys an enjoy abundance and the joy of trusting in Him.
abundance of wealth. From all our acquired wealth, God asks us to trust Him by
What are the undeserved gifts received from God? Time returning a tithe in response to His goodness. From our time, God
is foremost: 365 days in a year, 52 weeks per year, 7 days in a requests a seventh so we will have a revitalizing rest in a depressed
week, 24 hours in a day—totaling 8,760 hours per year. This world. From the gift of nature, He invites us to marvel in gratitude
allotted time is tax free, and there is no prosecution for bad and to lift our hearts in praise. This will make us happy stewards
usage. Nevertheless, to educate His creatures in gratitude, as our hearts will be filled with the abundance of Jesus.
God gave us 24 hours per week for rest. Marvelous grace!
Then comes nature and the environment, which fill us Ngoy Kyala is from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He studied in Rwanda, France and Switzerland, and served
with joy. Here, too, the psalmist is right to declare: “What in various pastoral assignments in his home country and
is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that Europe. He is currently a church pastor and Stewardship
you care for them?” (Ps. 8:4; see also vss. 5-8). We often Ministries director at the Québec Conference, Canada..
admire a beautiful sunset, listen to the melodious singing of
* All

texts are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version.
birds, and contemplate the colorful display of the peacock Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission.
at no cost. All rights reserved worldwide.

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 3

 S O LI D GRO UND

RECKLESSLY SPENDING
OR CAREFULLY INVESTING
YOUR LIFE? B a ck to Ede n , movin g fo rward stro n ge r!

TORBEN BERGLAND, M.D.

T hough one day we will die—unless

Jesus returns first—all the other
days are opportunities to truly live. We may
die once, but every other day is a day to live.
So, how then do we live? What constitutes
a life carefully invested, as opposed to a life
recklessly spent?
In money matters we frown upon
reckless spenders. Many have ruined their
own lives and those dependent on them
through reckless spending. Short-term
pleasures from reckless spending weigh
little against long-term suffering. The
outcomes of reckless spending are a heavy
and crushing burden. Careful investment
for the benefit of oneself and others is far

Credit: Getty Images

better. Everybody knows this. Still, people
continue to be reckless spenders until
they have nothing left to spend.
But how do we fare in matters more
important than our money? Are we Careful and faithful investment in life will always be in the
recklessly spending our lives, or are we carefully investing Lord and through the Lord. Making Him the center of life and
day by day? Do we recklessly spend our lives until we have abiding in His principles for life is the most assured investment
nothing left to spend? Do we lose out on life and lose life we can make in order to “have life, and have it abundantly”
prematurely because we did not get our priorities right? (John 10:10, NASB).
Unfortunately, the most frugal in money matters may still be His fundamental principles for life may be traced back to
reckless spenders of life with outcomes more devastating than the origin of humankind. In Eden, which name is linked to the
ruined finances. A ruined life, now or in the future, is a high Hebrew words for “delight” and “pleasure,” God intended for
price to pay for failing to invest appropriately in life. life to be good. God created life and the world to be abundantly
So, how then do we live as careful investors in life? Where beautiful, delightful, and pleasurable. From the Genesis account
may we faithfully invest in order to reap the greater gains for of the origin of humankind, we may explicate broad, yet
ourselves and others? fundamental, principles for life.
When the people of Israel were at the border of the
Promised Land, Moses gave one of his last appeals to them: Receiving
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and Life for humankind was a gift. After having received the
destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your breath of life from the mouth of God, Adam and Eve were
God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, given each other and the world. Then evening fell, and
decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord Sabbath began. Adam and Eve were given everything—life,
your God will bless you. . . . Now choose life, so that you and each other, the world, and then rest. Life is receiving what
your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God gives, and there is nothing to desire beyond what He
God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is Has given.
your life” (Deut. 30:15, 16, 19, 20, NIV). Unfortunately, since then humankind has striven to take what

4 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
they were not given and have trusted in themselves rather than creation, they were “to tend and keep it” (Gen. 2:15,
relying on God. Adam and Eve were given everything, except NKJV). Through this activity they themselves would be
the fruit of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen. blessed and stay healthy.
2:16, NIV). But Eve desired and ate exactly that, Adam shared in Unfortunately, since then humans have exploited and
it, and evil and death ensued. Whenever man craves and claims abused the creation rather than cared for it. Rather than
something God has not given, evil and death are the outcome. being the guardians of creation, they have become its
Only what God has given is good.Therefore, our first principle greatest adversary. Through the estrangement from creation,
of living abundantly is to appreciate, to be content with, and from tending and keeping it, humankind itself is suffering.
to be grateful for what God has given. Physical inactivity is a leading cause of lifestyle illnesses, and
lack of purpose and meaning in work is prevalent. This is
Resting not what God intended for the ones created in His image.
Life for humankind began with rest. After having received Therefore, our fourth principle of living abundantly is activity
so abundantly, evening fell, and Sabbath began. The Sabbath in harmony with what we were created for.
was the last day of God’s Creation week, but the first full day
of man’s life. Though he had not done much and was not tired, Nourishment
he was invited to rest in what God had done. Nothing can be As God gave Eden for men and women to live in, He
added to what God has done. What He has done is sufficient also provided what they needed to live abundant lives.
and good. Following Creation men and women were to live off the
Unfortunately, since then humankind has violated the fruits of the trees in the Garden (Gen. 2:16). After the Fall,
principle of restful living in body and spirit. Humans need they would also eat food from the ground and plants of
spiritual rest, the weekly rest, and the nightly rest. If these the field (Gen. 3:17, 18). Then, after the Flood, people were
needs are not honored, they will recklessly spend their lives. allowed to eat animals (Gen. 9:3). Despite the permission
God gave us the Sabbath and the night. In the circadian to eat a variety of foods,
rhythm of Eden, the night precedes the day. Rest precedes however, we know that
work, both in the spiritual realm and the physical realm. Careful and faithful a balanced, whole-foods,
Therefore, the second principle of living abundantly is to plant-based diet with
invest in restful living in the spirit and in the body. investment in life the supplementation of
essential nutrients such
Connectedness will always be in the as vitamin B12 is the most
In the Creation story, God affirmed again and again healthful diet whenever
that everything He created was good. Still, even before sin Lord and through and wherever it is available.
entered, He pointed out one thing that was not good: “It is What God made and
not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper the Lord. intended for our use
comparable to him” (Gen. 2:18, NKJV). Adam entered life cannot be improved upon.
in the delightful Garden of Eden and fellowshipped face to Unfortunately, humankind has desired to eat what was not
face with the Creator God. Still, it was not enough. It was not allowed or intended. Instead of whole foods, we’ve created
perfect; it was not sufficient; it was not good enough. God lay refined foods. Instead of plant foods, people often prefer
down in the heart of man a desire for something more—the animal foods. As a consequence, we suffer, animals suffer,
desire for companionship with someone who was his equal. and nature suffers. When we go contrary to what we were
Unfortunately, since then humankind has tended to created for, what the animals were created for, and what
become either overly materialistic or overly religious to the nature was created for, then creation is subjected to pain and
neglect of their fellow humans. Underlying both is selfishness. death. Though creation has degenerated after millennia of sin
As men and women cannot live fulfilled lives without the and foods are not what they were in the Garden of Eden, we
intimate loving relationship with the Creator above them nor may still strive to nourish ourselves primarily on the foods
the creation below them, neither can they live fulfilled lives God created us for. Therefore, our fifth principle of living
without the intimate loving relationship with the creature abundantly is to nourish ourselves on real foods, not artificial
beside them. We are created for fellowship with others man-made substitutes of what God provides through nature.
of our kind—in marriage, family, friendships, and the larger When we allow God to be the center of our lives and
communities. Therefore, our third principle of living abundantly receive what He has abundantly provided, then we may enjoy
is the harmonious connection with the Creator above us, the the richness and blessings of a carefully and faithfully invested
creatures beside us, and the creation below us. life, and not recklessly spend what has not been given to us. 8

Activity Dr. Torben Bergland is one of the associate directors of the

At Creation, humans were appointed to be reflections Health Ministries Department of the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists, the global headquarter of the Seventh-
of God as they ruled over the creation in the image day Adventist Church.
of the Creator. Though they could never add to God’s

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 5

 S O LI D GRO UND

OUR POCKETS ARE NOT EMPTY

E m p t i n ess i s a w rong percepti on of r e ality.

ANIEL B ARBE While facing life challenges people begin comparing their

I
own strength to the strength of others. Gideon is a typical
example: “ ‘Pardon me, my lord,’ ” Gideon replied, “ ‘but how
have come that they may have life, and have it to can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am
the full” (John 10:10, NIV). This promise of Jesus the least in my family’ ” (Judges 6:15). The comparison game is
embraces all dimensions of existence, and it can star t usually based on two assumptions: (1) I do not have what the
now. For it to become a reality, one has to overcome others have, therefore I don’t have. (2) I do not have the same
the “Empty Pocket Syndrome”—the paralyzing feeling of amount as the others, therefore I don’t have. Are we frequent
inadequacy and insufficiency while facing life challenges players of the comparison game?
and responsibilities. The fear generated by past failures and several missed-
An example of the empty pocket syndrome is Gideon, the-mark experiences fuel the empty pocket syndrome. We
the hiding mighty warrior (Judges 6:11, 12). When the visiting are terrified by the image
Angel called him “mighty warrior,” he could hardly believe it. in the rearview mirror and
But the Visitor was not wrong in His assessment. He knew the The feeling of conclude that the future
capacity and potential of Gideon, though unused and latent. can only be a replicate of
He admired the young man for who he could become. helplessness is the past. Past and present
So, how do you overcome the empty pocket syndrome performances are not always
and live abundantly as a faithful partner in God’s mission? often the result the best indicators of what
one can accomplish.
Causes of Emptiness of seeking in the
There are several causes of the empty pocket syndrome. Reversing the Empty
The repetition of oppressive, traumatic experiences is a major wrong direction. Pocket Syndrome
one. We read in Judges 6:2, “Because the power of Midian was so How do we undergo
oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain a change of mindset? During His encounter with Gideon,
clefts, caves and strongholds.” Israel was under attack from a the Angel tried to convince the hiding farmer that he had
powerful enemy for a period of seven consecutive years.They received the power. “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the
ended up thinking that they could not do anything to change strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not
their situation.The people ran into the mountains, and Gideon sending you?’ ” (Judges 6:14).
hid in the winepress. He chose to endure with resignation Many who feel inadequate to partner in God’s mission
without realizing that he had the power to transform reality. because of an apparent lack of resources can undergo a
Another paralyzing factor is the comparison game. reprogramming exercise by reminding themselves of God’s

FROM NOTHING TO LIFE Pointer 3: Use your opportunities. Pointer 5: Believe in God’s plan
The Widow’s Experience (2 Kings 4: 1-7) The woman had to explore her for you.
neighborhood and take advantage of The number of jars in the room
Pointer 1: Run first to God. the opportunities that were available. indicated the size of the faith of the
Facing nothingness, she ran first to The neighbors had plenty of jars, and woman and her children. The miracle
the man of God. This was the turning they were willing to share. did not extend beyond the boundary
point for this family. Pointer 4: Apply the rule of success. of their faith. The sky is the limit for
Pointer 2: Acknowledge what you God could have inspired the those who believe.
have received. prophet to miraculously “fly” the jars Pointer 6: Always run to God.
Believing that “nothing is there from the neighbors’ houses to the When the jars were full, “she went
at all” is even more disastrous than widow’s house. But the intervention of and told the man of God.” Instead of
the crisis itself. It was the objective of God on our behalf does not exclude going to the market, she first ran to
Credit: Getty Images

the prophet to open the eyes of the our participation. God. Gratitude! Divine instructions are
woman concerning what she possessed. needed to manage divine blessings. 8

6 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
resource options: (1) Not begging for bread (Ps. 37:25). (2) see limited resources, and conclude that we are empty. These
Needs are satisfied (Ph. 4:19). (3) Capacity to produce wealth words of Jesus contradict our conclusion: “ ‘Again, it will be like
(Deut. 8:18). Each of these options is a clear statement that a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted
our pockets are not empty. his wealth to them’ ” (Matt. 25:14). The quest for money, for
It is essential to deconstruct the two false assumptions hard currency, often leads to frustration and blinds us to the
mentioned earlier that feed the comparison game. Our reality of God’s raw materials, which He has already provided.
differences from others do not disqualify us from service. First, Time, energy, and talents are some of these intangible
the Bible recognizes and affirms a diversity of gifts (1 Cor. resources. When they are used regularly and consistently, they
12:8-10) of various nature (Exod. 31:1-5). Second, a variation produce wealth (Prov. 10:4).
in quantity of resources received is not equivalent to absence Abundant life and partnership with God are reachable
of resources; little is not the same as nothing. The widow ideals. Our pockets are not empty. Someone has placed
who first declared that she had nothing at home and later something valuable in them. 8
acknowledged that she had a little oil, learned that even a little
could make a big difference (2 Kings 4: 1-7). Pastor Aniel Barbe is an associate director of Stewardship
Ministries and editor of Dynamic Steward at the General
The feeling of helplessness is often the result of seeking in Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland.
the wrong direction. We look at our purse and bank account,

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 7

 S O LI D GRO UND

Credit: Getty Images

A STEWARD’S
MUNDIA LIYWALII

GUIDE TO O ne purpose of Jesus’ coming to our sin-plagued

planet is clearly spelled out in John 10:10: “The thief

ABUNDANT LIFE
comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV). Jesus is not only
interested in us enjoying eternal life with Him in heaven and
“ Tr u st an d ob ey” for m s t he pl a tfor m o f an the new earth but desires us to begin enjoying abundant life
now and today. While we sing of life “in the sweet bye and bye,”
e ffect i v e l i fe . some aspects of that life can already be experienced in this life.
Abundant life, or “life in all its fullness,” is the aspiration of many,
if not of everyone. Unfortunately, in chasing after abundant life,
people often engage in activities that leave them heartbroken.
How then can one enjoy this abundant life here and now?

Sustained Connection With God

Abundant life is the outcome of a sustained connection
with God. Jesus elaborated on this process when He declared,

8 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
 which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with
your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the
land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”2
Obedience wouldn’t make them God’s people; this was
already their identity. They were to obey as an expression of
their relationship to God. By God’s grace, stewards obey what
is revealed, and the reward is abundant life. They are careful in
following God’s instructions in managing health and finances,
critical areas affecting quality of life.
Stewards acknowledge that their bodies are the temple
of God (1 Cor. 3:16-18). Hence, they endeavour to maintain
good health by refraining from indulging in any harmful
substances. Substances such as liquor, tobacco, and drugs are
totally avoided. In addition, stewards are vigilant about what
is placed on the table. They have the wisdom to discern that
not everything called food is good for the body. Some foods
are appealing to the eyes and taste good in the mouth but are
detrimental to health. Foods that lead to obesity, high blood
pressure, diabetes, etc., have no place on the table of a steward
eager to preserve abundant life. This additional insight informs
the food intake of wise stewards. “Care should be taken in the
selection of food. Our diet should be suited to the season, to
the climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow.”3
Avoiding injurious substances and the careful selection of
food are important but insufficient on their own to ensure
abundant life. Physical activity is considered a must. In the first
Ellen White book that I read, I found the following statement:
“Strength comes by exercise; activity is the very condition of
life.”4 Our physical health is closely linked to how we keep our
bodies through regular exercise.
Stewards embrace the concept of God’s ownership
over everything (Ps. 24:1). This conviction couples with their
willingness to obey and leads them to practice the returning
of tithe and the giving of offerings. Their motive is not to
receive blessings; however, faithfulness is always rewarded
in one way or another. Abundant life is the outcome, and it
covers all dimensions of existence. Obedience in the area of
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch finances can be such a sensitive issue that God summons us
and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into to “try” Him (Mal. 3:10, NKJV). There is perhaps no other area
the fire, and they are burned.”1 where God invites us to try Him except here. Those who are
The correlation between abundant life and connectedness afraid that returning tithe and giving offerings will reduce them
with God is illustrated in a unique way in the life of Joseph. to poverty can find reassurance in Malachi 3.
The expression “the Lord was with him” occurs four times
in Genesis 39, and as a result we read, “The Lord made all Conclusion
that he did to prosper in his hand” (vs. 3). When a steward In Jesus, abundant life is not only a distant reality. It can
maintains connection with God, physical, material, and spiritual start today. Those who are faithful stewards, maintain their
prosperity are the reward. daily connection with God, and manage their lives in harmony
Success or prosperity that derives from a connection with with His instructions will live life to the fullest. 8
God will keep the individual humble (see Ps. 75:6). God is
acknowledged as the Source, Lord, and Owner of everything. Dr. Mundia Liywalii is currently the Stewardship director for
Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. He holds a Doctor
of Ministry degree from the Adventist University of Africa.
Obedience
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses reminded the children of
Israel that abundant life is conditional to obedience to God’s
1
John 15:6
2
Deuteronomy 4:40
requirements. Obedience would result in long life. 3
Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 296.
“You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments 4
Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 80.

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 9

 NEWS
PATHFINDER INVESTITURE IN THE BUSH (ECD)
Created by Johnetta Flomo, senior editorial assistant of Stewardship Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

South-East Tanzania Conference youth (ECD) spent December 12-22, 2018 in the bush of Ruvu, Mlandizi Pwani, in Tanzania, studying stewardship lessons
under the theme: “God First,” translated in Swahili as “Mungu Kwanza” based on Matthew 6:33.

STEWARDSHIP CONVENTION (EUD)

Stewardship convention for French-speaking territories, February 7-11, 2019.

EGYPT-SUDAN FIELD STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (MENA)

Egypt-Sudan Field Stewardship Council, February 11-16, 2019. Girl prepares her tithe envelope in order to worship God at the Ramses Adventist church in
Cairo, Egypt. Kheir Boutros, MENAU Stewardship director, presents a devotional.

10 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
 STEWARDSHIP SEMINAR (SID)

God First training of trainers in Malawi Union Conference was attended by union and conference officers, pastors from all the conferences, elders,
treasurers, and stewardship leaders. Picture on right shows some delegates posing with certificates.

GOD FIRST SEMINAR (SSD)

God First seminar in Kalay City of Upper Myanmar Mission/Myanmar Union Mission (left) and East Kalimantan Mission of WIUM (right)

STEWARDSHIP TRAINING IN BENIN AND GUINEA (WAD)

Stewardship training in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, February 21-27, 2019. Stewardship pastors’ convention in Conakry, Guinea.

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 11

 A FACE TO MI S S I O N

ON THE FRONTLINE OF MISSION

Go o d n ew s: t h e l i ne i s m ov i ng !

MICHEL GUILOVOGUI KALAPILI for Bible study in spite of the opposition of her husband.

S
The mother has been beaten several times, sometimes
in public. Once the Adventist mission had to take her to the
ince December 2014, Rachel and Gnouma have been hospital for treatment. Often, because of her new faith, she
a special pair. They started to serve as Global Mission was deprived of food. The last time she was brutalized was
pioneers in the city of Conakry, Guinea. People call them the after she attended the evening
evangelists. God-First prayer meeting led
They spend their days befriending the community by Stewardship Ministries in Global Mission
and visiting families. Their major challenge is the Muslim January 2019. The following day, pioneers' work
background of the majority of the population; 88 percent of Friday, Salma, as usual—in spite is very fruitful in
the people are Muslims in Guinea. Intercessory prayer and of the beating—came to clean West-Central Africa
fasting have proven essential to create interests in people to the Adventist Central Church Division. As most of
start Bible studies. Many times these study groups have to of Conakry and to pray while our countries are
meet in secret places. Most of the converts testify that they the majority of the community Muslim-dominated
were convinced by answered prayers and through dreams people converged at the areas, the main strategy
that they had. Mosque. On Sabbath morning, is friendship evangelism
she was faithfully at church. through door to
A Caring Mother door visitations. Our
Two years ago our two evangelists tried to share the The Twin Sisters pioneers usually
book, The Great Hope, with a Muslim woman, Salma,* but After the divorce of try to show Christ
Credit: Getty Images

she refused to accept it. After some time, her son became their parents, Rachida first through good
seriously ill and was hospitalized. As his situation worsened, and Shaheen, twin actions before the
Salma called the evangelists to ask for prayer. God answered, sisters, remained way is opened for
and the boy was healed. The mother began coming to church with their Bible studies. Health
programs are also
commonly used to
connect with the
community.

Zakari Kassoule, WAD,

Adventist Mission director,
West-Central Africa Division

12 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
Muslim father. They themselves grew more than 10 percent last year. As we support
were practicing Muslims. While they visited Global Mission pioneers and other missionaries through
their mother during a holiday, they met our two our offerings, God’s mission is expanding in “unreachable”
Global Mission pioneers, Rachel and Gnouma. localities. 8
At first the twins were adamant about Prophet
Mohammed being the last prophet and disagreed strongly Michel Guilovogui Kalapili is the secretary-treasurer of Guinea
Region, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kaporo Rail, Guinea.
with the idea that Jesus could be the Son of God. After much
prayer and several Bible studies with the Global Mission *The names of the three converts have been changed.
pioneers, the girls adopted the Christian faith and chose to be
baptized at one-year intervals. This decision was not without
repercussion.
When their father observed that they were no longer
performing the Islamic prayers, he star ted questioning Global mission pioneers are laypeople who
them. At first they were afraid to disclose their new faith. volunteer for at least a year to establish a congregation
Their father brought an Islamic teacher to teach them the in an unentered area within their own culture.
Quran. One day, the father saw them studying the Bible, They have the advantage of knowing the culture
and this confirmed his doubts. They were severely beaten. and speaking the language; thus they blend with the
Their father threw their personal belongings outside the local people. This is also far-less expensive than sending
house and disowned them. With the suppor t of their overseas missionaries.
mother and the Global Mission pioneers, the twin sisters More than 2,500 Global Mission pioneers are
are now active Adventist Youth members and happily now working around the world. Since 1990, pioneers
singing in the church choir. have established more than 11,000 new Seventh-day
The field is ripe, and lives are transformed daily in Conakry, Adventist congregations.
Guinea and elsewhere. By God’s grace, the church in Guinea Global Mission pioneers share the good news
through wholistic ministry including caring for the sick,
teaching agricultural skills, running literacy programs,
holding evangelistic meetings, and giving Bible studies.
Source: https://www.adventistmission.org/

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 13

 BUI LD I NG HI S CHURCH

DON MCFARLANE he lacked the authority to speak to her in the way he did, as

I
he had not previously sought to build a relationship with her.
Consequently, she did not feel that he was someone whom
n the mid-1980s, while serving as president of the she was able to trust.
South England Conference, United Kingdom, I invited a Each year the leaders of some of the world’s richest
young woman from one of the London churches to share countries come together to tackle the most challenging global
with a group of pastors and elders what young people in issues of the time. Known as the G7, this exclusive club that
the church wanted from them as church leaders. Frankly, was founded in the early 70s and is made up of members
I was expecting a long list of demands—but that did not from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United
materialize. The young woman spoke for no more than 25 Kingdom, and the United States, represents more than 60
minutes, despite the fact that I had given her 45 minutes. percent of the global net wealth, estimated to be about $250
Two refrains in her short but effective speech have been trillion. Years ago I embarked on a journey to identify some
etched on my mind ever since: Young people in the church of the major factors undergirding the growth of wealthy and
want to know that pastors and elders genuinely care about economically successful countries. It quickly became obvious
them. Young people in the church want to be able to trust that the number-one factor in any country creating a culture
their pastors and elders. that leads to sustainable economic success is trust—trust in
The young woman shared one illustration to support government, trust in institutions, trust in businesses, trust in
the points she made. She said that a friend of hers systems.
had come to church one Sabbath in a dress that was The G7 countries and others—such
uncomfortably short. Her friend knew that the dress was as Denmark, Sweden, Norway,
short and kept tugging at its hem in an effort to lengthen Finland, and Holland—are
it, but without much success. An elder approached her considered to be high-trust
friend after the worship service and reprimanded her countries. Countries with
harshly for wearing such inappropriate attire to church. low economic growth are
The response was one of anger. Her friend later said that usually low-trust countries.
she knew that the dress was short and probably should “In countries where trust is
not have been worn to church, but her anger stemmed high, crime and corruption
from the fact that that elder had not spoken to her in a is low. Businesses with a healthy
meaningful way before that day. He had never previously reputation perform better and
offered her a comforting or encouraging word. She felt that hire better talent. Leaders who
are perceived to be trustworthy
are deemed more successful.
So if organizations can harness

MORE
trust they have a lot to gain.” 1
If trust is important in
the political and commercial
world, it is even more so
in the spiritual and social
world. Trust is perhaps

THAN
one of the most

T h e o n e th in g th at ch an ge s eve r ythin g
Credit: Getty Images

14 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
important ingredients in living abundantly and in experiencing Patton was in charge than if they told me Private Snuffy was
a fulfilling life. It is a precious commodity. The psalmist leading.”4
exclaims, “I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in My nearly 30 years of church administration have taught
your salvation” (Ps. 13:5, NIV). “Trust in the Lord with all your me the importance of trust in building a local church and
heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your in ensuring that it has the resources required to grow and
ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” develop. Where there is a high trust factor in the leaders
(Prov. 3: 5, 6, NIV). of a local church and in its adherence to the wider church’s
Our trust in God and His promises is the basis of our mission, there is also a high-giving level by members of their
faith. Our trust in our parents, our children, our grandparents time, energy, influence, and money.
and grandchildren, our brothers and sisters is the basis of our Do you want a dynamic and energized congregation that
family relationships and of the freedom that we experience is joyful in Christ, that responds to your leadership, and that
when we are with loved ones. Similarly, the level of trust we commits to the fulfilment of the mission of the Seventh-day
have in our fellow church members and church leaders in Adventist Church? Yes?
particular determines the extent to which we take the church Where there is a Well, be a good steward!
seriously, the support we are prepared to give to it, and Be a good steward in
the joy we experience in being a part of it. The blessings of high trust factor cultivating and nurturing
the church are experienced only in relationships with other relationships, letting each
people. Christ is its head, but our day-to-day interactions are in the leaders of a member know that as a
with the body, which happens to be people. leader you care, that they
Numerous appeals to members to give their time, means, local church and are special to God and
and influence to the church are often unnecessary when therefore are special to
members are able to trust those who are leading and the in its adherence to you. A caring attitude builds
vision that they have. J. Clif Christopher expresses a similar relationship; relationship
thought about the church in these words: “A key thing the wider church’s builds trust, and trust
to remember is that friendraising is more important than elicits commitment. It is
fundraising. You should be ten times more intentional to make mission, there is in commitment that one
a friend than to get a gift. If you [church leader] will put in the experiences fullness in
hours to cultivate a relationship, you will find that you only also a high-giving Christ, the joys of Christian
need to spend a few minutes to get a gift that will advance living, and motivation to
the cause of Christ.”2 Church leaders must bear in mind level by members give of oneself and your
that trust is not inspired by their position, their resources to expand God’s
titles, or their speeches; trust is inspired by their of their time, energy, kingdom. Ellen White says
actions. that total commitment, or
Christopher’s basic thesis about high- influence, and money. wholehearted devotion,
level giving in a local church is that a church which is a product of trust,
needs to have a leader who inspires trust is more precious than
and confidence in members through his or gold: “The soul that is sincere in its love, wholehearted in its
her building of relationships. “When they devotion, God regards as more precious than the golden
[members] do not have confidence wedge of Ophir.”5 It is such souls that God is seeking to
they make a contribution but not a fashion through us, His stewards. 8
commitment.”3 People usually say that
they give to certain causes because Originally from Jamaica, Don McFarlane worked as a pastor,
department director and church administrator in the British
of their belief in the mission of those Union and Trans-European Division for 33 years. For the
causes. While that is true, in many past seven years he has been the pastor for administration
cases they subconsciously give and adult ministries at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist church.
because of the trust that they
have in the one who is
1
E pi Ludvik Nekai, “Trust Is the New Gold,” Crowd Currencies, Social
Business, February 22, 2018, https://crowdsourcingweek.com/blog/
leading the mission. category/crowdsourcing/social-business/. Accessed Jan. 15, 2019.
“I would have much 2
J. Clif Christopher, God vs. Money: Winning Strategies in the Combat Zone
more confidence (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2018), p. 59.
in committing to
3
Ibid., p. 58.
4
Ibid.
fight a battle if I 5
Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, 2000 edition (Hagerstown, Md.,
felt [General] Review and Herald Publishing Association), p. 196.

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 15

 S EED I NG T HE CLO UD

NURTURE AND HEART RETENTION

A r el i a bl e p r e di ctor hel ps to prev ent dro po u t.

MARCOS FAIOCK BOMFIM The immediate context (Matt. 6:25-31) makes it clear

T
that by “treasure” (wealth), Jesus means material possessions,
money included. But how do we transfer treasures to God
he Adventist Church is currently facing a and to heaven, and consequently place our affections there?
challenging average retention rate of 50 percent,1 In Luke 12:33, 34, Jesus mentions charity primarily as a way to
obviously with a corresponding evasion rate. More than place treasures in heaven (and, consequently, the heart also).
a problem for the church as an institution, it may also This, however, involves a far broader spectrum that includes
represent an eternal life-or-death issue for those involved. all that may be dedicated to the Lord, which is suggested by
A question that may be impor tant for those in church the dualism earth/heaven found in the corresponding text of
administration—from the local church to the higher Matthew 6:19-21, as well as by Ellen G. White writings.3
institutions—is whether there is a reliable church-evasion To know that to love God is the most important choice
predictor. If identified, it may help leaders to provide for eternal life, and that this affection may be started and
priority ministerial attention (nur ture) to those in greater increased by spiritual financial giving, is important information
need, which would cer tainly affect retention rates. for those interested in developing nurture and retention
This article aims to contribute to that discussion, strategies. Jesus is describing here His “Heart Retention
suggesting a church-evasion predictor, which is probably Principle”—a divine strategy devised to keep the heart in His
the easiest one to assess. It will present some concepts and kingdom, and not just the
strategies from the Bible and Ellen G. White writings, as well body in the church.
as some recent suggestive data, about how to encourage [Loving] God is Even though Jesus’
church members to become more fully attached to God “Heart Retention Principle”
and heaven. This article will focus on ways that generosity the most important is obviously not limited to
and spiritual financial giving,2 or their absence, may function spiritual financial giving, this
as apostasy predictors and impact church-retention rates. choice for eternal life, activity must be included as
an integral item on the list
The “Heart Retention Principle” in the Bible and . . . this affection of Adventist personal piety
Heart retention (inward adherence), instead of just practices, according to Rob
body retention (outward adherence), is a foremost concern may be started McIver.4 McIver proposes
of Jesus, evidenced in His preaching (i.e., Matt. 5-7). When that those practices that
asked about what to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus’ answer and increased by connect people to God must
surprises the inquirer since He presents an affection—to be assessed and studied
love God with all possible capabilities and the neighbor as spiritual financial together for nurture and
himself—as a mandate of supreme importance. The radical retention purposes, including
emphasis on how this affection should be pursued, “with all giving. spiritual financial giving.5
your heart, with all our soul, with all your strength, and with The reversed application
all your mind” (Luke 10:25-27; Mark 12:29-31; Matt. 22:37- of the Hear t Retention Principle establishes that professed
39; Deut. 10:12), may suggest that this “nurture” endeavor is disciples who are not directing their possessions (and,
the essence of any retention program. It is so essential that consequently, their affections) to heaven (to God), are
without it any religious exercises such as public worship or investing them in the ear th and are being distressed and
offering giving are considered meaningless by God (Mark deceived by them (Matt. 13:22). In this way, they are
12:33; Isa. 1; Hosea 6:6). increasing their affections for the wrong objects, choking
But in a world so full of distractions, how can Jesus’ God’s Word, and becoming spiritually unfruitful (Matt.
followers develop this radical affection toward God? In 13:22). This misguided affection becomes a spiritual
Matthew 6:19-21, Christ states that material possessions are malaise called materialism, also acknowledged by John as
carriers of affections. Therefore He warns His disciples to use the love of the world, or the love of things. This produces
them as instruments for placing the affections (the “heart”) in a corresponding loss of spiritual sight and a loss of love
the right place, in heaven—with God in His dwelling place— for the Father (1 John 2:15)—a fatal outcome from the
Credit: Getty Images

“for where your treasure is, there your heart [affections] will nur ture and retention perspective!
be also” (Matt. 6:21). Even though the Bible is not against possessing wealth in
this world (God is “He who gives you power to get wealth”

16 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
[Deut. 8:18]), riches should not be desired or sought after (1 spirituality of the church and removes the favor of God from her.”6
Tim. 6:9); otherwise, God may be hated or despised (Luke If we assume that the spiritual state of a church
16:13). As “you cannot serve God and mammon” at the same will affect its retention rates, then we may expect that
time (Luke 16:13), the first attention should be given to “the “devotion to money getting” among members will worsen
Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and then “all those those rates. Should we just sit and wait to see what will
things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). This obviously happen next with such members? May we rightly consider
includes necessary material possessions. a “spiritually dead” state as preceding apostasy? How can
Paul also points to the extreme spiritual risk of the church recognize this “devotion to money getting”
materialism for retention purposes by saying that the and “spiritual death” condition in a church member ; and,
“desire to be rich” prevents many from spiritual financial if identified, how should church members deal with that
giving and drowns “men in destruction and perdition.” person for whom Christ died? Can we consider financial
Then he explicitly relates materialism and love of money unfaithfulness toward God as evidence of “devotion to
to apostasy by saying that “the love of money is a root of money getting” and of “dead spirituality”?
all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith (1 Another Ellen G. White statement suggests a clear answer
Tim. 6:9, 10; italics provided)—a clear connection between to that last question. Referring to Luke 16:1-13 (the parable
church evasion and greed. of the unjust steward), she presents the extended and ruinous
influence of financial unfaithfulness toward God by saying that
Ellen G. White and the Spirituality Indicator “he that will withhold from God that which He has lent him,
Ellen G. White agrees with Paul when she says that increased will be unfaithful in the things of God in every respect.”7
“devotion to money getting” is something that “deadens the This radical and far-reaching statement (“will be unfaithful

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 17

 relationship between spiritual financial giving and church-
ALL SAD MEMBERS WHO LEFT THE CHURCH retention patterns. But at least from a biblical and Spirit of
FROM 2015-2017: Prophecy perspective, it seems evident that spiritual financial
GRAPHIC 1: Tithe pattern: 36 months before being giving is closely related to church growth and spiritual
removed from membership. prosperity and is expected to increase church retention rates.
An average of 86%: no tithing record: For that reason, spiritual financial giving must be encouraged,
• 2015 – 90.83% practiced, assessed, and studied, as its absence can be
• 2016 – 85.49% considered a predictor of apostasy. Members’ financial records
• 2017 – 83.26% should also be studied by a select group of church leaders as
a vital tool, helping them to recognize and possibly prevent
GRAPHIC 2: Offering pattern: 36 months before apostasy by giving priority attention to those members at
being removed from membership. higher risk. A subsequent essay will be presented to address
An average of 91%: no offering record: strategies and programs intended either to strengthen
• 2015 – 94.01% systematic giving and/or to establish appropriate interventions
• 2016 – 90.36% when it is absent. 8
• 2017 – 88.76%
Pastor Marcos F. Bomfim is the director of Stewardship
Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day
in the things of God in every respect”) connects a church Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
member who is withholding from God with the gradual
development of all kinds of imaginable unfaithfulness. This 1
 onsidering 2012-2017, according to GC Online Statistics Reports;
C
leads to a “dead spirituality” stage, and finally to apostasy and retrieved on 02/19/2019 (http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/
church evasion. Forms/AllItems.
2
We will consider “Spiritual Financial Giving” as all that is given to God as a
How the “love of money” and the consequent financial way for His stewards to worship Him, or to recognize Him as the Owner
unfaithfulness may also relate to apostasy and church evasion of all things. It may include tithes, offerings, and charity.
may be explained by research conducted by the South 3
One example: “There are only two places in the universe where we can
America Division (SAD) Secretariat,8 which involved the place our treasures,—in God’s storehouse or in Satan’s; and all that is not
devoted to God’s service is counted on Satan’s side, and goes to strengthen
tithe and offering giving patterns of all 1,054,367 members his cause.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 35.
who were removed from membership in their territory from 4
McIver, Robert K., Tithing practices among Seventh-day Adventists: a study of
2015-2017.9 The study findings showed that an average of tithe demographics and motives in Australia, Brazil, England, Kenya and the
86 percent of those who had their names removed from United States (Avondale Academic Press and Office of Archives, Statistics,
and Research, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists), p. 153.
membership during this period did not have any tithing 5
After studying Adventist giving patterns in five conferences on five
record for at least 36 months prior to officially leaving the continents, McIver identifies five “practices of personal piety positively
church, and 91 percent of them had no offering record during correlated to tithing,” which are to “[1] attend Sabbath School, [2] open and
the same period.10 What can we do to motivate church close Sabbath, [3] study the Sabbath School Quarterly, [4] read and reflect
on the Bible each day, and [5] pray often during the day.” For that reason, he
members to secure their hearts in the cause of the present suggests that tithing should be included “as part of the practices that make up
truth, in heaven, and in God? personal piety for Seventh-day Adventists.” Idem.
Ellen G. White says that the more contributors invest 6
Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 20.
in the Lord’s treasury, the “more wedded to the cause of
7
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 198.
8
PowerPoint presented by Edward Heidinger, South America Division
present truth” they will be,11 making church evasion far less secretary, on August 4, 2018, to the SAD Executive Committee, with data
likely. Not to leave any doubt, God’s messenger explains obtained from the ACSM (Adventist Church Management System).
that “spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian 9
An average of 351,455 by year: 313,473 in 2015; 368,123 in 2016; 372.771
liberality.”12 This is why Christian liberality must be emphasized, in 2017.
10
Even though the study may not be considered conclusive, it does suggest a
practiced, and studied whenever spiritual prosperity and trend that will require additional research.
higher retention rates are expected. Ellen White goes even 11
Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 73.
further by saying that the “churches who are the most 12
Idem., p. 49.
systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the
13
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 405.
14
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 448.
most prosperous spiritually,”13 and that the work of imparting 15
John C. Peckham, The love of God: a canonical model, 2015, IVP Academic,
the heavenly gifts (through tithes, offerings, and charity) “is the an imprint of InterVarsity Press, p. 123.
life and growth of the church.”14
It seems clear that spiritual financial giving is strongly
related to church growth and spiritual prosperity of churches,
making apostasy less probable. But more than that, it is
evaluated by God (2 Cor. 9:7)15 and therefore has definite
spiritual and moral implications (Mal. 3:8-10). A broader
investigation is still needed to verify data regarding the

18 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
 GO D A LWAYS

PLANNED GIFT
REBUILDS TEMPLE
U n su sp e ct ed s ources of res ources

DENNIS C ARLSON

“And they built and finished it, according to the commandment

of the God of Israel, and according to the command of Cyrus, Darius,
and Artaxerxes king of Persia. Now the temple was finished” (Ezra
6:14, 15, NKJV).

D a new campus was

Credit: Getty Images

oes your ministry need critical purchased and a new
funding to accomplish its mission? school eventually
The department of Planned Giving & Trust built. The
Services may provide an opportunity students and
that could help ensure that future teachers enjoyed
resources that you desperately need this new campus for many years. Then in 2016,
will be available. Planned Giving involves the school received a very unexpected gift from a
the building of relationships with those government authority. The week before this unexpected
who may be able to provide resources by both gift, the government had taken a portion of another
encouraging families to create a plan, and by sharing the needs denomination’s church property to build a heathen shrine. So
of mission with community leaders who have resources. This when the entourage of the government authority appeared
outreach can be for both members and those who are not on the Seventh-day Adventist school campus, the principal
members of the church. Trust Services is the process by which was understandably afraid of losing another school to the
these planned gifts are given so that the value is maximized government. He prayed to God for wisdom to respond in
for mission. the right way to whatever happened. After asking to see the
Scripture gives ample illustrations of how God has always principal, the government authority demanded a tour of the
been intimately involved with all humanity. One example of campus. Afterwards, the general asked the principal what
God’s involvement for the benefit of His mission is found needs the school had. After listening to several urgent needs,
in the book of Ezra. The Promised Land was deserted and the government authority went to his vehicle. Amazingly, he
desolate (Jer. 25:11). The tribe of Judah was captive in Babylon. brought $1,000 in cash to give to the principal to help fund
Jerusalem and Solomon’s magnificent temple had been the most urgent need. As the general was leaving, he indicated
destroyed. How could things be any worse? that he would bring more money in the future to help take
Yet, God had a plan that He had revealed 60 years care of some of the other needs of the school.
before. Evidenced by a prophecy given through the prophet There was rejoicing at the school that day for the
Isaiah, which named a king not yet born who would defeat miraculous power and working of God. God still works on
the mighty Babylonian empire, Israel would repatriate and the hearts of “kings,” or those in authority in our day, and
rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (see Isa. 44:28; also 45:1-8). will at the right time do the same for your ministry’s needs.
According to the plan, God assigned King Cyrus the task of Present them before God in prayer, and trust Him.
helping Israel, in spite of Cyrus never becoming a follower of The story of Ezra and the rebuilding of the temple in
the God of Israel. Jerusalem is an amazing story of God’s faithfulness and His
This heathen king did exactly what God had prophesied ability to work through all sources to provide resources, even
through Jeremiah (Ezra 1:1-5), and through this planned gift through the planned gifts of gentile, heathen kings.
ended Israel’s 70 years of captivity. Darius and Artaxerxes also For more information you may contact your division office
followed the lead and command of Cyrus to ensure that the or Planned Giving & Trust Services at the General Conference
temple in Jerusalem was completed (Ezra 6:14, 15). of Seventh-day Adventists at www.willplan.org. 8
Can this happen today? Is God still moving the hearts of
the “heathen” to support His mission? The country cannot be Dennis R.Carlson is the director of Planned Giving & Trust
Services at the General Conference of Seventh-day
named where a Seventh-day Adventist school had many years Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland.
previously lost one school campus to a government takeover.
After this loss, through the generosity of international donors

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 19

 EMP OWER I NG PART NERS

DOING WHAT IS
she was asked as she
relied entirely on God’s
promise: “ ‘The bin of
flour shall not be used
up, nor shall the jar of oil

RIGHT
run dry, until the day the
LORD sends rain on the
earth’ ” (1 Kings 17:14,
NKJV).
Overcoming financial
stress by counting TURNING PRINCIPLES
the cents. INTO RULES
You can use these
principles by turning them
into rules that you should
follow strictly.
Rule 1: Identifying the
right use
Very often a budget
Credit: Getty Images

is considered to be a
single bucket into which
all expenses are thrown,
without any distinction or
MURVIN C AMAT CHEE categorization, and where

I
the only indicator is the total income. In other words, the
only consideration is: “Total expenses should not exceed total
n the previous issue of Dynamic Steward, we discussed income,” which is actually what’s behind the idea of having
the importance and the necessity of clearly distinguishing a budget. However, the problem of limiting a budget to this
between needs and wants when it comes to the elaboration single aspect is that:
of a personal budget. The next major step is to establish and • it does not allow you to take control over your expenses
follow basic rules that will allow you to use your budget as an (your total income is the only indicator that you have).
effective and efficient tool. • there is the tendency to neglect two important aspects
The encounter between Elijah and the widow of Zarephath of personal finances: God’s mission; Savings.
(1 Kings 17:7-16) gives us some examples of the principles that To avoid such a situation, there are two elements based on
could be used as the basis of successful budgeting. the biblical principles of tithing that can be applied: The use of
tithe is restricted; tithe is a specific percentage (10 percent) of
THE RIGHT PRINCIPLES your income.
God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath where he will be In other words, instead of considering your budget as one
fed by a widow. The irony here is that the widow who single bucket, you can divide it into several restricted buckets
is supposed to feed Elijah didn’t even have enough for into which you can allocate a percentage of your income. For
herself and her son. The only ingredients that she had you to have a reasonable number of buckets, the best thing to
were a handful of flour and a little oil, to prepare a last do is to regroup the items that fall under the same category.
meal for herself and her son. However, even if Elijah was The table below is an example of the different buckets you
fully aware of this situation, he insisted that the woman might have.
make him a small loaf of bread. Without any hesitation,
the woman did as Elijah said! BUCKET 1 BUCKET 2 BUCKET 3 BUCKET 4
There are three important principles that we can find here. God’s mission Savings Housing Living expenses
Principle 1: Identifying the right use. Elijah asked for Tithes Emergency fund Mortgage/Rent Income Tax
bread. He was specific in his request based on the ingredients Offerings Retirement Utilities Groceries
available. He did not ask for something that could not be Future projects Gas
made from flour and oil.
Clothes
Principle 2: Knowing the right amount. Elijah specified
Telephone
that the bread needed to be “small.” Elijah’s request was based
on the amount of flour and oil that were available. Medical
Insurance
Principle 3: Having the right attitude. The situation of the
widow did not influence her decision. She diligently did what Retirement

20 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
Rule 2: Knowing the right amount SAVINGS BUCKET
The next question is, What percentage of your income will The main purpose of having a “savings bucket” is to be
you allocate to these different buckets? prepared for any emergency that could arise. According
to experts, an emergency fund should have at least three
BUCKET BUDGETING months’ worth of housing and living expenses, and, ideally,
The method that could be used to accurately project you should aim to reach this amount over not more that 12
your future expenses is to calculate the average expenses months. If, for example, your housing and living expenses are
for the past three to six months, as illustrated in the equivalent to 60 percent of your total income, the equivalent
following table: for three months would be 180 percent of your income.
GROCERIES
Therefore, over a period of 12 months your savings should be
one twelfth of 180 percent (of your income), which is equal
Month Month Month Month Month Month Total Average
1 2 3 4 5 6 for (Total to 15 percent (of your income). In other words, the ideal
the 6 divided amount of your savings over the first 12 months should be at
months by 6)
least a quarter of your total expenses and financial obligations
$285 $275 $250 $325 $290 $305 $1730 $288 (needs).
The more your expenses are, the more you will have to
In this example, the monthly average expense for save. If your housing expenses are equal to 35 percent of your
groceries is $288. Once you’ve done this same exercise income, and your living expenses are equal to 40 percent
for each item, you will have your monthly average for each (total of 75 percent), the minimum portion that should go
bucket, as illustrated below: into your savings bucket will be equal to 75 percent divided
BUCKET 4 Based on this by 4, which is 18.75 percent.
monthly average of Based on this example, your percentage allocation would
Living expenses
your “living expenses be as follows:
Item Monthly Average
bucket,” you now know In this scenario your
Income Tax $500 BUCKET ALLOCATION
what percentage of expenses are exceeding
God’s mission* 15.00%
Groceries $288 your income you should your income by 8.75
Gas $117 allocate to this Savings 18.75% percent. Should you
Clothes $54 particular bucket. Based Housing expenses 35.00% face such a situation,
Telephone $30 on the above example Living expenses 40.00% the immediate actions
Medical Insurance $50
and assuming a monthly Total 108.75% would be either to
income of $3,500, the * In this example, the percentage for decrease your expenses
Retirement $50
percentage in this case offerings is assumed to be 5%. or to increase your
Total $1089
is 31 percent. income.
The same steps should be followed to find the percentage
for housing expenses or any other category that you may have. Rule 3: Having the right attitude
This form of budgeting keeps you from falling into the
GOD’S MISSION BUCKET trap of focusing entirely on your needs, thus neglecting God’s
When it comes to “God’s mission bucket,” you already mission and failing to save for emergencies. The widow of
know that—per God’s instructions Himself—there is a Zarephath literally put God first when she followed Elijah’s
minimum that should be respected. This minimum is based instructions and made a small loaf of bread for him. She knew
on the tithe segment, which is 10 percent of your income. that God would remain faithful to His promise, and indeed,
Why is 10 percent a minimum? This is because God’s mission “the bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run
needs to be supported, not only by our tithes but also by our dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by
offerings (Mal. 3:8). Elijah” (1 Kings 17:16, NKJV).
The percentage that should be allocated to our offerings is Budgeting requires trust in God, diligence, and
not specified in the Bible. However, when in Malachi 3:8 God thoroughness in both its elaboration and its implementation.
says that a man can rob God “in tithes and offerings” (NKJV), Many people have started a budget but gave up along the
He is making it clear that tithes and offerings are: way. The right attitude is to make this process a spiritual
1. not interchangeable. activity by setting and following the rules prayerfully and by
2. both important. always remembering that “the earth is the Lord’s, and all it
Our offerings should also be a percentage of our income, contains” (Ps. 24:1, NASB). 8
an amount that each individual is free to decide without
neglecting the counsel of the apostle Paul: “Each of you Murvin Camatchee, MBA, MDiv, is a native of the Republic of
Mauritius. He is currently the lead pastor of the College Drive
should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not and The Ridge SDA churches in the Gulf States Conference,
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful USA. Prior to coming to the United States, Murvin was the
giver” (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV). treasurer and executive secretary of the Mauritius Conference.

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 21

 K I D ' S CO R NER

THE JOURNEY
FALVO FOWLER

T here once was a family that lived in a country far,

far away. It was a good country. It was a beautiful
country. It had a gentle, kind, leader who made friends with
people around the world. It was the kind of place where
His brother would shrug his shoulders and sort of smile
indulgently at the faith of his little brother.
Two years and two months later, just as things were getting
worse than bad, they got a secret message. It was from their
kids could run around and play and be so tired of having mother. It was in code. Their father had to read it to them. It
fun that they would sleep peacefully, dreaming of another told them to follow a caravan that would take them through
day of adventure. Can you imagine being so tired from many places. Some places would be dangerous, some places
having fun? It was that good! would be too good to be true, but they were to always keep
But one day, a leader who didn’t care about anyone but their faith in knowing that their mother is waiting to see them.
himself and his own people took over the country. He was She said, “Don’t get scared of the dangerous places; believe in
loud. He was crude. He was rude. He was not nice to people. God. Don’t be tempted by the good places; Mom has a better
He would call them names and tell all sorts of lies. Would you place (and better food) for you. Never lose faith that life will
like to have someone like that be the leader of your country? be good.”
No. Neither did the citizens of this once good country. The boys started their journey with their father that very
Many good people began to leave the country. And when night. They joined a caravan and began to walk. Sometimes
the leader found out about it, he began to punish all the good they rode on trains. Sometimes they rode on lorries (large
people. But the fathers and mothers wanted a better life for trucks). Sometimes they slept in the open fields. Sometimes
their children. They wanted their children to enjoy life and to they felt snakes slither over them. Sometimes they had no
know all the blessings God had for them. food to eat.
So, some families sent their mothers, and other families Every time a bad thing happened, the older brother
sent their fathers, to secretly escape and travel to far-away became even more angry. He would say, “Nothing is worth
countries where they had friends or family who could help living through this. We are never going to make it!”
them all flee what was once a great country. But the younger brother would now repeat, “Don’t get
The mother of this family left after crying and praying scared of the dangerous places; believe in God. Don’t be
over each of her two boys. She told them to always look tempted by the good places; Mom has a better place (and
at the good things in life. Never lose hope. Listen to Daddy better food) for us. Never lose faith that life will be good.
while she was away. And, like all good mothers, she told Believe, brother, believe. Look at the bright side. Don’t look
them to eat healthfully, to think and choose only good, and at only the dark.”
to always believe God will be there for them, because, she “Ha!” his brother would scoff. “You’re too young to know
explained, if you take care of your body and your mind and about life.”
believe in God, there is nothing that you cannot do. One night, while in a dangerous place, robbers came
She hugged and kissed the boys and their father, and then cursing toward them. The older brother was scared. He could
disappeared into the night. not see what they could do. But the younger boy and the
A day went by, and the boys were ready to go to her. But father began to pray. They began to pray in the language of
they didn’t hear from her. A week went by, and the boys didn’t their people.
even get a text. A month, a year, and nothing. Things in their The robbers stopped. They listened. And they began to
country kept getting worse. The leader now controlled the laugh. They laughed so hard that the father and the two boys
military, and food was hard to come by. were confused. The robbers stopped laughing and told the
The older son refused to believe that his mother was ever small family, “We are from your village. We gave up the journey
coming back. He let himself become angry at his mom for leaving, because we lost hope. To hear our language in prayer—what
angry at his father for staying, angry at God, angry at his country. a wonderful feeling! We are sorry we laughed, but it is the first
But through it all he loved his younger brother and would not time we have laughed so well since we left home. Come, eat
give up for his sake. with us.”
The younger brother would repeat, almost every day, “Eat So, they all shared a meal. (Nothing brings people together
healthfully (even if we don’t have a lot), think and choose only like a good meal, right?)
good things (even if there wasn’t a lot), and always believe The robbers, who were from the village of the family,
God will be here for us. And, we will see Mom again.” told the family that they would travel with them. Hearing the

22 A p r i l - J u n e 2 0 1 9 w w w. a d v e n t i s t s t e w a r d s h i p . c o m
Credit: Getty Images

prayer gave even the robbers hope. They would travel with is so much bigger and better than any bad thing that may
them and help them find the best ways to not get caught be around us. Even when we thought we would die by the
and to make it through. robbers, he and Dad prayed aloud, and God saved us because
Sometimes they had to be quiet. Other times they would of them. The faith of my little brother helped me keep some
sing songs they had all learned in church in the village so far of my faith alive.”
away. Songs that praised God. Songs of hope. Songs of home. Do you know that we are also heading to another
Even the older brother couldn’t help but join in the joy. country to enjoy complete abundant life? We call this the
Finally, they arrived at the country where their mother “New Earth.” The journey can be long and sometimes hard,
had settled. but our faith in God’s presence and promises can help us to
And there, just as she had promised, she would be their keep going forward. When we believe and obey, it can even
mother. The boys and their father dropped everything and be an encouragement to others. 8
ran to her. Their family from the new country wanted to
know how they made it through. The younger brother Falvo Fowler is the editor of the Beginner, Kindergarten, and
Primary Sabbath School study guides at the General
said he remembered the words of his mother ; the father Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He created and
said he loved his family too much to give up; but the older produced the GraceLink animation series and created the
brother was silent for a while. Then he cried. He told his Sabbath School Bible Study app.
mother he had hated her, his father, and their God. He had
hated living where they had lived. He had hated so much in
his life. “But,” his mother slowly began, “how did you make
it so far?”
“The faith of my little brother helped me see that life

Dynamic Steward April - June 2019 23

 STEWARDSHIP PATCH

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