Why Year-End Giving is So Important
Billy Graham Responds to a Reader's Question
December 13, 2011 - The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, like many Christian organizations, depends on year-end donations. Won't you give today?
Every December, when Christmas carols fill the air, you can also hear the ringing of the Salvation Army bell at your local grocery store. The annual Red Kettle giving campaign is just one of thousands this time of year, and for good reason.
Whether moved by the Christmas spirit or motivated by charitable tax deductions, close to 40 percent of givers wait until November or December to donate.
Did you realize that the BGEA also depends on year-end gifts? We couldn't carry on any of our important ministries without your donations. From spreading the Gospel around the world to comforting tornado victims, every thing that we do takes support from generous people like you.
Will you prayerfully consider a year-end gift to the BGEA right now? Another way to help BGEA is by shopping at our online bookstore. Proceeds support worldwide evangelism.
One of our readers wrote to Billy Graham recently, asking whether the emphasis by many charities and churches on end-of-year giving is biblical.
Read Mr. Graham’s Answer
"Our greatest desire in our giving should be to serve God, not to gain some advantage for ourselves. We should be like the Christians in Macedonia whom Paul commended, because ‘they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability’ (2 Corinthians 8:3)—all without the benefit of any tax deduction.
"I'm grateful our government realizes that churches and other organizations make an important contribution to our society, and for that reason it grants them exemption from taxes.
"At the same time, everything we have—including our money—has been given to us by God, and we are only stewards or trustees of it. If we are Christians, our goal should be to serve Christ in every way we can—including with our money.
"Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and then ask Him to help you use your money the way He wants you to. Through your giving, you can touch the lives of people you will never meet this side of eternity. The Bible says we should give joyfully, ‘for God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Corinthians 9:7).”
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We need people like you to support us in prayer and giving each time we proclaim the Gospel. Please donate online today and play a part in reaching hurting people around the world with the love of Christ.
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