“As a high school punk with a software business, God started the long process of teaching me that the money I was making was not for me, but a resource God was entrusting me with. It started with small monthly gifts to a local Christian radio station. I remember the incredible initial joy of giving, but it felt like a duty. The purpose was my own righteousness. Starting with that small seed, God has been teaching me that generosity is not a giving away, because that would imply that I am the center or that I’m losing something. Instead, generosity is a giving towards the work of a loving King and His Kingdom. I get to use my gifts to enable others to use theirs.”
Kevin Cathey, CALIFORNIA
“I was the preacher’s daughter in our small town in South Dakota where I grew up. A couple in my father’s church, the Duttons, owned a lumber yard in a nearby city and they were the richest people I knew. Twice a year they would take me shopping in Rapid City and buy me beautiful clothes and shoes. I concluded that they were so rich because they were so generous. I connected those dots and wanted to be like them. The first time I made any money going door to door selling greeting cards, I spent my entire paycheck on gifts for my family, for no occasion. It gave me so much joy!”
Jennifer Johnson, CALIFORNIA
“As a young Christian, I was taught the importance of giving the first portion of my income to honour the Lord. (Proverbs 3:9-10) However, my understanding back then was that giving was more of an obligation to win God’s favour, so I would give a portion of my income to my church because it was the right thing to do. But later, I discovered the joy of giving at a different church that didn’t request a tithe or offering in its regular services. There, I finally realised that giving was not something I have to do but something I get to do. I learned I could give joyfully without desiring anything back. Since then, it has been a real blessing to help fund causes that I am passionate about, including my local church.”
Shay Owode, ENGLAND
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