“It’s all for the glory of God. I brought nothing into this world, and I will take nothing with me when I leave. Everything that God has blessed is because of the opportunities and favor He has shown in my life.”
Developing a Giving Heart
John’s heart to see
the Gospel proclaimed drives his giving to organizations that are clearly led by God-anointed leaders and committed to evangelism, discipleship, and/or helping the poor. He gives beyond finances by applying the LIFE acronym (Labor, Influence, Finances and Expertise) to give time and talents as well. As John and his late wife, Sue, have given over the years, their hearts have grown even more for the Kingdom and for prayer. John attributes this to Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Today, John supports organizations that appear vastly different on the outside. Some minister to people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Other organizations reach the poorest of the poor in the United States and internationally. Still others bring Christ’s love to college students. In each one, the Gospel is at the center, and people are being saved.
Making an Equal Sacrifice
Two years after purchasing Lindsay Windows, John and Sue, attended a presentation by the president of a large campus ministry who challenged each person to make a substantial sacrifice in reaching the world for Christ. John says, “We were in debt millions at the time, but the Holy Spirit led us to do it and to trust God to give us the resources and watch him work.” They stepped out in faith, and God provided in ways they could have never imagined. They have had the opportunity to invest in many other ministries since then, often pledging to give when the money wasn’t there, knowing that where God led, God would provide.
John remembers a time when he was challenging others to make a sacrifice by asking them to place a donation on the open Bible he held. A woman came up to him and said, “Young man, I want people to know Jesus. I know if people have Bibles, they will know Jesus.” She proceeded to dump the contents of her purse onto the open Bible. After she walked away, he looked down and saw what she gave: 38 cents. John says, “It was the least but the biggest. It’s not the size of the gift – it’s an equal sacrifice – it’s the biggest gift I’ve seen given to the Kingdom. It was the least amount of dollars but all she had.”
John believes that God does the work in spite of us, not because of us. He says, “Maybe others could have done multiple times more than we could have, but we’re trying to take the half talent or quarter talent God has given to us and to try to multiply it.” And multiply it God has.
Why FCA?
Where does FCA enter the picture? John is a generous giver to FCA but was never an athlete himself. However, many years ago, local FCA staff member
Jeff Juni introduced John to FCA President and former Vikings Head Coach
Les Steckel. John remembers, “Les said to me, ‘If you want to change the world, it can be through movies, music, or sports.’ I chose sports. I see how people come to Christ through sport and FCA. Sports motivate people. In whatever attracts people, the Holy Spirit will change hearts.”
Besides investing dollars into the ministry, John has served on the local and national board of directors. He says, “FCA is run so well. God’s favor is on it. They’re reaching people, they’re reaching kids, and they’re reaching athletes and then discipling them.”
Leaving a Legacy
Jeff has often heard John say, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’ so you’re knowin’ where it’s goin.’” The saying perfectly captures John’s heart. He says, “When I meet Jesus, I don’t want to explain to him why I have cash in the bank. It’s all his money – it’s not ours at all. We are temporary stewards of all God has given us.” He goes on to say, “It’s about using the resources God has given us to bring the Gospel to people and see them changed for Jesus. If we can just add a little gasoline to the engine, that’s what fun. Giving 10% is a beginning point - it’s fun to give away God’s money.”
He finishes by saying, “I’m going to give it all.”
A Challenge
John has a challenge for you: “What are you doing today? While you’re here, do something. FCA is a hot spot right now. I love FCA. Step out in faith and watch God provide.”
Will you?
Will you step out and watch God provide in ways you could never imagine? Whether a sacrifice for you is 38 cents, $3800, or $3.8 million, will you come alongside what God is doing through the ministry of FCA as we reach coaches and athletes with the Gospel of Jesus Christ every day?
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21.
