Legacy

Noun :  A gift by will especially of money or
                 other personal property.

                                                                                                 (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)


General - last will and testamentA gift from a Will is referred to as an inheritance. Throughout the Bible, the Word connects those who have been faithful and their relationship with God. In the Old Testament God gave an inheritance of land to Abraham. The Israelites inherited the Promised Land as a gift from God. He prescribed how an Estate should be distributed to the heirs of the deceased, with preference being given to the “first born son.” In the New Testament Paul refers to the gift of eternal life as an inheritance received from God because of Christ’s redemptive act (Eph. 1:14; Col. 1:12). God set the standard for giving.

The first thought that comes to mind when we think of Godly giving is giving our tithes when we worship. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Prov. 3:9). Giving extends to those in need. As Christ said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40). When it comes to defining giving as an inheritance, we think of it as assigning portions of our Estate to our loved ones who have been left behind. But have you ever considered including tithing in your Will, assigning part of your Estate to a ministry that honours God, with the balance going to the family?

The blessings attached to this kind of legacy just can’t be calculated. You will demonstrate the truth of “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Lk. 12:34). You will leave a clear testimony to your family. You will bless those engaged in God’s work. And, when it comes to financial benefits, your Estate receives tax relief when you give to a charity.



Where? How?

If you have a heart for Fellowship ministries, may I recommend our new Fellowship Foundation? This recently created entity is a way to contribute any amount you choose to advance God’s work wherever the Fellowship is involved. Your funds can be assigned to any specific ministry or person serving under the Fellowship. Instead of listing several ministries in your Will, you can simply name “The Fellowship of People - Baptist, GordEvangelical Baptist Churches in Canada Foundation” as a beneficiary, along with the other inheritors. To specify which ministry you want to support we will supply you with our Bequest Designation Form, and will assist you with completing the form and designating your gift. This record will be kept to ensure that your directions are followed. If later you should be led to redirect your gift, you would not have to adjust your Will; you would simply provide a new Bequest Designation Form, amending your previous instructions.

If you are considering this step and would like more information, feel free to contact me. I would be glad to share with you how all of this works, and to assist you in fulfilling your heartfelt desire to honour God in this way.


—Gord Baptist is Fellowship Advancement Director and can be reached at:
(519) 821-4830, extension 244 ~ fax (519) 821-9829 ~ gbaptist@fellowship.ca