Generosity Today 2025: Issue 2

2025, Issue 2

GENEROSITY TODAY

Ho n o r G o d . P r o v i d e f o r Fa m i ly. S u p p o r t M i n i s t r y.

FAITHFUL SOWING Finishing Forward Life Story: Gary

What’s Your Stuff Telling You? Where our Hearts Belong

A Gift That Keeps Giving Tax-Wise Giving Options

Dear Friend, One of the things I love about generous people is their faithfulness. They plant seeds of generosity often and in a variety of places.

This is quite different than those who don’t have a generous mindset. For them, there’s always a reason to procrastinate or withhold. They say, “I would give, except…” or “I will give when…”

It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 11:4: “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” (NIV) Where others depend on ideal giving circumstances, generous people just get out there and do it. They are at peace knowing some seeds will germinate and others won’t. Therefore, they faithfully sow whenever and wherever the Lord leads them, trusting He will provide the growth.

Thank you for being among the generous people we love to serve! I pray this issue inspires, encourages and instructs you as you faithfully plant seeds of generosity.

Grateful to serve you,

About Generosity Today Generosity Today is a quarterly publication of Barnabas Foundation, designed to help Christians experience greater Kingdom impact through effective, purpose-filled generosity.

To request additional, complimentary copies to share with your friends, family or church, email info@BarnabasFoundation.org, call 888.448.3040, ext. 111. or write to us using the address below.

James Bakke, J.D. Executive Director

Attn: Generosity Today Editor 3801 Eagle Nest Dr. Crete, IL 60417

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LIFE STORY

Finishing Forward Why G i f t i n g Fa r m E q u i p m e n t P r o ve d a “ W i n -Wi n” S o l u t i o n f o r G a r y

Farming isn’t just a job for Gary. It’s his family’s legacy. A third-generation farmer, Gary has seen the Lord’s provision throughout his 80 years on the farm in Minnesota, originally started by his grandfather.

“The Lord has really blessed me and my brother,” says Gary.

Now that Gary is older, he’s shifting away from cultivating corn and soybeans. These days, he’s more focused on cultivating the next generation of farming — now renting his land to his nephew.

Gary’s decision to rent the land meant he no longer needed all his farm equipment. However, he knew that if he sold it, he’d pay significant taxes on the income. Gary sought a tax-wise solution that would accomplish his goals while also furthering the Kingdom.

With Barnabas Foundation’s assistance, Gary was able to liquidate the equipment and give significantly to a ministry close to his heart.

Gary found the process of giving the equipment to be easy and quick. “It’s a win-win for me,” he says. “I have a total sense of peace about this transaction. This is a way for me to make a charitable gift and not be burdened with taxes.”

“This is a way for me to make a charitable gift and not be burdened with taxes.” – Gary

Gary says the decision to give generously to the Kingdom has always been an easy one for him and his family.

“These proceeds need to go to the Lord’s checking account,” he says. “I figure it’s the Lord’s to begin with.”

In doing so, Gary is contributing to his family’s legacy of stewardship and farming, furthering the Gospel for many years to come.

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WHAT’S YOUR STUFF TELLING YOU? Where Our Hearts Belong The small-but-mighty book of Haggai begins like a therapist’s intervention. Looking into his clients’ … errrr, I mean the Hebrews’… eyes, Haggai’s questions unveiled the true issue at play.

“And how does that make you feel?” he questioned—albeit in ancient terminology.

Unphased by the awkward silence, Haggai let them squirm on the biblical couch for more than a few moments. Then, on behalf of God, he recounted their behavioral evidence, allowing them to draw their own conclusions about the state of their mental health.

“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.’”

(Haggai 1:5-6) In other words, “Let’s get real,” said Haggai. “Your stuff is NOT making you happy. It never has; it never will.”

Haggai’s assessment uncovered a searing void in Israelite living. It didn’t matter what or how much they had; everyday life just wasn’t right. There should have been fullness and gladness. Instead, they were empty inside.

They sought love, hope and security in their possessions. They should have focused their attention on the Giver of it all.

Continued on next page...

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Much like the Israelites, we could all learn a thing or two about our emotional psyche by considering what our possessions tell us…

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Each time your stuff doesn’t solve your problems, pay attention.

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After you’re left bored by collections that used to thrill you, listen.

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When you’re hurt by people who don’t like you because of the money you do or do not have, take note.

Our possessions remind us that our hearts belong to more than just trinkets and treasures. We are made for a deep and lasting relationship that begins with our worship of God. At the end of the day, our money is meant to be used, enjoyed and shared for Him—not become our life’s pursuit.

This article is an excerpt from Barnabas Foundation’s new release, Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit, now available wherever your favorite books are sold.

20% Off! Plus, free shipping on orders of $40 or more.

Use promo code: MJA20

WHY OLD MACDONALD GAVE HIS FARM Tax-Wise Giving of Farmland, Commodities and Equipment

Old MacDonald had a farm – but now he’s ready to make a change.

Rather than selling it all and facing a hefty tax bill, he’d like to donate his land, commodities and equipment to ministry. Why? Because Farmer MacDonald knows he can save taxes AND have tremendous Kingdom impact!

When it comes to tax-wise giving, farmers have a wide variety of smart and powerful options.

By giving real estate, equipment and other non-cash assets prior to the sale, you can reduce your taxable income and increase your giving potential. In the case of commodities, you might even be able to claim a business deduction for the production costs (such

as animal feed, fertilizer or irrigation), regardless of whether those costs occurred in the current year or prior years.

So, take a cue from Old MacDonald. Before you sell the farm, consider how you might reap big savings while sowing seeds for the Kingdom.

It’s strategic, impactful giving that will have you singing a happy tune.

Interested in giving farmland, commodities or other non-cash assets to ministry? We’d love to tell you more!

Email info@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.

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A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK Gifts That Pay Income

What if you could make a significant impact for God’s Kingdom while also receiving income payments for life? It sounds almost too good to be true—but with a life income gift, it’s possible!

A life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust allows you to give generously while securing ongoing income for yourself or a loved one.

These gifts can be funded with cash, stock, real estate, business interests, or other appreciated assets, providing you with an immediate tax deduction and income payments for life (or a designated number of years). The remainder will go

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to your favorite ministry, leaving a lasting Kingdom impact.

It’s a win-win solution for those who want to be faithful stewards of their God-given resources while securing the income they need!

Additionally, life income gifts help eliminate hassles by allowing you to give assets you no longer need or care to manage—such as rental property or vacation homes—while benefiting God’s Kingdom.

Through a life income gift, your generosity continues long beyond your lifetime, supporting ministries close to your heart. This is giving that keeps on giving!

ASK

BARNABAS

Have Questions?

Email info@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.

Q: Can I give cryptocurrency to ministry?

A: Absolutely! As cryptocurrency continues to grow as a mainstream investment, it’s an increasingly smart, tax-efficient way to give.

Just like gifts of stock, real estate, or other non-cash assets, donating cryptocurrency allows you to receive an immediate charitable deduction for the fair market value of your gift while avoiding capital gains tax. This means more of your investment goes toward Kingdom impact rather than taxes.

Barnabas Foundation will handle the entire process—converting your digital asset into U.S. dollars and then distributing the funds to your chosen ministries or placing them into your Stewards Fund (donoradvised fund) account. You can also use cryptocurrency to establish a life income gift.

Smart, Streamlined Giving through a Donor-Advised Fund FREE ONLINE EVENT! May 14, 11 a.m. (Central) / 12 p.m. (Eastern) The Stewards Fund, a Christ-honoring donor-advised fund, can simplify your giving and amplify your Kingdom impact!

During this free online event on May 14, Barnabas Foundation’s Cindi Riemersma will explain the benefits of using the Stewards Fund and share tax-wise strategies to help you streamline your generosity.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: BarnabasFoundation.org/Interactive

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STEWARDS FUND Donor-Advised Fund

Christian Values. Exceptional Service. Streamlined Giving.

READY TO GET STARTED? Begin the simple process of setting up your Stewards Fund account today!

BARNABAS

BarnabasFoundation.org info@BarnabasFoundation.org 888.448.3040