Each month, we will be posting an article from Barnabas Foundation that deals with a specific theme in planned giving. If you have any questions in regards to any of the articles, please contact Kevin Wassenaar at(320) 978-8700 or via email at kevinw@willmarnet.com. He will do his best to answer your question or put you in touch with a Barnabas Representative who will be able to assist you.

February 2010- "A Letter From Mom and Dad"

A Letter From Mom and Dad

Dear Children,

I came across a beautiful passage in my quiet time with the Lord recently in Psalm 16 that says, "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance." That verse really spoke to your mother and me, and it has prompted some heart-stirring conversations that we'd like to share with you. (Click here to read the rest of the article)

December 2009- "The 3 Choices Most Americans Avoid"

The 3 Choices Most Americans Avoid

Do you know how the gifts God has given you will be divided should something happen to you this year? You only have three choices for who will be the next steward of those resources, whether you have much or little:: (Click here to read the rest of the article)

November 2009- "Should you add a Child to Your Estate Plan?"

Should you add a child to your estate plan?

Charity is not the most popular name for natural born children of Christian families.  Charity, however, is an increasingly common name for the child that Christian families add to their Estate Plan.  Many people have included a “Child Named Charity” in the financial plan for their estate. (Click here to read the rest of the article)

September 2009- "Preparing for the Future"

Preparing for the Future
C.S Lewis once said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” When it comes to our financial future, the Bible has much to say to help us “aim at heaven.” Here are just a few biblical principles to encourage you in your planning: (Click here to read the rest of the article)

August 2009- "Should Our Giving Be Like Our Investing?"

Should our giving be like our investing?
In a recent article entitled “Giving vs. Investing,” National Christian Foundation president David Wills asks, "If you supported a missionary to China who reported only 10 people saved in 25 years, would you consider that a good investment?".” (Click here to read the rest of the article)

July 2009- "Being a Faithful Example"

Do you want to be a faithful example for future generations?
God’s Word shows us the way in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” (Click here to read the rest of the article)

June 2009- "Couple Increases Family Income and Ministry Impact"

Many years ago, Tom and Helen invested $10,000 in publicly traded stock, worth $100,000 today. With a 2% annual dividend, Tom and Helen currently receive $2,000 of income from the stock. Last week over breakfast, Tom wondered aloud if they could get a better income return if they sold the stock and reinvested in corporate bonds that would pay interest of 6%. However, while the income is higher there is little to no opportunity for future growth in the principal. (Click here to read the rest of the article)

May 2009- "How To Pray In Tough Times"

In a recent release from Christianity Today, noted Christian author Philip Yancey shared that in one of the most turbulent weeks of our nation's current financial challenges - when stock markets around the world declined by $7 trillion - an editor at Time magazine phoned him and simply asked, "How should a person pray during a crisis like this?" Three compelling insights on prayer emerged in that conversation: (Click here to read the rest of the article)

April 2009- "What Happens if You Don't Have a Will?"

For many Christians, a Will is an expression of their belief that God owns everything, and wants us to manage the resources He entrusts to us before and after we die. You may have read, however, that 70% of the population does not have an updated Will. Why is that? And what happens if you don’t have a Will? (Click here to read the rest of the article)

March 2009- "Double Your CD Return"

Valerie Johnson is a retired high school English teacher. She is also a “saver.” Valerie’s heart has resonated with the biblical wisdom on saving for as long as she can remember, prompting her to acquire a number of certificates of deposit (CDs). (Click here to read the rest of the article)