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Text Box: testament.For those who are unmarried, with no children, an only child of an only child, unchurched, without any assets whatsoever and living a hermit's existence, not having a will might not be too bad. But for the rest of us, especially those with

a periodical from the desk of Pastor White...

Working together...

Text Box: A keynote speech given by King George VI (King of England, 1936-1952) was heard over the radio by millions of enthusiastic listeners in England and around the world. However, in the middle of the speech someone accidentally tripped over the wires, breaking them and interrupting the signal. The quick-thinking chief engineer immediately grasped the loose wires with his own bare hands and held them for the next twenty minutes as his body became the conduit for the electrical current that passed through his body while the words of King George VI were communicated to his ardent audience. Without the bravery and fortitude of the chief engineer, the king's communiqué would have utterly failed! Like the radio engineer, we are to be channels of the King of King's resources, both while we are living and after our demise. Many Christians are faithful in their giving of tithe and offerings as well as managing their material possessions while they are living, but they fail to understand that God holds them responsible for the property and money they leave behind as well. Ellen White in Testimonies to The Church reminds us of this responsibility: "They are accountable for the means which Heaven has entrusted to their care, and in no way can they excuse themselves from this responsibility until they are released by rendering back to God that which He has committed to them" (Vol. 1, pg. 530). To help you face the challenge of this long-term stewardship principle, here are two practical suggestions for your contemplation and action. 1. Give generously of your money and property while you are living and enjoy the benefits of seeing it used in causes and institutions you believe are in God’s purpose for you. 2. Write your Will (which means having one) in such a way that none of your money or property falls into Satan's ranks: "Believing parents have frequently transferred their property to their unbelieving children, thus putting it out of their power to render to God the things that are His" (E. G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, pg. 333). Did you know that 70% of people reading these words have not made plans for the future? Why do I say that? Because statistics show that seven out of ten people who pass away do so without a last will and

Eternally Committed

Volume 4, Issue 6

June 25th, 2005

Text Box: Charity begins at home—and usually dies from lack of outdoor exercise

Text Box: For free advice in preparing your will, contact the Trust Services Department of the Fla. Conference (407) 644-5000

dependent children and a

spouse, not having a will can potentially be catastrophic and painful for those we leave behind.

The importance of having a will cannot be overemphasized, yet we hear many reasons why people don’t have one.

1. I’m Too Busy. 2. I Have Too Little Property. 3. It’s Too Expensive. 4. I don’t Like Legal Documents. 5. I Don’t Know What The Future Will Bring. 6. If I Make A Will, I’ll Die Sooner. Are any of these reasons (excuses) the reason that you do not have a will prepared? If so, consider this counsel, “Many are not exercised upon the subject of making their wills while they are in apparent health, but this precaution (i.e. hesitancy, indecision) should not be taken by our brethren...They should arrange their property in such a manner that they may leave it at any time. (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 325)