Michigan —Joseph VanSlaten* learned to love God in a Christian home in western Michigan. When he discovered the three angel's messages of Revelation 14, he was thrilled to join the Advent movement. Over the years, he gave his energies, tithes, and offerings to promote God's work. At his death, he left his property to his sister, with clear direction that she should help finish God's work on earth with his estate.

As time went by, Joseph's sister decided it would be good to benefit the Lord's work during her lifetime. She shared her thoughts with her pastor, who advised her to contact the Michigan Conference planned giving and trust services department. With their assistance, she was able to donate a large portion of the property to the Michigan Conference, which in turn distributed the nearly $200,000 in proceeds to the charities of her choice.

Hope for the Homeland, her local church, It Is Written, and 3ABN benefited from the gift. By using the church's organized plan, Joseph's sister avoided capital gains tax, had a sizable tax deduction on her taxes, and gave the Lord's work an exciting boost. Many will be in God's kingdom because of this kind, generous, and well-planned gift.

Acts chapter 2 describes the spectacular way the church began with sacrificial giving on the part of many believers. We should expect the work to finish in a greater blaze of glory than at its beginning. As members, pastors, and other conference workers team up to spread the gospel, we can expect God to pour out His richest blessings.

*a pseudonym

Lyle Davis, Michigan Conference trust services associate director