Legacy

It is fascinating to read the ‘wills’ columns in the press and see who has left part of their wealth to charitable causes. During their lifetimes, these individuals obviously thought seriously about supporting their chosen organisations. Unfortunately, not many people think ahead and plan in this way. Indeed, too many people die without making a Will at all. Others make a Will and think it cannot be revised.

The government is making it very appealing to tie 10 per cent of our estate to charitable causes. This model follows the biblical ‘tithe’ – who first came up with that?! Money is a gift that we can use as a resource for ourselves and the good of others during our lifetime, but what about the money we leave behind when we die? How can these resources be put to work for the good of our families and the benefit of Christ’s Kingdom? Writing a Will is one way that you can look after loved ones and invest in the Lord’s work after your death.

It can provide peace of mind for you and your family. What are the benefits?

1. Your family is cared for.
2. There are no misunderstandings in the handling of your estate.
3. Your final requests are honoured and executed.

However, while many of us agree that making a Will is important, we tend to put if off for a variety of reasons: it feels too complicated; it might be expensive; it can feel morbid, or we assume that everything will pass automatically to our spouse and/or our children. We might think it is only the wealthy who need a Will, but you might be surprised at the value of the things that you leave behind.

One way to help others is to leave a legacy. This can provide a way for people to invest funds into the Kingdom for mission, evangelism or for the poor. A legacy ensures that your money works for the benefit of others long after you have gone. It is a way of continuing God’s work in the areas that are closest to your heart. Legacies are rare and special gifts, from one generation to the next. Here are just some of the opportunities of leaving a legacy:

1. Demonstrate good stewardship – the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30.
2. Provide an opportunity for people to give more than was possible in their lifetime; for example some of the value of your home can only be accessed after your death.
3. Legacies are one way of giving thanks to God by way of a final gift to his work after you have departed.
4. Legacies are tax efficient; the money you give to charity is free from inheritance tax.

It may surprise you to know how much of the money received by charities is given through legacies. It might come as a bigger surprise to hear that only 7 per cent of the population leave any kind of legacy to a charitable organisation after they die. I wonder if you have ever thought of leaving a legacy towards the work of Christ’s Kingdom?

I hope you value the ministry of Philo Trust in reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ. If that is the case, would you please prayerfully consider leaving a legacy towards this ministry? The hope is that opportunities to share the gospel, both in this country and beyond, will increase. To expand what God has started here at Philo Trust, we need resources to grow the work. In a media-hungry world, we need to be at the forefront of the media wave in sharing Jesus’ message through the Internet, radio, television and other resources. This all requires funds and this is where we would so value your partnership. Please consider investing in extending Christ’s Kingdom, and spreading the good news of Christ, by giving a final gift to our work after you have departed.

It has been said, ‘We can’t take it with us when we die.’ This is, of course, true, but we can send it on ahead by investing in helping bring other souls into the Kingdom and into heaven.

I hope you will prayerfully consider leaving a lasting legacy by including the ministry of Philo Trust in your Will, knowing that your investment will continue the Lord’s work after your death. We advise you to consult a solicitor, if necessary, and we encourage you not to postpone making a Will, or reviewing your existing Will.

Grace and peace

J.John