“Let Your Light Shine into the Future”

Some of the most meaningful gifts are the ones that will continue to make a difference for years to come. For supporters David W. and Sue T., including Global Refuge in their estate plans is their way of ensuring that their lifelong commitment to welcoming newcomers will endure for generations.

The couple first began thinking seriously about legacy giving after meeting with a financial planner.

“One of the first things he invited us to think about was, ‘Are there any ministries you want to support long into the future?’” David recalled. “We certainly want to leave a legacy to our daughter. But there are other things that are incredibly important to us, and supporting newcomers is one of them.”

For David, a retired Lutheran pastor, a connection to the immigrant and refugee community was formed over 30 years ago when he began serving Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota—a congregation where a large percentage of the members were recent immigrants.

Over the years, the couple’s relationships with immigrant families in the congregation transformed the way they viewed newcomers to the United States.

“They are God’s gifts to us,” David said. “For our own lives, for our congregations, and for our communities.”

David remembers one congregation member, Lazarus, who had led a school system in Nigeria before immigrating to the United States. Unable to find work in his field, Lazarus took a job on a cleaning crew at a grocery store. Despite this setback, his faith led him to organize a Bible study for fellow workers.

“I can tell one story after another of people just like Lazarus and their positive impact on our lives,” David said.

Reflecting on the impact they hope their legacy gift will have, David shared the inspiration behind the decision.

“When I was baptized many years ago, the pastor said, ‘Let your light so shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that my good works shouldn’t end in death. Legacy giving allows our light to shine into the future, even though we’re not around.”

The couple believes others should consider doing the same.

“To people who are in a good financial position,” Sue said, “I would simply say that what you have is God’s gift to you, and you have the privilege of being able to share your gifts with others.”