Our giving is a reflexive response to the grace of God in our lives. It doesn’t come out of our altruism or philanthropy — it comes out of the transforming work of Christ in us. This grace is the action; our giving is the reaction. We give because He first gave to us. The greatest passage on giving in all Scripture ends not with “Congratulations for your generosity,” but “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). As thunder follows lightning, giving follows grace. When God’s grace touches you, you can’t help but respond with generous giving.

Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle

Tom and Mary, you exemplify this statement in a way that profoundly reflects Christ’s presence in your lives. As I’ve gotten to know you these past several years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation and respect for the way you manage the resources He provides. Your approach is strategic, intentional and entrepreneurial — and carried out in a way that honors Him.

That’s not all that sets you apart. As you know, God wants our hearts. He’s looking for disciples who are immersed in the causes to which they give. He wants people so filled with a vision for eternity that in their view, Kingdom investing is a given. That single-minded focus on the eternal is one of many godly attributes I see demonstrated in your walk with the Lord.

This faithfulness doesn’t go unnoticed. Those who fund the work of the Gospel’s proclamation and promotion are just as vital to that work as those who serve on the “front lines.”You may not see yourselves as evangelists or missionaries, but you really are. Thousands of Compassion children, pastors, center directors, and field staff — as well as many members of Compassion’s U.S. family — follow Jesus more closely as a result of your example.

I’m one of those people. You have taught me so much about giving, about generosity… about what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ. You’ve demonstrated that God’s money has a higher purpose than personal affluence. Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater Person and a greater agenda.

Friends, thank you for seeing the greater purpose, the better joy, the exhilaration that comes from devoting one’s heart to Jesus, and the giving spirit that comes from imitating His example (2 Corinthians 8:9). Because you have been obedient to His leading, you will be blessed.

I pray this website supplies part of that blessing for you. May it remind you of God’s covenant promises, infuse you with praise to Him, and refresh your spirits as you see what He has accomplished because you chose to give.

Every blessing,
Rob Porter