Blessed by Stewardship
Scripture has taught me that where my family and I regularly fellowship and celebrate life in the body of Christ— the local church where we are members—is the first and most important recipient of our financial stewardship. It is an act commanded by God. In addition, there are many other causes and institutions that are glorifying his Kingdom effectively and bringing honor to his name.
My wife, JoAnne, and I have found that one such institution that is vital to the life of his Kingdom is Covenant Theological Seminary. Our family's and my personal love for Covenant Seminary began in 1985 when I met Dr. Paul Kooistra. Paul had just become the president of Covenant Seminary and also served as a moderator of the session of our church, which was searching for a new senior pastor at that time.
I am grateful to Paul for introducing me to Covenant Seminary, and I thank the Lord for the blessings he has bestowed on us as a result of our involvement with the institution. After receiving the honor of being chosen as a trustee and board member for Covenant Seminary, I had the opportunity to see many of the professors in their daily work. Through various activities, I have been blessed to listen to the professors teach and preach. I have watched how they convincingly and lovingly teach young students the reality of the truth of Scripture. It continues to excite my heart to think about how this teaching of truth eventually works its way into the world to spread the Word of God to people today and for years to come.
Because the gospel message of God's grace changes hearts in our country and around the world, the teaching and preaching of the Word to us is critical. Since our initial contact with Covenant Seminary, my wife and I have seen its powerful multiplying effect that carries God's Word to future generations, and we desire to help support this mission. We are thankful that the Lord has given us the means to assist financially as the Seminary has continued to grow and expand its ministry.
What struck me most in our early contact was the Seminary's strong, vibrant, convincing teaching of the truth of Scripture. To this day, the professors are men who not only love the Lord and delight in teaching his Word, but they also are men of character and grace and love. The professors embody so many of the attributes of Christ himself as they reach out and make God's Word understandable to students who will be future pastors and ministry leaders in the US and around the world. This dedication to purpose is evident in every aspect of the Seminary's life. As a place where God's true Word is taught and absorbed and preached convincingly throughout the world, the Seminary continues to be a wonderful blessing.
My wife and I and our son, Jeff, and his family have benefited greatly because of our association with Covenant Seminary. Not only has it enhanced our Christian understanding and our individual walks with the Savior, but it also has affected our outlook on what Covenant Seminary can do for the world.
Being a part of the local, national, and worldly outreach of the Seminary's ministry of thoroughly educating, training, and equipping Reformed leaders and preachers is a great source of satisfaction to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this and to be blessed by it.
