‘I first wrote a Will when I went to work overseas after university. I didn’t own much – a few clothes, CDs and student debt – so I left it all to my sister. I’m now in my early 40s, with a house and pension pot, so I thought about it more carefully, and decided to leave a significant gift to Wycliffe.
‘The need is huge. 1 in 5 people still don’t have access to God’s word in their language. There is nothing as foundational, or as important, in world mission today as giving people access to the Bible. Evangelism, discipleship, preaching… everything else within mission relies upon the translated scripture at its foundation. Having access to the Bible also enables people to counter false teaching that can be a real threat in many countries. So having an accurate translation in one’s own language keeps Christians and churches safe in the truth.
‘At different times, I’ve worked with Wycliffe as a missionary overseas, as a trustee, and now as an employee. No organisation is perfect, but I’ve seen Wycliffe from the inside out, and that has given me confidence in giving. Earlier in my career, I worked as the minister for world mission at All Souls Langham Place. We worked with over 50 mission organisations, and from that experience too, I found Wycliffe to be one of the most compelling to support.
‘On a personal note, I’m single. I don’t have dependents I need to provide for, and I’m all the more free to leave a significant donation to gospel ministry.
‘The Bible tells us to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6:20). I love that idea and that even when I’m gone, I’ll still be supporting gospel work. The day I go to glory will probably be the time in my life when I have the most to give and the least need of it. So it was an easy choice.
I would commend the idea of a legacy to you. It’s so easy to do. Many solicitors will do your Will for free in November, if you include a legacy to a charity. Leaving a percentage is often easiest as the value of a particular amount will decrease over time. It also leaves you feeling good knowing that everything is sorted out with your affairs, allowing me to focus on doing what God calls me to, right up to the end.’
