Because Janie and I are followers of Jesus, we believe the Bible is clear that giving 10% of what God allows us to have is just the baseline -- or the starting point -- for what we should be giving back to Him. So as we keep growing closer to God, we keep getting more and more amped about giving generously.
Over the past few years, God has put us in connection with some people who are doing crazy, exciting stuff in God's name around the world. We love being able to support what they're doing through our giving.
You really need to know these people. They are all people we respect and who inspire us ... and I think they'll inspire you too. (Then head down to my comments section and tell us who are some people that are inspiring you and your family to show generosity towards!)
Greg and Julie Nettle
Greg is the Lead Pastor of RiverTree Christian Church in the Cleveland, OH area. He is also the President of Stadia. That makes him one of Janie's boss; but that is not why we give. Through Greg's leadership, RiverTree has grown not only in numbers but also in its outward action in rescuing orphans. As a result, a culture of adoption and foster care has permeated the congregation. Wish more Christian Churches would model themselves after RiverTree, to be honest. If we lived in that area, there is no doubt which church we would be a part of. Heck, if they had an Internet campus, we would probably call it our church. Plus it's not every day a pastor in his late 40s adopts a baby and opens his home to foster care.
Greg is turning 50 on July 28 and for his birthday he is asking to be sent up a mountain. He and his wife, Julie, are climbing Mt. Whitney in Central California and they are trying to raise $80k that will go towards opening a new church in Ecuador which will also opens up a Compassion International program to care for the vulnerable children in the area.
Check out Greg's blog for more about his climb and consider following his blog, checking out RiverTree's podcast, and any other way you can stalk him!
P.S. You may or may not know that I raise my own support so I can serve with World Orphans and help rescue vulnerable children around the globe. So I have a huge amount of gratitude for the 70+ churches, families, and individuals who have generously partnered with my family over the last year. It is because of their generosity that we are able to be generous too.
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