A word of appreciation

During my last semester of college, I began praying for God to reveal to me exactly what He wanted me to do after I graduated. I was trying to discern if He wanted me to be a pastor, or a coach, or maybe go into the landscaping business. And, of course, I desired to be involved with American Family Association (AFA), the ministry my papa started in the late 1970s. But I was unsure of what God wanted for me in terms of my occupation.

After months of praying, it became crystal clear that God was directing me to AFA.

I began at AFA in the fall of 2013 and was immediately given the responsibility and opportunity to build relationships with our donors. Now, more than a decade later, our donor appreciation efforts have grown exponentially. We hold numerous events – both in person and over the phone – that allow us to connect with tens of thousands of donors. These opportunities have allowed me to learn so much about our donors.

First, our donors are caring and willing to serve. They stand in the gap for their families, friends, and sometimes even strangers. At almost every event, donors will ask me to pray for someone they know who has strayed from Christ. They are genuinely concerned and want to help. In response to Action Alert emails, our donors have pushed back on cultural issues that impact the family. I have seen them come alongside the efforts of other ministries, such as Eight Days of Hope, Operation Christmas Child, PreBorn!, and Truth for Youth, among others.

Second, our donors are humble. They give selflessly and do not ask for recognition. I’ve met so many donors – those who hold big corporate positions and those who are retired; those who are financially wealthy and those who are not. Whatever their situation, the donors are always approachable and humble.

Third, our donors are patriotic. They tell me that they are motivated to stay involved with AFA because they cannot bear the thought of losing our country to the enemy who seeks to destroy America’s constitutional republic. They respect and appreciate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, and they are willing to do what it takes to defend and protect America’s Judeo-Christian heritage. Our donors are always very responsive to AFA-produced resources that highlight the founding of America.

Fourth, our donors live out their faith. In Matthew 7:16, Jesus said His disciples will be known by their fruits (or their actions). Last year, our donors put their beliefs into action and helped AFA reach every partnership goal we set with
fellow ministries. Our donors also worked hard to encourage voter participation in the 2024 elections by utilizing
iVoterGuide.com as a valuable tool. Time and time again, our donors are contacting their elected officials in an effort to make an impact in this dark world.

So, to our faithful donors – to you – I say, “Thank you!” Thank you for caring for others, living humbly, supporting patriotism, and being doers of the Word. You are making an impact on our ministry, our staff, and on me, personally. You are also impacting those around you – as well as our country as a whole. It does not go unnoticed.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).