Legacy
“Legacy” … what does it mean? The word itself is gaining in popularity (and usage), to characterize many things. Even commercial construction codes are now characterizing certain building methods as “legacy designs” – meaning, they will last in perpetuity!
But the word “legacy”, we would argue, is found, first, in the pages of scripture, as it embodies all of what we as Christ followers should be about. What should make up our unique ‘legacy’ – and what should it consist of? Does it serve as a chronicle of our life (who God was in our lifetime, and how He reciprocated our faith and obedience - in what can often be some very challenging times that stretched us - beyond what we ever thought we could handle). If you haven’t visited this section of Scripture we’re about to cite, we encourage you to do so. That Scriptural reference I am speaking to lies within the pages of the book of Deuteronomy; specifically chapters 4 through 8, and 11. Importantly, the context of this section of Scripture is compelling! The Children of Israel, freed from slavery, are now about to receive a rich inheritance, orchestrated by God, and ordained for them to walk into. It is in this section that we find God’s instruction to them in such a powerful way. God’s specific instruction to them was to “teach to their children, and their children’s children”, “all that God had done in their lives” - His testimony of faithfulness, and the miracles He performed.
Authors Dick and Leona Bergstrom in their book entitled Third Calling, classify legacy as a “verb” – an action, that encompasses two dimensions; what they refer to as “living” a legacy, and “leaving” a legacy. We begin, the authors contend, by first living a legacy (living out our faith in our lifetime). Then, at the conclusion of our lives (what would be as we project that), how might we visualize (and exercise careful intentionality around) how we might best “leave” a legacy. While a major component of that is leaving behind “instructions” – a narrative of God’s faithfulness in our lives, in reciprocation of our faith and obedience, still further is the component of “paving the way” for these who would follow in our footsteps. We do the latter when we recognize the role cherished ministries have played in our lives, and work to assure their ongoing health, vitality, and overall perpetuation – for future (sustained) impact!
In our next installment, we’ll talk through the many ways and means to supporting and enriching cherished ministries, and we trust that will be helpful. For immediate access to some of this, feel free to explore what we have posted here on our website by way of information on that… or reach out to us at any time, at 800-259-5388, or by email at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org.
Here are links to the two segments that make up this weekend in October:
Grandparent-with-Purpose October 2-3 2024
Homecoming Celebration October 3-5 2024
“Estate and Legacy Planning” – Does it Really Matter?
Think about this: early in the life of Israel we see the Lord repeatedly reminding them about the importance of passing on to “their children and their children’s children” God’s testimony of faithfulness (Deuteronomy 4:9 and following). God went on to tell the children of Israel that He wasn't’t talking directly with their children, but rather with them – because “their eyes had seen” all that the Lord had done (Deuteronomy 11:2-7).
Estate planning, when done with intentionality and by including a narrative of one’s life, can be an incredible means of motivating future generations. Further empowering such planning with
Watch for our next installment where we will purpose to unpack …
- what estate and legacy planning is
- why it’s important
- what it looks like
and most importantly,
- how it can be a compelling motivation for succeeding generations when it is empowered with an integrated level of charitable gift planning
As always, if we can be of service to you in this area, or for any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to email us at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org or call us toll-free at 903-500-2972 and ask for Tom Bevan.
And always a proper disclaimer: When considering what we might point to by way of a benefit to you in any given situation, always assure to consult your legal and tax advisor for what qualifies as the actual tax treatment of that scenario in your unique situation.
Scholarships play a major role in the lives of LETU students. More than 90% of the student body receives financial assistance from scholarships, grants, and loans. But with graduating seniors incurring significant financial debt, it is our goal to lessen the burden and increase our scholarship aid. Endowed scholarships play a vital role in decreasing the debt burden on students.
Why do LETU alumni and friends choose to establish Endowed Scholarship Funds?
- To perpetuate the memory or legacy of a loved one;
- To honor positive role models who have significantly influenced others;
- To invest in today's students who will influence every workplace and every nation for Christ tomorrow.
Endowed Scholarships provide significant impact:
- Equip leaders for tomorrow today;
- Recruit and retain outstanding students seeking the hands-on, Christ-centered education that has for decades been the strength of LETU;
- Recognize and reward outstanding performance by students with demonstrated financial need.
Endowed professorships, chairs, programs and schools are also available. Call 903.233.3833 to establish your endowment today.
Many companies will match their employees' charitable gifts. Some will even match the donations of retirees or employees' spouses! You can make your money double or even triple and at the same time invest in students' lives.
If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer's Human Resources department. Complete, sign and send in the completed form with your gift- every time you give a gift! Inform your employer of your donation and give them LeTourneau University's mailing address (2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX 75607) so they can make the match. We will do the rest.
Giving a cash gift isn't the only way you can support LeTourneau University students. All you have to do is sign up for all the programs below and then let your shopping do the donating. It's that easy! Your normal, everyday shopping will help the LETU Annual Fund provide scholarship aid to deserving students. Thank you!
Give by Shopping
You're going to buy things anyway, right? Here are some ways your purchase can benefit LeTourneau University.
Amazon Smile
Start your shopping at smile.amazon.com, choose LeTourneau University as your selected organization, and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases.
Kroger
If you are a KrogerPlus member, Kroger's Community Rewards program donates a portion of your eligible purchases to the organization of your choice. Choose LETU! Visit https://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-community-rewards-3 to enroll with your membership card and choose LeTourneau University (NPO# 84780). Don't forget to re-enroll each year to continue in the Community Rewards program.
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb's Good Neighbor Program allows customers to direct donation dollars to a favorite church, school or other non-profit organization. Visit the courtesy booth at your local store to link your reward card to our account (use our Charity# 9090).
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