Giving

24/06/2010

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On Monday morning I received an email from Bruce Collingwood our Pastor at Oasis Elim Church in Napier, that the Dominion Post had an article about them. A 54 year old resident of Otatara Rest Home had donated some large amounts of money to the church over a couple of years and now was left with nothing.

Even though Mr Abraham was insistent about giving the money, the church should have refused it. There was no way this gentleman could afford to donate this amount of money. As soon as I was made aware of this, I asked Pastor Bruce to go through their records, identify any money given and immediately return it to Mr Abraham. The money identified was returned last Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Abraham has been a member of the church for 11 years. He lived independently until three years ago and, because many times he phoned the church to go to his house to help him when he had fallen, the church encouraged him to move into a rest home. During the time he was in his own home the church regularly cut firewood for him, helped with building renovations, provided food parcels, mowed the lawns and weeded the gardens. They have taken him to events he has wanted to go to and arranged to get his mobility scooter fixed so he could get mobile again. 

At no time was Mr Abraham approached with a request to give money to the church. We place no pressure on people to give and do not dictate to them how to spend their money. People give according to the values they hold. Some may put their discretionary income into rugby, racing or beer; others into fine wine and dining, others into the local sports club. It’s a personal choice.

I give to the church not just because I believe its message, but also because I believe in the dozens of community programmes the church provides. This is something I value and believe is an unselfish way to live.

It is also important to add that Elim Churches have very strong financial accountability. Each church is a Charitable Trust and subject to trust rules. Audited accounts are produced each year and available to view. Pastor’s salaries are set at the Elim Conference, and smaller churches such as Oasis Elim Church require the pastor to work outside the church to provide an adequate salary to provide for his family. Each Elim church has a church oversight of Elders as well as the National Leadership.

Our church in Auckland is the largest Elim church. I have a Finance Team and an Oversight. I have no idea what anyone gives apart from myself and would rarely be a signatory on a cheque. 
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