March 01 - Stewardship Training

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

I know that my grandfather's parents were believers. They must have trained my grandfather to be a good steward because he exhibited good stewardship throughout his life, even when his mind was ravaged by Alzheimer's disease.

Despite limited formal training, my grandpa Brabender was a successful businessman. He used his business talents to serve in many positions at his church. In fact, he was instrumental in purchasing land and starting a Christian school.

He had the opportunity to move to New York City to advance his career, but I read in a letter he had written that he declined the job because he did not think it would be a good move for his family.

Later, when he developed Alzheimer's disease and was unable to come up with simple words, he was still able to say a prayer of thanksgiving before every meal. When it was hard for him to complete a daily routine, he still prioritized giving his offering to the church. My grandmother had told my grandfather that they were going out of town and would not be at church on Sunday. Unannounced to my grandma, my grandpa drove to the church to take his offering envelope. Thank the Lord for keeping grandpa and other motorists safe that day. Thank the Lord for letting my grandpa be an example even in his old age and thus training more generations to be good stewards of our talents and money. I pray our congregation will use our building campaign to teach future generations about stewardship.

- Jeanine Kirk