Leaving a Legacy: Third Quarter 2021 E91 Foundation Update
“When one reaches the highest degree of human maturity, one has only one question left: How can I be helpful?” –Teresa of Avila
How can you be helpful? Have you thought about the legacy you’ll leave?
What, exactly, does legacy mean, anyway?
“A simple definition of legacy would be ‘money or property left to someone in a will.’ But your legacy should go far beyond that. A better definition would be ‘anything handed down from the past,’” wrote Dr. Tom Barrett in his July 23rd, 2018, article, “Leaving a Legacy” (ChristianFinancialConcepts.com).
“You’ve built your life, your house, and your business or career,” Dr. Barrett added. “Proverbs (13:22) says that we are to leave an inheritance for our children’s children. Did you notice something strange? It doesn’t say to leave an inheritance for our children, but rather to their children. I don’t think that precludes inheritances for our children, but rather it extends the concept to the next generation. In other words, it speaks to the concept of legacy.”
“Christian Family Legacy is about the meaning that your inheritance has on the next generation,” wrote Joe Sturniolo in his July 15th, 2015, blog for Kardia, LLC (“Building Impactful Christian Family Legacies”). “It is not just a synonym for inheritance. It goes deeper. It refers to passing the love of Jesus to all those that follow. It is about Stewardship of all that God has gifted you. It is about God’s ownership of everything that you have.”
“While we must be careful about the manner in which we apply this proverb (Proverbs 13:22) to our times, we must be equally careful to heed its wisdom and consider our legacies,” wrote Tim Challies in his book Run to Win: Consider Your Legacy. “…There is value in considering the legacy we will leave to those who follow us. What we aim to leave behind after we die sets the course for how we intend to live. …Have you considered your legacy?”
Sadly, on Oct. 1, 2021, Scott Read, 64, of Noblesville, Ind., passed away after a battle with bile duct cancer. Scott served for many years as a board member and treasurer of the East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation. In his obituary (flannerbuchanan.com), “His family noted, ‘There are not words enough to describe the legacy that he has set for us and the unconditional love he provides. Scott will be remembered as a father and grandfather, full of faith, strength, and devotion.’”
Wow, what a legacy! And many thanks to those of you that generously have made donations to the E91 Foundation in Scott’s memory.
“The Bible has a lot to say about inheritances, about the legacy one generation leaves to the next,” added Run to Win author Challies. “It commends hard work and diligent saving. It praises the man who passes something along to his children and grandchildren. But it also reminds us there is something you can leave behind that is of much greater significance than money. My friend, you are running the race of life, and if you are going to run to win, you need to consider your legacy.”
The E91 Foundation was formed in 1994 to provide members and friends with an opportunity to leave a long-lasting legacy of Christian service and missions through bequests, memorials, and gifts. The Foundation’s continuing mission: to fulfill Christ’s directive — going into the world, teaching, making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), and meeting the physical needs of hurting people (Matthew 25:35-40). During the first nine months of 2021, E91 Foundation has awarded grants totaling $100,564. During 2020, the Foundation awarded grants totaling $121,656. And, since its founding, E91 Foundation has granted more than $1.6 million to evangelical nonprofit ministries in Indianapolis and throughout the world. The generosity of our donors makes it all possible!
We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us by donating to the E91 Foundation. While a board maintains the endowment and grants funds to qualifying entities, donors can make contributions for specific purposes or create an endowed fund. The board then uses the interest each year within the donor’s guidelines to fund missions and ministries. If you’re interested in making a one-time donation to the E91 Foundation, we can accept cash, check, or donation via PayPal. If a check, please make it payable to “East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation.” Checks or cash may be sent via regular mail to: East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation, 6049 E. 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250. You may also make a donation or a legacy memorial gift via PayPal on the Foundation’s donation page.
Again, how can you be helpful? Indeed, what legacy will you leave to your children’s children?
Blessings,
Blair and Beth Austin
Co-Presidents, E91 Foundation
“Excel in the Grace of Giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
