"GoFundGod"

 

“GoFundGod”

 

In 2010 Brad Damphousse and Andrew Ballester founded “GoFundMe”, an online program to “raise money for personal causes, emergencies, charitable projects and life events.” Pages are set up to receive donations for ministries, medical expenses, disaster relief and other worthwhile projects. While its intention may be honorable it’s also subject to fraud and abuse. So it’s important that we make sure that any need presented is legitimate and not a scam for personal advantage.

The entrepreneurs who created “GoFundMe” thought they had an original idea but David beat them to it by about 3000 years. Even though God had told the king that he’d not have the privilege of building the temple dedicated to worshipping Him David took action to provide resources for his son Solomon to do so. In 1 Chronicles 29 David established a “GoFundGod” for this great effort: “The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for (people) but for the Lord God. With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God…Besides…I now give my personal treasures…over and above everything I have provided….” (Verses 1-3). After setting this example he issued a challenge to the citizenry: “Now, who is willing to consecrate (oneself) today to the Lord?” (Verse 5). The leaders then “…gave willingly….” (Verse 6) and the construction was successfully completed about eleven years later (1 Kings 7:51).

Hardly a day goes by without our receiving requests for donations through texts, email or snail mail. Be they ministries or otherwise, most are worthwhile but obviously it’s not possible to give to each one. So how can we be reasonably assured that what we donate will be utilized for the stated purpose? First, pray for wisdom in using what God’s entrusted to us (James 1:5). Then, too, we can request a financial statement (if there’s reluctance to provide this it’s a big red flag). And for ministries the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) was established in 1979 to set standards for Christian organizations’ fiscal practices. And for most charitable efforts (both religious and secular) information can be obtained from Charity Navigator concerning how donations and other resources are allocated.

God says, “…It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 4:2, NASB). Let’s put this into practice in our “GoFundGod” efforts and all other financial decisions.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan