August is National Make-A-Will Month, making it the perfect time to take an important step that blesses both the people you love and the values you hold most dear.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9 ESV)
Creating a will is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. It provides clarity during a difficult time, helps avoid unnecessary complications, and ensures your wishes are carried out. For Christians, however, a will is more than a legal document—it can become a final expression of faithful stewardship.
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Our homes, savings, investments, and other assets are gifts he has entrusted to us to manage wisely. Estate planning gives us the opportunity to ask an important question:
“After I’ve provided for my family, how might God use what he has entrusted to me to continue advancing his Kingdom?”
That simple question has inspired countless believers to leave a legacy that continues proclaiming the gospel long after they are with the Lord.
Family Comes First
Scripture teaches the importance of caring for those God has entrusted to us. Preparing a will is one practical way to do just that.
A thoughtfully prepared estate plan can provide for your spouse, bless your children and grandchildren, designate guardians for minor children, and help reduce confusion or conflict during an emotional season.
But not every family looks the same.
Some believers are single. Others are widowed, have no children, or have no close family members who will inherit their estate. Even then, having a will remains an important act of stewardship. It allows you—not the state—to decide how your assets will be distributed. You may choose to bless siblings, nieces and nephews, close friends, your local church, or ministries that have been meaningful in your walk with Christ.
For most Christians, providing for loved ones will always be the first priority. After those responsibilities have been met—or if there are no immediate heirs—you have the opportunity to prayerfully consider how your resources might continue advancing God’s kingdom for generations to come.
Continuing Your Kingdom Investment
Many ABWE partners have spent years praying for missionaries, supporting gospel workers, and celebrating lives transformed by Christ around the world.
What if that ministry could continue after you’re gone?
Many believers choose to include a charitable gift in their estate plans—not out of obligation, but from a desire to see God’s work continue. Some designate a percentage of their estate, others leave a specific amount or asset, and still others name a ministry as a contingent beneficiary after family needs have been met.
There is no “right” amount. The goal is not a percentage—it is prayerful stewardship.
For many ABWE partners, that stewardship includes remembering the Global Gospel Fund, which helps identify, train, equip, and send the next generation of missionaries while strengthening ministries around the world. Every gift helps proclaim Christ, make disciples, and multiply leaders, churches, and mission movements among every people group.
You Don’t Have to Wait
Legacy giving isn’t only about what happens after your lifetime.
Many Christians experience the joy of seeing their generosity make an impact today. Through gifts to the Global Gospel Fund, partners can see the fruit of their giving even now as their contributions equip and deploy new missionaries, establish churches, and bring the hope of Jesus Christ to people who have never heard his name.
Depending on your financial situation, giving during your lifetime may also provide tax advantages. Charitable contributions may qualify for an income tax deduction, gifts of appreciated securities may reduce capital gains taxes, and individuals age 70½ or older may benefit from making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly from an IRA.
While tax benefits should never be the primary motivation for giving, they can help you accomplish more for both your family and the ministries you care about. Be sure to consult your CPA, tax advisor, or financial planner regarding your specific situation.
A Legacy That Points to Christ
A will answers the question, “Who will receive what I own?” A legacy asks, “How can what God has entrusted to me continue pointing people to Jesus Christ?”
Whether that means providing for your family, supporting the Global Gospel Fund today, remembering gospel ministry in your estate plans, or a combination of both, every thoughtful decision can help advance the Great Commission.
If you have questions about estate planning, tax-wise charitable giving, or legacy giving, the ABWE Legacy Giving team would be honored to serve as a resource.
This National Make-A-Will Month, take the opportunity to create or update your will. It is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family—and one of the most meaningful ways to leave a legacy that will continue sharing Christ for generations to come.
Have Questions? Email our Legacy Giving team at legacy@abwe.org. We’re here to help you plan wisely and give faithfully.
Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
If you’ve been putting off creating a will, National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect reminder to begin.
ABWE is pleased to offer our ministry partners complimentary access to GivingDocs, a secure online estate planning platform that makes it simple to create or update important estate planning documents from the comfort of your home.
FREE ESTATE PLANNING RESOURCE – Compliments of ABWE
No Cost. No Obligation.
GivingDocs is our gift to you. There is no obligation to include ABWE—or any charitable organization—in your estate plan. Our desire is simply to help you protect your family and faithfully steward the resources God has entrusted to you.
With GivingDocs, you can:
- Create a legally valid will.*
- Prepare a Durable Financial Power of Attorney.
- Complete an Advance Healthcare Directive.
- Review beneficiary designations.
- Securely organize your estate planning documents.
*Documents must be properly executed according to the laws of your state.
