I'm Not Working For You
Antonio Fragoso, an elder in my first pastoral district on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was a devoted man of God. Despite his age, he worked tirelessly and voluntarily for the Lord. We became close friends, and when I decided to express gratitude for his faithful work, he reacted firmly: “Please, don’t thank me. I'm not working for you!”
His words resonate with me as we close this quinquennium. Who am I to thank those who labor for the Lord? Yet, from a human perspective, I want to recognize those who allowed Him to use them to advance the God-first culture worldwide.
I will begin with the stewardship directors. They received a call from God to work as His representatives in this peculiar and challenging ministry, so crucial in the time of the end! They invite God’s people to sacrifice, to put their eyes beyond the veil, their hearts in heaven, and God first here. They don’t expect recognition beyond God’s approval and realize they also need what they promote to others.
Another group to be recognized is composed of church members and leaders who decided to experience the blessings of the coming age and seal a covenant with God by sacrifice. Like the Israelites, they voluntarily chose to leave Egypt. They have come to the desert, as it were, surrendering their worldly financial security to rely on God’s sustaining power—just as He provided for His people in the wilderness. They desire to know Him more and live by faith, and God has granted them this experience.
The final group Is constituted of those who are with us in the office. Johnetta B. Flomo has blessed this department for nearly 25 years, handling many responsibilities. Though she rarely sees the direct impact of her work, Aniel and I constantly witness how often we are commended for results made possible by her dedication.
Aniel Barbe has also offered his ministry to advancing the God-first principle. Even while completing his PhD, his vision, devotion to God, editorial skills, wisdom, and spirit of service have greatly blessed the department and its staff.
We must also acknowledge the steadfast support of GC officers Ted Wilson, Erton Köhler, and Paul H. Douglas, along with GC Vice President Billy Biaggi, the Stewardship Ministries advisor. Their guidance was invaluable as Aniel and I worked to revise stewardship-related sections of the General Conference Working Policy and Church Manual. Special thanks to Paul H. Douglas, GC Treasurer/CFO, who dedicated long hours to this work and fostered a global partnership between Stewardship Ministries and Treasury—a collaboration that continues to bear fruit.
Looking Ahead
The great challenge we face now is engaging the new generations in God’s work. Who will equip parents to raise children who put God first—in daily devotion, family worship, Sabbath observance, relationships, service, stewardship of their bodies, and finances? These habits must be instilled before children leave home, ensuring a lifelong commitment to God.
Besides the dream of having a worldwide offering plan (like what is in place for tithe), another crucial need is promoting Promise, a biblical yet countercultural approach to giving. What if every member understood that offerings are as much a divine requirement as tithes (e.g., Malachi 3:8)? What would happen to their spiritual lives and the mission of the church if every member gave a determined proportion of their income regularly and systematically instead of a random, sporadic portion based on fleeting emotions? Who will take up this call to promote Promise offerings? Let us say together, “Here I am. I will go.”
