“For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11 (MEV)

Download Your An Estate Plan is More Than A Will below after this two minute read:

Wells Fargo knows money. Gallup knows research. In November of 2020, these two entities studied 1,709 Wells Fargo investors and learned:

•  Just 1-in-3 investors had a written will.
•  Only 4% of investors had complete estate plans.

Surprising? Perhaps — especially if we consider the universal truth in Hebrews 9:27, “It is destined for people to die once”. This 2020 research is just another study in a long line of studies that indicates many Americans do not have valid, up-to-date estate plans.

To be fair, most of us do not have the Hezekiah advantage either. Remember that good King of Judah? 2 Kings tell us that he did “what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

Hezekiah’s advantage was that during a bad illness, God sent Isaiah the prophet with an unmistakable message, “Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” (2 Kings 20:1 ESV) OK, at that point any of us would probably call for a lawyer and witnesses!

The November 2020 research went on to show that higher income did not necessarily mean increased estate planning, but older age did. Only 30% of investors under age 50 had wills but for those over age 65, more than 4 of 5 had wills.

While not covered by the Gallup study, what would be interesting to know is how many Christian stewards have up-to-date plans. My sense is that if you live the giving life you may see an estate plan as your final act of stewardship and generosity.

Where to Focus

People avoid estate planning for many reasons. Perhaps the most common is that they prefer to not think about what will happen when they die. Unfortunately, when an individual dies without planning, the family will pay a price. Government lacks no imagination when it comes to taxes, procedures, and fees. Simple transfers of ownership are often complicated and costly when they must be made without proper advance planning.

So rather than focusing on the negative, let me suggest that you think of estate planning in a new light — dare to dream. Creating an estate plan can be an exercise in fulfilling desires and impacting the world beyond our lifetimes.

For example, Marvel Comics editor, Mark Gruenwald, requested that his body be cremated, and his ashes mixed in the ink Marvel used to print their comics. If you have a Squadron Supreme paperback collection, there may be a bit of Gruenwald on each page.

Perhaps you wish to execute a more edifying plan. Because a Will is a permanently, recorded public document, through your Will you can inspire others with a statement of your faith, or share an important life lesson. In a world where people are fond of researching their ancestry, a Will can be a tidy way to leave a message for future generations.

While focusing on thorough, thoughtful planning, also consider creating Powers of Attorney to appoint someone to care for financial matters and healthcare decisions when you cannot personally make your wishes known.

Focus beyond the negative. Look at Estate Planning — whether a Will, Trust, Powers of Attorney, or other documents — as important tools to make your living desires known, and to leave the legacy you dream of.

May We Help?

If you would like more information about the documents that make up a complete estate plan, we have created an eBook which you may find helpful, An Estate Plan is More Than A Will. Download your free copy today and then contact Jeff Coon jcoon@fameworld.org or call him at 317-358-2480 if we can help.

©2021 CDF Capital Foundation

This year, with your help, we will be ready for her!  Who is she?  This 2-minute read will tell you…

Imagine being on a heart monitor and IV after surgery, finally resting, and learning you are going to be okay…. and then the steady beeping of the monitor stops!  You open your eyes and the lights on the medical equipment supporting you- go OUT!  As you feel your heart rate increase “Bang!” your door bursts open and a nurse begins to quickly wheel you out of your room and swiftly down the hall.  “Why are you moving me?” you ask.  The answer, “Auring!”  Who is “Auring?”

More Typhoons cross the Philippines than any other region in the Pacific.  Usually, 20 typhoons form and 8 or 9 hit land July through October.  Thirty-five Typhoon Names are ready for 2021, from “Auring” to “Zoraida.”  Auring is the Typhoon that could potentially hit a FAME partner Hospital on the North Coast of the Philippines.

Why were “you” being wheeled swiftly down the hospital hallway? Because many years ago, the Hospital acquired a small Generator just for Emergencies.  As the hospital expanded, and the Philippines National Energy Grid became outdated, only portions of the Hospital have Electricity when the power goes out!  They have to move patients from:

• Pediatric Respiratory
• Dialysis
• Heart Monitoring
• COPD and Asthma

All of these patients are at risk many times each typhoon season!

BUT this repetitive CRISIS COMES TO AN END THIS YEAR!

With your partnership, FAME has sent half of the funds for a New Generator which will adequately power the full hospital if needed!

The down payment has been made, the generator is ordered and should arrive BEFORE the height of the 2021 Typhoon Season when Auring, Bising, Crising, Dante begin to knock out power to this delicate Power Grid!

This FAME Partner Hospital is 100% Filipino-led and 99% self-funding for daily operations – an example of Sustainability!  Chaplains at this hospital boldly declare the gospel to EVERY patient who enters!

Can you partner with FAME with a gift to “Projects-Use as Needed” that will bring Power to the Philippines?  Power for Healthcare and Power for the Gospel?  The total balance remaining is $20,000- can you give a gift of 1%?  Or $200?

As you can imagine, children in the Pediatric Respiratory department and anyone who has to move during these power outages are very unsettled!  You can bring hope and healing to those who may have heard the gospel for the first time during their hospital stay – you are a life bringer!

Thank You!

Click here to make a difference in the Philippines!

Dear Friends and Partners of FAME,

It is such a blessing to know that each month, and each day, we have so many faithful partners who pray for the ministry of FAME. Whether it be the FAME staff, board members, volunteers, missionary partners, scholarship recipients, or ministry visits for which you are praying, please know that we are grateful to you for coming alongside us in prayer.

This month, the FAME Board of Directors will be meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal year and plans for the ministry. Please pray not only for God’s direction during the board meeting on the 17^th, but for each of the individual board members in the weeks prior to the meeting.

Pray also for many of our FAME partners for whom we have provided grants for sustainable healthcare projects. As many of these clinics are now under construction or soon will be, please pray for the safety of the workers and that no obstacles come up that would delay the progress. Pray also for the hearts of the people who will be treated at these hospitals and clinics, that they will be open to the Good News of Jesus Christ and that they too will know the hope that we have in Him.

Lastly, please pray again this month for some countries (continuing this month in Asia) where FAME is not currently working, but where we pray doors may open and partnerships may take place so that the love of Christ can be shared through medical evangelism. You can use the resource Operation World (either the book or website www.operationworld.org/countries-alphabetically.) to learn more about these countries and how you can pray.

Here in Indiana, spring has definitely arrived as the flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and the grass has returned to a rich green. Recently, I read a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that helped me see the blooming of spring in a new light.  He said, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”– Martin Luther King Jr.

May you each be reminded of Christ’s love for you through the blooming of spring and may you have a blessed Easter, as we celebrate the risen Christ!

Blessings in the coming month.

Click here for the April Prayer Calendar

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(Click Here for this month’s resource)

Once you attain the age of 59½ you can generally take distributions from retirement plans without penalty. If you make an earlier withdrawal you will likely be assessed a penalty, which will be in addition to tax owed on the amount withdrawn.  There are some exceptions: If you use the money to buy a first home or pay for medical expenses, the penalty may not apply.

And when you reach age 72½, you will be required to begin taking distributions from your retirement plans. A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your account each year. This requirement applies to qualified, pre-tax investments in retirement funds. Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

If you inherit a retirement plan (IRA, SEP, annuity, etc.) from someone who had already begun taking distributions, you will need to continue making withdrawals, and you will be taxed on the amount you receive. For some, adding the withdrawal sum to current income may result in a higher tax bracket, creating an unwelcome tax burden.

If you are age 72 ½, the tax implications for a required minimum distribution can be avoided.  If distributions are made directly from the retirement account to a qualified charity instead of an individual, the tax can be avoided.  Such distributions may be made each year and can be applied to satisfy some or all of the required minimum distribution.

If you are considering when to make a withdrawal from retirement funds or are in need of making a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and would like more information, we are happy to help.

Can We Help? 

We have prepared a special report, Charitable Giving Through Individual Retirement Accounts, to help you determine how IRA distributions work as an excellent charitable giving tool.  The guide is free and can be downloaded here.  There is no cost or obligation.

Contact Jeff coon at Jcoon@fameworld.org for more information.

©2021 CDF Capital Foundation

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”  –1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)

What are the benefits of your work?  For most, the primary benefit is the monetary compensation or salary.  But the fringe benefits also have value.

Defined as, “an extra benefit supplementing an employee’s salary,” a fringe benefit package might include: health insurance, life insurance, discounted meals or services, a company car, or many other compensations.

In his book, The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn discusses four benefits of living a generous life.

A Good Relationship with Our Heavenly Father –Paul told the Corinthian believers, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Of course, God loves us all but when we are generous, we align ourselves with God (John 3:16) in a way that brings us closer to His heart and character.

Freedom from the Encumbrance of Things – Physics teaches us that the greater the mass of an object, the greater its gravitational pull.  In life, this plays out as the more we accumulate, the more time, energy, and cost is required to use and maintain it.  A wealthy businessperson once told a colleague, “It takes a lot of time and money to maintain three houses.”

True Prosperity – Generous Christ-followers keep score differently.  It is not how much is accumulated in the here and now, but what is distributed (given) for others’ benefit that matters.  This is what Paul taught in 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”  (ESV)

Joy – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I would encourage you to explore the many facets of generosity. One sure reason is that giving with an open hand and a generous heart brings joy to the giver!

These are a few of the benefits of living the giving life – a life of generosity to others.  Now you can decide which are the primary and which are fringe benefits in your life.

©2021 CDF Capital Foundation

Many of you have responded generously to the news a couple weeks ago about a partner on the Bay of Bengal!  This active partner was ready to complete construction on a Primary Care Clinic, but didn’t have the funds- and might not be able to easily receive them after March.

This partner had the foundation poured when FAME Executive Director, Bill Warren visited in February of 2020 but had to stop construction because of the global shut-down.  In April and May of 2020, the funds they had saved for their construction were used to feed thousands of starving people in the 35 villages where they have planted churches.

In February of 2021, Bill Warren agreed, in faith that God’s people like you would respond, to send them half of the funds we had committed if they would begin construction immediately.  And they did!

Look at the progress!  They began 48 hours after receiving the wire transfer of funds!!

We still need to raise $ $19,800 to replenish the Reeves Project Fund from the first $15,000 sent ahead and the remaining $15,000 we HOPE WE CAN SEND!  If you can help us reach this goal, any amount will help!

If you aren’t sure how this will impact these fishing villages, let Jeff Coon tell you about emails that he and Bill Warren receive often.

Every couple of weeks I can count on a boost of encouragement about medical evangelism with our partners from this Bay of Bengal partner.  Why?  Because I receive an email that has an average of 12 photos of baptisms.  Not baptisms of children who have grown up in a church family…but of adults who have made a serious decision, even in the face of persecution, to follow Jesus Christ!  Here’s a couple of photos for you to enjoy!  I could wallpaper FAME’s Warehouse with the hundreds and hundreds of baptism photos I’ve received the last few years!

This clinic will save lives physically and spiritually!

As this long-awaited Spring season finally approaches, I am encouraged in knowing that after a long winter, and year for that matter, that you have remained steadfast in your partnership by praying for the ministry of FAME.  We are blessed to have so many faithful partners in ministry.

This month, we ask for prayers for our mission partners in Myanmar and Haiti, along with the countries themselves as both countries are in the midst of political and civil unrest. Pray that a resolution will happen quickly and that peace may return. Pray also for the safety of our partners there.

Also, please pray for many of our individual volunteers and volunteer groups that come on a regular basis to serve. Volunteers are a vital part of the ministry, and we are so blessed to have so many come to give of their time and talents. If you or your church would like to learn about volunteer opportunities at FAME, you may contact Barry Reed, Director of Mission Resources at barryr@fameworld.org.

Also, please join us in prayer as you did in January, for various countries in the world by using the website or book Operation World. www.operationworld.org/countries-alphabetically. In January, the countries for whom we prayed were countries where we have partners and are currently working. This month, please pray for some of the countries where we are not working, but where we pray opportunities may open for us to share the love of Jesus through medical evangelism.

Click here for the March Prayer Calendar

Do I need life insurance?  (Click here for this month’s download resource)

Life insurance is about protecting the people you care about most.  We cannot know when we will need it, but we do know it is important to have it in place before that time.

Life insurance can help prepare for the unexpected, to make sure your family will have financial resources if tragedy occurs.

How much life insurance do I need?

Let me start by saying, you are worth more than you think.  Life insurance agents and financial planners have their own way to determine what that magic number is for you.  Of course, your very specific circumstances and needs will impact that calculation.

To get a general idea, we suggest you apply the DIME formula:

• Debt – How much do you owe and what final expenses may you have?
• Income – What is the annual income needed to support your family, and for how many years?
• Mortgage – Do you have a mortgage on your home?
• Education – What funds will be needed to educate your children?

As your income and expenses rise, it is a good practice to review your coverage every few years.  If you have other unique situations — such as business entities, providing for charity, taxes — you may want to consider additional coverage.

Reviewing Your Life Insurance Coverage

When you purchased life insurance, it was likely to meet specific needs should your untimely death occur.  Since your purchase, what has changed and how might that impact your life insurance needs?

Some life-altering events may require that you increase your insurance coverage.  Marriage, the birth of a child, a new business venture, and a home mortgage are only a few things to consider when reviewing the amount of your current coverage.

On the other hand, are you carrying life insurance to cover specific needs or obligations which have already been met?  Have your children completed college and set out on their own careers?  Have your home mortgage and other debts been paid from income or other assets?

If you have life insurance that is no longer needed for its original purpose, consider these options:

• Cancel the policy to save paying the premium. This may be especially appropriate if there is no cash value and the premium amount is a burden.

• Check to see if the cash value is sufficient to pay the premium. Some policies have this feature.

• Maintain the policy but name a favorite ministry or two as beneficiaries.

• Gift a policy to a ministry, receive a charitable tax deduction, and help provide for a work you love. Additional deductions may be available for gifts to pay ongoing premiums.

And finally, as you review your life insurance, do not forget to review beneficiary arrangements, settlement options, and its place within your total estate plan.  You may find our eBook, A Steward’s Consideration of Life Insurance, helpful. You can download your copy here. And if we can answer any questions as you make your review, please let us know.

May We Help?

It is always wise to seek counsel and advice from an expert when you consider life insurance as a part of your future planning. Before you do, you may find our eBook,  A Steward’s Consideration of Life Insurance, helpful. You can download your copy here. And if we can provide assistance or encouragement along the way, please do not hesitate to contact Jeff Coon at Jcoon@fameworld.org.

©2021 CDF Capital Foundation

A friend once loaned his light-duty pick-up truck to a fellow church member who was moving. When the truck was returned, something was not quite right.  It seems the light-duty truck had been put to heavy-duty use and it was never the same after that weekend.

Was the man angry and upset?  Sure, for a time he was – after all, the borrower didn’t own the truck and yet he abused it.  Looking back over time, that incident now serves this friend as a reminder that we really do not own all that we use in this life.  The Bible makes it clear that ownership of all things belongs only to God: 

“The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof…”  Psalm 24:1

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.”  Haggai 2:8

“Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.”  Job 41:11

So, the trucks, cars, houses, tools – just everything – is entrusted to us by God but we do not own any of it.  Randy Alcorn, in The Treasure Principle, says it this way, “God owns everything, I’m his money manager.”

Our management strategy must be one that brings Him a great return on His investment. Taking good care of His assets is certainly part of our management responsibility.

Like the two sides of a coin, God’s ownership and our management are inseparable.  The challenge is to remember who the owner really is, and to make wise management decisions to bring Him a good return.  Or as Jesus put it to “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

What does it mean to be a good manager of God’s assets?  First, God expects us to care for those who are dependent upon us.  Read 1 Timothy 5 and you will see Paul’s explanation that when it comes to caring for widows – and by extension, all dependent family members – we are to do it without exception!  In fact, if we do not care for their needs, according to Paul, we “have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)

A second thought is shown in the generosity of God.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave…” John 3:16.  It’s been said that we are never more like our Heavenly Father than when we give.

A generous heart is evidence of understanding God is the owner and we are His money managers.

Let us know if you would like to discuss managing God’s assets or if we can be of any help in your stewardship walk. Contact Jeff Coon at JCoon@fameworld.org.

©2021 CDF Capital Foundation

This request is urgent – as in, FAME needs to send $30,000 before the end of March. On your behalf, we just wired the first portion to your FAME mission partner and they will start construction in 2 days!  Here’s the story.

You may remember that in late 2019, FAME partners like you paid for an ambulance (pictured) for the work started by the xxxxxxxxx family (unlisted for their safety).  That ambulance staffed by medical professionals now travels to 35 villages where they’ve started churches.  Many thousands of aged, widows, orphans, and families receive their primary medical care – in the name of Jesus – from that ambulance.

The xxxxxxxxx family works mostly with the fishing families of their region – and they’re acutely aware that a lack of healthcare is devastating to entire families when a fisherman is unable to work.  Here’s just one example:

Dhatri was severely injured in a fishing boat and net accident and was unable to work for 6 months because of a fracture that was not set since there was no healthcare available.
There should be no reason for such a crisis!

The xxxxxxxxx’s also know that many more people can be reached through medical outreach and they’ve begun work on a 16,000 square foot clinic.  It will provide primary health care, and a direct opportunity to connect this fishing community with the Great Physician!

To me, this opportunity seems a bit like the story in Mark 1 – “the whole town gathered at the door and Jesus healed everyone with various diseases.”

Here is how our mission partner sees the opportunity:

Children, mostly under age 5, will get regular immunizations and be treated for scabies and other skin diseases.  Mothers will receive prenatal care and the maternal and infant mortality rates will drop.  Fathers will receive medical care that will allow them to better work at their demanding fishing tasks.  Then there is the care for the elderly and widows…

Named after FAME’s first Executive Director, the Reeves Project Fund is for exactly this type of opportunity.  But the fund doesn’t have a bottomless amount of money, so I’m asking if you will make an immediate gift to help with this clinic for India.

The reason we need to send the money ASAP has to do with the coming changes of law in India.  The ministry is required to close their existing bank account and open one with the government bank.  Suffice it to say, getting the funds there by March 31 will save costs and simplify the process greatly.  Can you help today?  Thank you!

You can respond with a check – or, if possible, give online at www.fameworld.org/give to get your gift to FAME in the quickest way possible.

Either way, your gift will make a difference and will serve people working hard to survive and hungry to know the truth of the Gospel