A Message from the Executive Partner
Brett Elder

There is an important principle that God has spent years impressing upon me. The principle: That the needs of people are best met at the most local level possible. This Biblical notion was the catalyst that caused me to help launch the ministry of International Steward.

You see, this world is full of more critical needs than you and I can scarcely contemplate, much less effectively address. Standing in the midst of some of the “least of these” in underdeveloped countries, the task seems insurmountable.

Jesus Christ, however, doesn’t call us to solve all the problems of this world. He does strongly urge us to take care of the needs of people around us. Meeting needs around us is not simply a statement of our responsibility toward others, it also reflects the privilege that God has entrusted to us. When we abdicate this responsibility, we lose the privilege.

Around the world, millions have never known the privilege of giving of themselves and their resources to meet the needs around them. Why? Because for so many years organizations, government, and even churches have stepped in to fill in the gap. As a result, people have not been encouraged to grow in the grace of giving.

At a recent workshop in Haiti, I was so encouraged to hear national ministry leaders testify to the fact that the responsibility and privilege for the growth of the church in Haiti falls squarely on the shoulders of those within their country. I was awed to see many of these ministry leaders more excited about cultivating stewards within their local communities than simply getting their ministries funded.

It has been just a few short months into this new ministry and I am excited to see, what I believe is, the beginning to a “turning of the tide.” It is because of your faithful financial stewardship and our common vision, that we are seeing needs of people being met and many exercising the privilege of stewardship … even in the most poverty stricken regions.

I have the dual privilege of helping others around the world to understand stewardship principles and at the same time being a “student” of those of you who model effective stewardship of what God has entrusted to you.

Thank you for your ministry in making this possible.

 

Brett Elder

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