What We’ll Cover

Cherise Vermeulen, Executive Director of Generous Generations, had several childhood experiences that radically impacted her faith and her understanding of generosity. At the age of six, she woke from a coma following a severe car accident, where she felt the healing touch of prayer. This life-altering event left her with visible scars, but it also prompted her to explore her identity in Christ and discover her intrinsic value. Later, as the recipient of an incredibly generous gift, Cherise came to recognize the immense impact of generosity in changing the course of someone’s life.  

Through these experiences and Cherise’s background in children’s educational television, God laid the foundations for Generous Generations, which now provides generosity programming, videos, and content for children and youth across 26 different countries. By collaborating with localized ministries and training local leaders, Generous Generations has reached millions of children with the message of generosity in a culturally contextualized way.   

Major Topics Include:

• The amazing story of how Generous Generations was born
• Different strategies for teaching children to young adults about generosity
• Collaboration as a central strategy for sharing the program
• How Generous Generations is affecting families and communities
• The challenge of contextualizing stories and examples to share generosity concepts with different cultures
• Tips for families to incorporate generosity into the daily lives of their children

Quotes to Remember

• “Even in times of need, it’s not about what you can get, it’s about what you can give.”
• “I used to think you had to have a lot in order to give.”
• “Let’s decide how much we want to give and let God work out the details.”
• “Generosity is transformational. Why do we wait until we’re grownups before we learn about these beautiful values?”
• “Children learn quickly because they’re not afraid to fail.”
• “Teenagers need to feel like they have a voice and a role to play in deciding how to give.”
• “We want children under the age of twelve to begin to understand that generosity is an adventure.”
• “With the great wealth transfer being underway, we have the opportunity to speak to children and youth now to instill these biblical values of generosity and stewardship into their lives so that by the time they reach adulthood, they will be able to make huge decisions about how money is spent.”
• “When a child discovers the joy of giving, it’s not a duty to them or something that they have to do, it’s something they get to do. And the joy is contagious!”
• “Generosity is a new way to spread the gospel because it’s a universal language. It’s a concept that’s understood across cultures.”

Links from the Show

• Generous Generations
• Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
• Scripture Union
• Global Children’s Forum
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Philippians 4:8 | Think on These Things  

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Cherise Vermeulen, Executive Director of Generous Generations, on Seeding Generosity in Children and Youth appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Scott Cheatham, CEO of e3 Partners and I Am Second, was raised in a Christian, entrepreneurial family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scott started off in the business world as a successful entrepreneur living the American dream. But God got his attention in a powerful way, and led him to sell it all without knowing where God was taking him next. Through baby steps of radical obedience, God led his family to the nations to plant churches in one of the darkest places in the world.  

Today, Scott’s business expertise and church planting experience have come together as he leads e3’s church planting network across over 100 countries. Scott is also closely involved with the Coalition of the Willing, a massive coordination effort among church planting organizations to see the gospel reach every person and village.   

Major topics include:

• Scott’s inspiring story of radical obedience to God
• Maturing a church plant into a healthy church
• Building accountability structures in church plants
• Tips for telling your story and sharing the gospel
• Collaboration between church planting organizations to advance the gospel

Quotes to Remember

• “The more obedient we were to Jesus, the more we were prompted to want to do more.”
• “We have a mission statement for our family and it’s simply this: Lord, help us to leverage every give, talent, and resource You have given us for the full extent of Your glory.”
• “Our life with Jesus is just baby steps of incremental obedience.”
• “We should be asking, ‘Lord, open our minds and our hearts to the opportunities that we have in front of us to have spiritual conversations.’”
• “There’s not power in your words. There’s power in Jesus’ words.”
• “God’s the one who does the work.”
• “When we speak the truth in love, God does the work.”
• “All God is asking for us is the simplicity of obedience.”
• “God is setting the world’s stage for hope in Jesus.”
• “Ask yourself, ‘Where am I investing in lostness?’”

Links from the Show

• E3 Partners
• I Am Second
• Coalition of the Willing
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Acts 2:43-47 | The New Testament Church

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Scott Cheatham, CEO of e3 Partners, on Missional Collaboration in Global Church Planting appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Leigh Ann Horton grew up in a Christian home where open conversations about money and stewardship shaped her perspective on finances and faith. Her natural talent for numbers guided her career as a CPA and entrepreneur, while also influencing her early approach to generosity. Initially meticulous in tracking her giving, Leigh Ann’s journey has since evolved into one of holding resources with open hands and following the Spirit’s leading in both her businesses and giving.

A turning point came when Leigh Ann and her husband connected with a community of like-minded givers, leading to a transformative shift toward heartfelt, Spirit-led generosity. Today, Leigh Ann is passionate about empowering women to engage in meaningful conversations about money and giving. Her inspiring stories radiate the joy and fulfillment that come from embracing a generous life.

Major Topics Include:

• From “tickled-tithing” to joyful generosity
• The transformative power of community in generosity
• Finding freedom from comparison and cultivating joy
• Growing as a couple in Spirit-led giving
• Equipping and inspiring women in financial conversations
• Understanding and measuring impact investing

Quotes to Remember

• “When I realized that I was being legalistic in my giving, I quit trying to measure everything and tried to become more freehanded in it.”
• “It doesn’t matter what I have because it’s not mine; I’m just a steward.”
• “As you know what your purpose is, then you can figure out where your passions align.”
• “Start where you are, even if you’ve only given a tiny bit before. You can start anytime to be generous with your time, your treasure, or your talent. It all matters.”
• “If you want to start being more generous, you have to start with acts of generosity.”

Links from the Show

• J4 Leaders
• Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)
• Talanton 
• Faith Driven Investor
• Solving the World’s Greatest Problems
• Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
• National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Malachi 3:10 | “Test Me in This…”

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Leigh Ann Horton, CPA and Business Owner, on Open-Handed Giving and Cultivating Joy appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Barry and Linda Rowan, a corporate executive and a CPA, were both raised in environments that emphasized faith, family, and the pursuit of financial success. By their late 20s, they had each established successful careers; however, they found themselves in a crisis as they sought meaning in their work. In their quest for purpose, they were brought to a position of total spiritual surrender. Through a series of paradigm shifts, they learned from God how to integrate their faith, generosity, and professions, ultimately creating a harmonious blend of work and spirituality.  

Barry has served as CEO and CFO of eight major companies over his career and sees business as an expression of faith when walking in step with God. Together Barry and Linda set a finish line early in their marriage which has guided their generosity since, and they are passionate about raising up the next generation of givers and Christ-following leaders to view all that they are, all that they do, and all they have to give as belonging fully to God.  

Major topics include:

• Discovering what purpose and calling looked like in their faith journeys
• Developing a biblical view of money and stewardship in their early 20s
• Viewing money as a gift to be shared, not a goal to be achieved
• Amazing stories about seeing God triumph greatly through failure
• Investing in spiritual disciplines
• Powerful insights on prayer
• What businesses and ministries can learn from each other
• How to pass leadership and generosity on to the next generation

Quotes to Remember

• “I was trying to derive meaning from the work instead of bringing meaning to the work. It’s really God’s perspective of the work that infuses our work with meaning.” – Barry
• “If we haven’t figured out how much is enough, we are by default lovers of money.” – Barry 
• “We stay in prayer until God unites our hearts in decisions.” – Linda
• “We’ve never made a major financial decision or contribution without coming to a consensus. And the process of talking through it is often as valuable as the end decision.” – Barry
• “Prayer is an anchor.” – Linda
• “If we give God the time to speak to us, then He will meet us right where we are. God is the Great I Am, and I must meet Him just as I am.” – Barry
• “We are made for the benefit of others.” – Barry
• “Nothing is wasted in God’s hands when we offer it with open palms.” – Linda
• “God is inviting us to live an integrated life under Him, and as we do, our work is not something that stands in the way of faith, but rather an expression of faith.” – Barry
• “It starts with surrender.” – Barry
• “At this stage in our lives, we have nothing to prove, we have nothing to fear, and we view our lives as an act of total generosity.” – Barry

Links from the Show

• God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines)
• The Spiritual Art of Business by Barry Rowan
• World Vision
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Colossians 1:27 | The Hope of Glory  

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  

Ecclesiastes 5:10 | The Love of Money  

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.  

Ecclesiastes 5:19 | The Gift of Enjoying Wealth  

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.  

Luke 12:48b | An Expected Return  

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.  

Luke 14:33 | Full Surrender  

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.  

Jeremiah 29:11 | Plans for Your Good  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  

Mark 10:18 | Only the Father Is Good  

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.  

Galatians 2:10 | Remember the Poor  

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.  

Acts 28:31 | Teaching with Boldness  

[Paul lived] proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Barry and Linda Rowan, on Complete Surrender in Life and Business appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Dawn Hynes Esposito—entrepreneur, business owner, and author—always aspired to become a corporate executive, and her journey seemed to be right on track as she climbed the ranks within a Fortune 500 company. Yet, despite reaching the heights of her career dreams, Dawn realized she was missing a deeper sense of fulfillment. That’s when God captured her attention.

In a profound moment of transformation, Dawn fully rededicated her life to Christ, embracing the gospel with a renewed passion and a heart for bold witness. Since that time, she has devoted her time, talents, and resources to spreading the gospel as widely as possible, witnessing God’s powerful work in the lives of others. Dawn brings valuable insights into integrating faith and profession, offering inspiration on being creatively generous with all that God has abundantly provided.

Major topics include:

• Dawn’s inspiring journey into a life of full surrender to God
• Growing in boldness with evangelism
• Generosity as a form of worship
• Following the Spirit into starting her businesses to build the Kingdom
• How she and her husband hear from the Holy Spirit to make decisions
• Dawn’s faith journey in writing her book
• Leveraging your profession to build the Kingdom of God

Quotes to Remember

• “Evangelism is like building a muscle. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become speaking about faith with co-workers and friends. And then you start to get a supernatural boldness.”
• “Financial generosity is a natural outgrowth of understanding how Christ freely gave all. And there’s nothing we can give in return except our lives, our heart, our talents, and our treasure. It’s really just a form of worshiping the King.”
• “Whatever we give, God gives back to us in multiples.”
• “The Lord prompts us to do things that don’t make sense to the natural mind, and as we submit to Him and follow His leading even though we don’t know where He’s going, He just blows our mind with the outcome.”
• “Our’s is to act obediently; His is the outcome and the results.”
• “Through our minute generosity, God has demonstrated His great generosity in blessing us so that we can be a greater blessing.”

Links from the Show

• God of My Every Day by Dawn Hynes Esposito
• Campus Crusade (Cru)
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Zechariah 4:6 | By My Spirit

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 58:10-11 | God Is Generous with Those Who Are Generous

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Dawn Hynes Esposito, Business Owner, on Bold Faith in the Marketplace appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Micheline Ouedraogo, founder of Bridges to Burkina, grew up in a missionary family in West Africa with few resources. She learned from a young age what it looks like to completely depend on God for provision and guidance. While attending college in the US, she felt a call from the Holy Spirit to sponsor education for a handful of orphans in her home country, and despite her minimum-wage income, she stepped out in faith and obeyed. What began as a humble expression of generosity has bloomed into an amazing ministry.

Micheline’s inspiring dedication to live a life of submission and obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit led her from one divine connection to another, and Bridges to Burkina was born. Now, Bridges to Burkina works with rural villages in Burkina Faso, Africa, combating poverty by training locals to use agriculture and livestock to create sustainable businesses, as well as providing education for their children.

Major topics include:

• Choosing to obey God when it doesn’t make sense
• Listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit in life and generosity
• Breaking the poverty cycle through education and business training
• Balancing a full-time career with serving in the ministry
• Micheline’s vision for growth in Bridges to Burkina

Quotes to Remember

• “I’d rather take a risk and obey God than stay put and try to protect myself.”
• “I don’t want to just fix the today-problem and leave you with the tomorrow problem. What God has put on my heart is for transforming lives for today and the future.”
• “Everything we do has to be led by love. Then God will open the door for things to happen.”
• “I don’t want to do what I want to do, I want to do what you want me to do.”

Links from the Show

• Bridges to Burkina
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

The Book of Esther

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Micheline Ouedraogo, Founder of Bridges to Burkina, on Risky Obedience When God Speaks appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Actress Whitney Goin was raised in Orlando, Florida, immersed in a community, church, and family that modeled generosity as a way of life. Her father, a powerful influence, shaped her understanding of giving as a deeply relational commitment, leaving a profound legacy in his community through his wholehearted generosity. After his passing, Whitney felt compelled to pursue her own distinct path, discovering how to express generosity in a way that truly resonated with her.

A meaningful connection with our guest co-host, Julie Wilson, led Whitney to find a welcoming community in Women Doing Well—a network of faith-driven, generous women. This supportive circle helped her reignite her sense of purpose in giving, as she uncovered God’s unique design for her generosity journey. Now, Whitney uses her passion for acting and theater to inspire others, encouraging them to embrace their own distinctive calling to generosity in alignment with their purpose and passions.

Major topics include:

• Her father’s generosity legacy
• Learning how God designed you to give
• Following the voice of the Holy Spirit with joy
• The blessing and tension of freedom from comparison in generosity
• How to know and walk in your purpose
• Individuality and diversity within the Body of Christ
• Freedom in spontaneous generosity

Quotes to Remember

• “God does not ask us to give of ourselves until He fills us to overflowing with what He’s asking us to give.”
• “I started realizing just how unique and special and diverse we all are, not only with how we give and where we give, but in the way we were created uniquely to give.”
• “I’m now on fire with joy! It’s truly an overflow rather than trying to scrap for a little energy to be generous.”
• “So much of our walk with the Lord is having the vulnerability to really get to know ourselves and let Him show us who we are. Stop trying to be who you think you’re supposed to be so you can truly be the hands and feet He’s created you to be.”
• “I pray everyday, ‘Compel me or constrain me according to Your will.’”
• “I don’t need to be any bigger than the influence He’s put right before me.”

Links from the Show

• Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)
• Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman)
• A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Matthew 11:30 | Easy and Light

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 | A Cheerful Giver

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Psalm 31:7-8 | A Broad Place

I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.  

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Whitney Goin, Actress, on Aligning Purpose and Passion in Generosity appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Bruce Hildenbrand, raised as a pastor’s kid in rural Michigan, learned early on to rely on God for everything. So, when he faced uncertainty about his college major, he encountered the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, guiding him into the business world with one condition: that Bruce would dedicate all of it back to God.

Since then, Bruce has become a serial entrepreneur with a 35-year passion for operating from a profound relationship with God. His journey is one of steadfast obedience, producing abundant fruit for the Kingdom. He fully dedicates his talents, resources, and business endeavors to glorify God. Bruce brings valuable insights into recognizing the voice of the Holy Spirit in business, practicing generosity, and investing in eternity.

Major topics include:

• Bruce’s supernatural encounter in the middle of a business lecture
• The necessity of a relationship with the Father as a businessperson
• God’s view of wealth vs. the pharisaical view
• Focusing on EROI (Eternal Return on Investment)
• The heart posture of a generous giver
• Keys to hearing from the Holy Spirit
• How you can start serving your community today

Quotes to Remember

• “You can’t do anything if you don’t have a relationship with the Father.”
• “If you are going to exercise spiritual gifts, you need God’s protection because you will be under spiritual attack.”
• “God, don’t prosper my bank account before You prosper my soul.”
• “God wants all the credit. He wants you to say, ‘God, You get all the credit for everything I do.’”
• “Riches are not the divine approval for your life.”
• “You can fool man, but you can’t fool God.”
• “Don’t violate God’s principles and expect Him to prosper your business.”
• “A relationship with God must be consistent, persistent, and tenacious.”
• “God’s first definition of a generous giver was a poor widow.”
• “It’s not about how much we give, it’s about our heart condition.”
• “Write the check and get out of the way. Let the Holy Spirit to His work.”
• “As a businessman, if you really understood the Bible and you really understood where you’re going to end up forever, you would be plowing every dime that you have into your eternal account.”

Links from the Show

• Treasures in Heaven, Part 1 by John MacArthur (YouTube Video)
• Treasures in Heaven, Part 2 by John MacArthur (YouTube Video)
• YouVersion
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

Bible References from the Show

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 | God Gives Wealth  

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.  

Isaiah 48:17 | God Teaches How to Profit  

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. 

John 15:5 | Abide in the Vine  

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  

Proverbs 18:11 | Strong City, High Wall  

A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.  

Proverbs 23:4 | Don’t Toil   

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.  

Proverbs 10:22 | Riches with No Sorrow  

The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.  

Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasure in Heaven  

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  

Mark 12:41-44 | The Widow’s Offering  

Matt 6:3 | Giving in Secret  

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Bruce Hildenbrand, Serial Entrepreneur, on the Spiritual Art of Listening in Generosity appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Zenet Maramara is the founder and president of Christian Stewards in the Philippines. After Zenet became a born-again Christian in her thirties, she enrolled at a seminary where she stepped into a fundraising role. Wanting to master the art of fundraising, Zenet attended Regent University and there experienced a “second conversion” into biblical stewardship, understanding the principles of managing God’s money for His Kingdom purposes in a way that is transformational to the giver, not just transactional.   

Zenet became passionate about advancing biblical stewardship education and has since built a multi-dimensional platform to empower the Filipino Church with generosity champions across the realms of business, ministry, and the local church. Christian Stewards has become a beacon of generosity in the Philippines and beyond, and Zenet had much wisdom to share.  

Major topics include:

• How Christian Stewards began
• The difference between transactional and transformational fundraising
• Articulating your theology in fundraising and stewardship
• Intentional integration of generosity and discipleship training
• Empowering business owners to share the gospel by integrating business and faith
• Steward-leadership theology
• Core beliefs for a conversion as a biblical steward
• The blessing and challenge of collaboration

Quotes to Remember

• “Whose money are you fundraising? Isn’t it all God’s money?”
• “It’s not just about money. It’s about the heart.” 
• “Giving is a barometer for our spiritual condition, and money is a great way to test if we are fully surrendered to God.”
• “Fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, a prayer, or going on a mission because you’re helping people understand who they are and how to relate with the resources that God has entrusted to them.”
• “My vision is that every one of the 92,000 evangelical churches in the Philippines would have at least one generosity champion who will coordinate the teaching of generosity in their church.”
• “Business is the new ‘Roman Road’ for the Gospel because we’re in the marketplace more than we’re in the church on Sunday.”
• “The steward-leader theology and practice is an upside-down leadership. Most leaders have the power, but a steward-leader shares the power, shares privilege, and shares in the purpose of the organization or company.”
• “If we hold lightly the material things that God has entrusted to us, then it is easier for us to listen to God when He calls us to move that resource to where it is most needed.”

Links from the Show

• Christian Stewards
• The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen
• Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
• Stations of Generosity from the MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines)
• Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson)
• Faith Driven Entrepreneur
• Rooting for Rivals (see our interview with author Peter Greer)
• Lausanne Movement
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Zenet Maramara, Founder and President of Christian Stewards, on Multidimensional Generosity Growth in the Philippines appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.

What We’ll Cover

Helen Schmid was very young when her family immigrated from China to the US with their eyes set on the American dream. She strove to be the best that she could be in all that she did to earn her place in life. Coming to faith as a student at New York University, Helen began to understand that her salvation was based on faith, not works.   

For over a decade, Helen led high-growth marketing teams at Walmart, Amazon, and L’Oreal. But in 2020, Helen and her husband felt dissatisfied with climbing the corporate ladder and were drawn to engage in purposeful, Kingdom-building work. They set a financial finish line and began to learn what generosity looked like, not only in finances, but with their skillsets and in all facets of their life.   

Today, Helen is the founder of My Strategy Mentor, a successful marketing and growth consulting firm that works heavily with ministries and businesses to equip missional, faith-driven leaders so that they can grow their organizations confidently and strategically. She also serves as a board member for Women Doing Well with our special guest co-host, Julie Wilson. Helen has much to share about meaningful work, a holistic approach to generosity, and the joy of living a life surrendered to God.  

Major topics include:

• Discovering a counter-cultural faith in her early twenties
• Her journey from financial generosity to whole life generosity
• Finding purposeful work beyond the corporate ladder
• Making generosity about glorifying God, not performance
• How she encourages her children in generosity
• Navigating when generosity feels difficult
• The impact of serving as a board member at Women Doing Well

Quotes to Remember

• “If God owns my whole life, as in my possessions, my time, and my treasure, I need to understand what that means in terms of what I have to give.”
• “What might God have for me beyond climbing the corporate ladder?”
• “Understanding biblical stewardship and generosity has given me a shift in mindset and values where success no longer looks like more.”
• “The more we surrender, the more we see the goodness and the faithfulness of God, and that allows us to then take more risks.”
• “We think of generosity as partnering with God to serve His Kingdom and make an outward impact.”
• “I don’t really view myself as a generous person. That feels like an achievement or a trophy. I just feel like I’m learning the boundaries God has for me, and I’m learning to listen and trust in Him more.”

Links from the Show

• My Strategy Mentor
• Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)
• Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)
• Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
• The Money Wise Adventures For Kids by Concepta Akinyi Otieno, Gabriela Awino Otieno, and Daniella Aloo Otieno
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The post Helen Schmid, Marketing Consultant, on Fully Integrated Generosity appeared first on Finish Line Pledge.