Molly PavlovichThere are endless reasons to give to Messiah Lifeways’ Benevolent Care ministry—each reason personal and meaningful to our generous donors. Some give in honor or memory of a loved one, and others give as a way of paying their gratitude for Messiah Lifeways forward. Though different in their “why,” each contribution is alike in that it comes from a heart of philanthropy—sharing a heartfelt desire to help those in need.
Keep reading to learn why four Messiah Lifeways community members choose to give in support of Benevolent Care:
Mimi Goodling
Messiah Lifeways Resident
There have been times in my life when I had to make tough financial decisions, choosing between buying lunch or filling up my gas tank. In those moments, generous people opened their hearts to bless me and fill my needs. And even during those difficult times, I still had a deep desire to give, doing so with my time by volunteering at nonprofits.
My husband, Bob, and I share this compassion for helping others however we can. Since we moved to Messiah Village in 2015, we have always felt incredibly blessed and thankful for the selfless staff and the Christ-like work that they do—providing top-notch care regardless of the circumstances. A resident might be receiving Benevolent Care, but I know that wouldn’t make a difference in the care that is given.
Being a part of the Messiah Lifeways community and contributing to such a wide-reaching and important mission as Benevolent Care is something that brings us great joy in knowing that others will be able to receive the great care that we have access to, when they need it most.
Delbert Turman
Messiah Lifeways Board Member / President at Susquehanna Insurance
My family’s and my desire to support the Benevolent Care Fund is wrapped around the mission statement of Messiah Lifeways: ‘We are a ministry that responsibly enhances the lives of older adults with Christ-like love.’
We have experienced this gift first-hand, as my wonderful 96-year-old mom has resided at Messiah Lifeways with help from the Benevolent Care Fund. The care, concern, and community that has surrounded her have blessed my family for many years. The Christ-like love of this community has led her from a cottage, to an apartment, and finally to her cozy room in the Nittany Community with a smile on her face and joy in her heart.
This gift has motivated us to pass this blessing on to others by supporting the Messiah Lifeways Benevolent Care Fund. It has had a remarkable impact on us, and we will be forever grateful.
Vaheedha Prabhakher
Registered Dietitian at Messiah Lifeways
I give to honor the memory of many residents who I had the opportunity to care for since I joined the Messiah Lifeways team in 2010. Some years ago, a few particular residents touched my life with their lives, and my contribution to Benevolent Care in their memory began.
The longer I worked at Messiah Lifeways and the more residents I’ve served and had the pleasure of getting to know, I realized that every resident had some way of blessing me. I wanted to continue paying that blessing forward by giving in their honor. The contribution may be small, but the satisfaction that it benefits the Benevolent Fund is great.
John Rabenstein
Messiah Lifeways Resident
My reason for giving is twofold. It’s partly a bit of foresight. Need can touch anyone and everyone, and there might be a time when I need assistance myself. And if that day does come, I pray that someone would be willing to help me, as I wish to bless them.
But mostly, I see it as a remarkable cause and part of our duty as Christians, to help those who do not have the means to care for themselves. Maybe these individuals were missionaries, pastors, or those who dedicated their whole lives to serving others and their life savings can no longer support their needs—whoever they are, I hope that my contribution to Benevolent Care shows what it means to love others as Christ would.
What’s your “why” for giving?
Share it with us by emailing development@messiahlifeways.com.
