Donor Stories

Lifetime of Ministry, Lifetime of Income
Meet the Middleton's

Loyd and Rebecca Middleton have devoted a lifetime to ministry. After being evangelists for 23 years, they moved to Independence, Missouri, where they served as pastors for 27 years.
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Raymond - A Story of Significance
After watching an episode of NCIS- an especially good one - Raymond makes sure the cat's toys are stored away and switches off the lights. As his head gently lies on the pillow he begins dozing off smiling at God for the peace in his heart and the many good things that have filled his life. As his mind jumps from a favorite hymn sung that morning in church to the trip of a lifetime with his beloved years ago - his heart full, his mind echoing "Thank you God for the many, many"... as Raymond falls asleep. Before sunrise Raymond's eyes open to a new day.
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Giving and Receiving
Is it true that a gift can financially benefit both the receiver and giver? That is a great question. This issue tells a story that shows how the answer to this question has great potential to bless both the giver and receiver.
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What Is The Needham Society?
What is the Needham Society? Simply put, it is the legacy revenue stream for Vanguard University. Legacy is something lasting and of great importance.
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Clayton Knudtson – Class of 1953
On April 27, 1926, the cutest baby ever delivered at Trinity Hospital was born in Minot, North Dakota. After a year in the big city, I moved to an abandoned prairie cottage that my Dad renovated. We had nearly a section of pasture and grain-fields. The 1930?s were very economically cruel. Those times make today's bad economy seem like paradise. One evening we had only garden tomatoes for supper. We had no seasoning, so my mother had me walk over the hills for half a mile to our neighbor to borrow a spoonful of salt. One Saturday night...
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A Love Story and China: Part I
...One morning in chapel, Dr. Mike Wilson announced a summer missions' trip to China. My heart practically jumped out of my chest ... I knew I would be going on that trip! I immediately called my mom and dad to say, "This Summer 2004, I am going to China." They were shocked but supportive.
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A Love Story and China: Part II
Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization over the years. Both of them strongly believe that it is important to support and encourage our mission.
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What a Difference Vanguard Can Make
It was over half a century ago (1953) that I chose to attend Vanguard University (known then as Southern California Bible College, SCBC).
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Cherished Memories...
Vanguard is in my blood, or at least that's what I've always been told. I can remember shooting hoops in "The Pit" when I wasn't big enough to hold a basketball and playing in the ...
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Hearing God's Voice
Remember those abrupt, gripping moments when God spoke directly to you?
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Gift of Real Estate
We had believed in and practiced tithing from childhood, but through fifty years of ministry at home and in Africa our modest remuneration had limited our ability to make a major financial contribution to any of the many worthy projects we believed in...

One morning we realized that we actually had an opportunity to do what we had never dreamed possible...
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Finding a Home
Victor and Mona DeRouis' connection to Vanguard was always strong. When Victor immigrated from Peru to southern California in 1949.
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Like Clay in the Potter's Hands...
Marie Smith fondly remembers the day she set foot on Vanguard University (SCBC at the time). She was a new believer and hungry to know more about God and His purpose for her life.
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Gift Examples

Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities.
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Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their children. After her spouse passed, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her home.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.
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Leading for the Future
Luke and Candice spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice Trust
While visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.
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Providing for Our Children's Future
Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.
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