What Matters Most
How Mike and Carolyn Keep Stewardship Simple
After 53 years of marriage, Mike and Carolyn aren’t surprised when they see things a little differently.
Mike, a retired electrical contractor, fills his time with hobbies and outdoor activities, from archery and hunting to his latest project: planting and maintaining a 500-tree chestnut orchard. His favorite pastime, though, is hanging out with their grandkids, including helping four of the boys—all under 16—process lumber for their growing firewood business.
Carolyn, on the other hand, says she’s “just enjoying life in the slow lane.” She’s perfectly content at home, doing housework, always ready to stop and make Grandma’s famous pancakes when the boys all come in hungry.
“Mike and I are totally different people,” says Carolyn, “but what we have in common is our faith. That’s what drew us together originally, and that’s what keeps us together. We believe a lot of the same things, including the importance of our giving.”
Giving has been a hallmark of their marriage, a habit of generosity that’s become increasingly natural over time.
“Being older makes it easier to give,” says Mike. “Having both given since we were young children, we know we can trust God to provide. You can’t outgive God.”
Over the years, their desire to give remained simple, even when the assets they wanted to give were not.
“My family has owned some real estate for a long time, and recently, we were ready to sell it,” explains Mike. “I said to Carolyn, ‘I don’t want to get hit by a bunch of capital gains taxes. I just don’t think that’s good stewardship.’ So, I started doing some research, and that’s what led me to Barnabas Foundation.”
Barnabas Foundation helped Mike and Carolyn use the real estate to establish a life income gift. In doing so, they were able to support ministries they care about, avoid immediate capital gains tax on the donated property, and receive income payments for life.
Since then, Mike and Carolyn have also set up a Stewards Fund (Barnabas Foundation’s Christian donor-advised fund) account, further simplifying their giving. They’ve set up recurring gifts to their church and other favorite causes, and they can also give quickly and efficiently whenever they see a need.
“It’s made all the difference,” says Mike. “I really like the convenience of getting on my phone, hitting a few buttons, and sending gifts whenever I want. Barnabas Foundation just takes care of it.”
Mike says that convenience has been especially valuable when they’re making year-end gifts.
“Once we’ve contributed to the Stewards Fund, that gift is considered tax-deductible,” he explains. “I don’t have the stress of figuring out where to give, writing all those checks, and getting everything done in the final week.”
With fewer details to manage, Mike and Carolyn can focus their time and energy on what they agree matters most.
Mike says, “We’re passionate about giving, about treating other people right, and doing God’s will with our lives. And we’re passionate about our kids and grandkids.”
“Anything we can do to pass what matters on to them,” he concludes, “that’s good stewardship.”
—
This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2026, Issue 4).
