A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever prepare. As Christians, we are stewards of the assets God has entrusted to us, and a Will can play a major role in that stewardship.
A Will is the most basic part of every estate plan. It is a legal declaration of your wishes regarding the disposal and distribution of your assets after death. A Will is the legal document, drafted during your lifetime, which addresses numerous issues:
Without a Will, a judge in your state of residence will name an executor; bond may have to be posted; the court will name a guardian; and a formula will determine asset and property distribution.
Every state has different laws and regulations when it comes to the execution and validity of a Will, and they are often strict. Be sure to retain competent legal counsel, familiar with the laws of your state of residence to draft your Will.
As Christians, we are stewards of the assets God has entrusted to us, and Wills can play a major role in that stewardship.
A Will can be a simple and meaningful way of giving to God's work through Gospel for Asia. A gift made through your Will provides a legacy which directs your earthly treasure to produce heavenly treasure in terms of people understanding and receiving the love of Christ. Your foresight now can result in many people entering into the joy of our Lord long after you have entered in yourself.
You can make an estate gift by having an attorney write a new or replacement Will, or by simply adding a paragraph (codicil) to your existing Will. A codicil can specify that a dollar amount, a percentage or a portion of the remainder of your estate or property be given to GFA after your death. Adding a codicil gift to your existing Will is easy and inexpensive.
When creating a bequest to Gospel for Asia in your Will, or in a codicil to your Will, it is important to include our Tax ID#: 73-1099096.
To give a fixed dollar amount, you may use wording such as:
I give and bequeath to GFA World, Inc., 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, Tax ID# 73-1099096, the sum of _______________ dollars ($_____________).
To give a percentage of your estate after all bills and obligations have been paid:
I give and bequeath to GFA World, Inc., 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, Tax ID# 73-1099096, ________ percent (______%) of my residuary estate.
To give the rest of your estate after all bills and other obligations and bequests have been paid:
I give and bequeath to GFA World, Inc., 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, Tax ID# 73-1099096, all (or _____% of) the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.
To give property:
I give and bequeath to GFA World, Inc., 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, Tax ID# 73-1099096, _________________________________________ from my estate.
Be sure to provide a description and the location of your property, and the location of the title.
For a contingent bequest:
If _______________(name) or any of the named beneficiaries should predecease me, or in the case of failure or lapse of any legacy, I hereby bequeath his/her/their share to GFA World, Inc., 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, Tax ID# 73-1099096.
An attorney can be a great help in the preparation of a will or other estate-planning documents. State laws control probate, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney who knows the laws of the state where you live or where your property is located.
GFA World has created a Christian Will and Trust Planning Guide that can help you prepare for an appointment with your attorney and reduce the amount of time and money spent during that appointment. We will mail it to you upon request at no charge, or you can download it from www.gfa.org/wills/guide.
If you have already remembered the ministry of GFA World in your Will, please let us know. We would like to thank you and include you on a special list so that we will be sure to notify you to inform your attorney of any change of address we may have in the future.
If your estate is somewhat complicated due to business or real estate holdings or other reasons, GFA has enlisted the services of PhilanthroCorp, a nationally recognized estate design firm, to help you in your planning. As a friend of our ministry, this service is provided to you upon request without charge, and any information you share with them will be held in strict confidence.
Questions? Use this contact form, email [email protected] or call us at 1-800-946-2742.
All gifts are subject to GFA World's Gift Acceptance Policy.
DISCLAIMER: This information is designed to provide information and illustration of the subject matters covered. It is not intended, nor should it be used as legal, accounting or other professional advice. It is always a good idea to seek legal and tax advice from your professional advisor(s).
If you would like to sponsor, donate or make a store purchase, please visit our US office page.