I have been looking after Bequests within the ABM for a little more than five years.

I extend thanks to all ABM/AID supporters who have taken steps to include a gift in their Will.

It is a deeply life-affirming and proper experience to have one’s Will in its best shape, a shape deeply considered.

Some supporters have given regularly to many projects and appeals across as much as forty years, and then concluded their regular support with a gift added to their Will. Thank you.

Some have commenced supporting ABM/AID more recently as new crises emerge in our world, and where ABM is ready to help via its partner relationships and personal connections. Newer supporters too, have added a clause to a Will.  Thank you.

For instance:

Myanmar has risen to prominence lately, as has Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Both places have an air of desperation about them, but also a sense of hope. Wars bring horrific downsides.

Where war has broken out, focused financial support will continue to be needed, and at some point, much larger sums will be needed for rebuilding beyond immediate, pressing needs.

This is where Bequests or Gifts in Wills can make a huge difference. Hope becomes strategic.

Bequests arise as one reflects on one’s life-trajectory and the capacity to make a final or legacy difference to causes that sit deep in the heart. A Bequest often involves “Over the horizon thinking” and getting in touch with one’s basic motivations to act.

For us, ABM/AID is that legacy, or core heart institution, because of its considered connections with needs identifiable under its Five Marks of Mission, and because of its embedded identity in 175 years of Anglican mission in Australia and more widely.

I have seen this significant support expressed for ABM/AID arise from a person’s Will, where, on occasion, a percentage of the estate has been left. Ten percent of an estate can be a powerful gift and achieve substantial good. I pray that more people will think these strategic and compassionate thoughts and act on them.

From such greater gifts, greater good can be done, and done across multi-year commitments, building strategic capacity for ABM/AID in an increasingly challenging world.

I encourage readers to take some time to explore ABM’s website to learn more about its work.

Ivan

Rev’d Canon Dr Ivan Head