Lillian’s Dream Gift: Leaving a Legacy for the Gospel

For more than two decades, Lillian faithfully partnered with Inspiration Ministries to help reach people for Jesus Christ. But at 89, her partnership took an extraordinary turn.

It began with a financial decision. Then came a dream. Not once. Not twice. Three nights in a row.

Lillian responded with an act of obedience that would allow her life’s resources to continue spreading the Gospel long after her lifetime.

A Legacy of Faith Begins to Grow

Lillian had been an Inspiration Ministries partner since 1999. Over the years, she had helped David Cerullo and Inspiration Ministries share the Gospel and disciple believers around the world.

Then God began dealing with her about another way she could use what He had entrusted to her.

“The Lord made it very clear that I was to invest part of my proceeds of the sale of my house into a Charitable Gift Annuity with Inspiration Ministries,” she explains. “Ever since I did that, I’ve been extraordinarily blessed!”

For Lillian, that could have been the end of the story. But it wasn’t.

The Dream That Came Three Times

One night, Lillian had a vivid dream.

“I had a vivid dream where the Lord said to me, ‘Give your estate to Inspiration Ministries,’” she recalls. “This happened not just once, but three nights in a row!”

For three nights, her dream carried the same message. Lillian decided to act.

She ultimately made the extraordinary decision to gift 100% of her estate to God’s Kingdom work through Inspiration Ministries, turning what she had accumulated during her lifetime into a legacy that could continue reaching people with the Gospel.

Her earthly possessions would one day be left behind, but through her decision, their Kingdom impact could continue.

Leaving More Than an Estate

For Lillian, this wasn’t simply an estate-planning decision. It reflected a relationship with a ministry she had supported for many years and a mission she deeply believed in.

“Both God and Inspiration Ministries have been so good to me!” Lillian gratefully says. “David and the Inspiration Ministries staff are just like family. I know God will continue to bless the fantastic work you’re doing for me and so many others.”

Lillian answered the question every follower of Jesus eventually confronts:

What will you do with what God has entrusted to you?

Scripture reminds us that our lives are temporary, but what is done for God’s Kingdom can have consequences far beyond what we can see today.

Jesus told His followers:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19–20 ESV).

Lillian chose to view what she possessed through the lens of eternity.

Her story isn’t a prescription for what every Christian should do with an estate. God leads His people in different ways, and decisions involving family, finances, and charitable giving deserve prayerful and careful consideration.

But Lillian’s story does ask each of us a worthwhile question:

What kind of legacy do I want my life to leave behind?

A Legacy That Keeps Reaching People

A Christian legacy is about far more than the assets listed in a will.

• It is the faith you pass on to your children and grandchildren.
• The prayers you pray and lives you touch.
• The Gospel you help proclaim.
• The resources God entrusts to you that you choose to use for His purposes.

Lillian’s extraordinary gift became one expression of that kind of legacy: helping take the message of Jesus to people around the world and helping believers grow in their relationship with Him.

One day, each of us will leave everything we possess behind.

The greater question is:

What will we send ahead?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christian legacy giving?

Christian legacy giving is the intentional decision to use part of your estate or long-term financial resources to support God’s Kingdom beyond your lifetime. This can include gifts made through a will, trust, beneficiary designation, charitable gift annuity, or other planned-giving arrangements.

What is a charitable gift annuity?

A charitable gift annuity is an arrangement in which a donor makes a gift to a qualified charitable organization and, in return, receives fixed payments for life. Because financial and tax circumstances vary, anyone considering a charitable gift annuity should consult appropriate financial, tax, or legal professionals.

Does leaving a Christian legacy only involve money?

No. Your spiritual legacy includes the faith, love, generosity, wisdom, prayers, and example you leave to others. Financial giving can be one part of a much larger legacy of faithfully following Jesus.

How can I use my estate to support the Gospel?

There are several possible approaches, including charitable provisions in a will or trust, and beneficiary designations or other planned gifts. Because estate and tax laws can vary, Christians considering these options should seek qualified professional advice while prayerfully determining how God is leading them.

Why do Christians think about leaving a spiritual legacy?

Christians recognize that earthly life is temporary and desire to use what God has entrusted to them for purposes with eternal significance. Jesus encouraged His followers to store up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20 ESV).

Explore Ways to Leave a Legacy