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| How to Grow a Business with God - A Revocable Living Trust Story |
Danny and Karen Patnode practice a simple rule in their lives: "When God leads you to do something, you do it."
By following this simple truth, God has blessed the Patnodes beyond their wildest dreams. "You simply can't out-give God," comments Danny. "The more you give, the greater God's blessings."
Twenty years ago, Danny and his brother started a roofing business with five employees and meager returns. Today the company has grown to 250 employees and over $30 million in gross sales last year. "We don't advertise," Danny explains, "God has made the business grow."
Danny first became involved with Awana reluctantly. "I had raised three kids already. I didn't need to work with kids." But with Karen's gentle persuasion, Danny began to help with Awana at their local church. Then they became involved with their local missionary.
"We helped support our local missionary with our time, resources and prayers," Danny comments, "but it was during that time that we saw the greatest jump in our business.
From a business perspective we were not doing anything differently. It just seemed the more we gave, the more God gave to us."
Danny and Karen became more involved with Awana. At Discover Awana, they met Jeff Schacherer and learned how they could serve God with their giving.
Then Danny and Karen went on a vision trip to see Awana minister around the world. "When you always live in a Christian nation, it is easy to take God for granted. On the vision trip we were made aware of the struggles of others," Danny recalls.
Danny and Karen returned home determined to maximize God's blessings to them. They met with Jeff and our attorney, Rodney Piercey, and put together an estate plan that allowed them to meet their family's needs and provide a legacy for children through Awana.
In February, Danny and Karen returned to Venezuela to participate in dedicating an Awana building and see how God had blessed their investments. "It was like watching a
child grow. The ministry in Venezuela is now self-sustaining, and soon will be sending out its own missionaries."
"Each time we go on a vision trip," Danny remembers, "it is the children who tear your hearts out. We just want to help. God makes it fun and easy."
If you want to make a difference for the Kingdom with your blessings, please call Jeff Schacherer at 1-800-22-AWANA.
 Example bequest language - Please feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.
A gift by bequest will allow you to retain full control and access to an estate, but also provides the lifetime satisfaction of knowing that ultimately any unneeded assets will be put to good use. There are a variety of ways of providing for Awana in your will, but bequests generally take one of these three forms:
- A specific bequest leaves a specified dollar amount or a fixed percentage of your estate to Awana.
- A residuary bequest first gives the amounts you specify to the individuals you choose, and leaves the balance to Awana.
- A contingent bequest gives Awana the portion of your estate designated for another person if that person predeceases you.
Even without drawing a whole new will, a bequest can be provided simply by adding a codicil to an existing will. In any event, an attorney's guidance is recommended. Illustrative language of bequests for various uses is included below.
*Specific Bequest: (stated amount)
"I give, devise, and bequeath $_____________ to Awana Clubs International, One East Bode Road, Streamwood, Illinois, 60107, for its corporate uses and purpose."
*Specific Bequest: (percentage of estate)
"I give, devise, and bequeath _____________% of my estate to Awana Clubs International, One East Bode Road, Streamwood, Illinois, 60107, for its corporate uses and purposes."
*Residuary Clause: (remainder of estate)
"All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, wherever situated, I give, devise, and bequeath to Awana Clubs International, One East Bode Road, Streamwood, Illinois, 60107, for its corporate uses and purposes."
*Contingent Interest Clause:
"I give, devise, and bequeath ___________ to (Name of Person) the sum of $__________ in the event her (or she) shall survive me. Should (Name of Person) predecease me, I give, devise and bequeath said sum to Awana Clubs International, One East Bode Road, Streamwood, Illinois, 60107, for its corporate uses and purpose.
You may print a Bequest tri-fold brochure. Voice of a Legacy or Will Your Will be Known.
Check out our brochure entitled, What legacy will you leave?
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