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| "Open Hearts ... Open Home" |
Even before the Hogstroms had children of their own, Matt and Belinda believed God was leading them to a special ministry of caring for children in need with no place to go and no one to help. "Being a foster parent is our passion and calling," stated the couple.
For the past 11 years, the Hogstroms have opened their hearts and their home to more than 30 foster children. Today even their own three children - Zachary, age 10, and twin sisters, Katelyn and Kristen, age 8 - are involved in showing love to those in need. "My girls love having the younger foster children in our home," Belinda shared. "The twins are little mommies at heart." She continued:
Zach too has a special place for those in need. We are currently involved in providing what is called 'respite care' for other foster families so we have a variety of children living with us each weekend. Some time ago we had a baby in a full body cast. Zach played with the toddler keeping him laughing and entertained for most of the day. Foster care is the ministry we do as a family.
This side of eternity, no one will ever know the eternal impact the Hogstroms are having on the children who share their hearts and their home. "Earlier this year, two 8-year-old twins lived with us who had no church background," Belinda remembered. "The foster children, of course, become part of our routine, so we took them to church and Awana."
"Another time, we had two brothers living with us who were 8 and 10," Matt explained. "While living with us, the 10-year-old accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized. The boys later went to live with their father. On their first Sunday together, the boys asked their dad, 'Aren't we going to church?' 'Now where would we go to church?' the father asked. 'At the Hogstroms' church' was the reply. Since then the family began attending our church, and the father has made a profession of faith and was baptized."
"You never know the impact you are having on the children and their families," Belinda commented. "It is very far-reaching. After our direct contact with the children, I pray for them often." Prayer is just another dimension of the special ministry God has given the Hogstroms.
Years ago, the Hogstroms made another decision that will impact many lives. As they were preparing their will and identifying the guardians for their children, they established a revocable living trust dividing their estate in fourths with a quarter going to each of their three children and the final quarter being divided between two charities - one being Awana. "We wanted to remember Awana in our long-range planning," commented Matt.
If you would like information about how you can remember Awana in your long range plans, please contact Jeff Schacherer at 1-800-22-AWANA. Our services are provided without cost or obligation.
 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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