God working through your legacy

“A legacy gift has a multiplier effect for ministry potential.” - Wayne Larson, MEM International Director

Legacy gifts bless our work in the Middle East and North Africa in a very special way.

If you haven’t made a Will yet, maybe now is a good time to do so to ensure that your family does not lose out and your money is used how you want it to be. A solicitor can help you create a Will, and assist in how to include a charity bequest. If you already have a valid Will, MEM can provide you with a codicil – a supplement to a Will – amending part of it, whilst avoiding the expense of changing your Will.

An interview with Wayne Larson, International Director of MEM. Wayne began his career in TV and radio, before helping to launch MEM’s North Africa-based production ministry over 30 years ago. Wayne co-led the Gulf team until 2017, when he became MEM's International Director.

What has been the impact of legacies in recent years?

To start off with, it’s given us the opportunity to do things we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. We’ve started ministry projects that would probably have been delayed for many years. Our teams have also been hugely encouraged – when they see that someone who has believed in us for years wants to continue investing, it’s an incredible encouragement both emotionally and spiritually.  

What’s the difference between a legacy gift and other types of giving?

The biggest thing for us is that they usually come in just at the right time, when God has spoken to us about starting a new initiative or ministry work. They are usually a complete surprise, but we know that God is working, as we have a significant financial need and He provides.

What are some of the projects that legacy donations have allowed to happen in the last few years?

We have been able to finish producing 20 episodes of On Bended Knee, complete some of our Life in The Desert animations, and produce 23 videos to help another Christian organisation in the Middle East. We’ve also been able to invest in the capacity building of MEM, and do things that are really hard to fund by other means, such as providing health insurance to our teams and buying new equipment. 

What sort of project would my legacy go towards?

The most valuable thing you could do for us is to leave a legacy to our ministry in general. Mostly, because we could then make a wise choice about where it would be most needed and useful. But if you have a passion for a certain region or area, you could specify that it be used there. Though, leaving it open is the most powerful. God is in control. 

Who at MEM will ensure that my legacy is used in the most effective way?

The international Director of MEM with the ministry leadership team, which includes our regional directors, will review the critical needs of the ministry based on the strategic direction God is taking the organisation in at the time. Then, depending on the size of the legacy, where the gift will be used is reviewed and approved by the relevant board and trustees. 

What would you like to say to our supporters who are considering leaving a legacy?

THANK YOU for considering leaving a legacy to MEM. We really appreciate your current prayers and partnership. I also hope that you are around for many more years to come, so that you can see for yourself what God is doing through our ministry. 

We understand that it can be a very a sensitive and difficult task to plan your Will.  If you would like more information on leaving a legacy to MEM, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us in confidence.