HOW MUCH TO KEEP THE GROWING GENEROSITY OF JACK AND MARY ANN BYEMAN

"Everything we have is a gift from God, 100 percent," Jack explains. "You don't have to have a boatload of money to give any of it away."

This is how Jack and Mary Ann Byeman explain why generosity has never been determined by how much or how little they have. From the very beginning-regardless of their circumstances-they've been guided by their Scripture-based belief that it all belongs to God.

That philosophy drove them as newlyweds to give what they could to their church and other ministries, even as they were starting new careers and raising a young family.

Nearly 50 years later, with three grown children and after a successful career as the chief financial officer of a Boeing Company segment, Jack and Mary Ann are delighted to direct even more time and resources to charities like Calvin University. Together, they are as quick to volunteer at their church as they are to pull out their checkbook or work on a tax-efficient giving plan.

The Byemans have also put together a comprehensive charitable plan that includes a planned gift to Calvin University. With this planned gift they hope to support, among other specifics, the future Soccer Stadium and athletics department at Calvin in the future. They have also created a scholarship in memory of Jack's father. Through this they honor their commitment to Christian higher education for years to come.

Jack and Mary Ann have also set up a gift called a "charitable remainder trust" as part of their estate plan. "We'll be funding it with an IRA, which turns out to be a really great asset to give to charity. Otherwise, our kids would end up paying taxes on any IRA assets they inherit."

As the Byemans continue to pay attention to God's Word and their changing circumstances, they are prayerfully evaluating what the Lord would have them do next. "I don't think it's proper to decide how much we should give," concludes Jack. "Instead, we're trying to decide how much we should keep of what God has given us. It's all His."