That is what “Mr. Hayes” tersely asked a friend of mine 15 years ago. Here is how the story goes:
My friend “Bill” is a fundraiser who works for a Christian ministry and is tasked with finding resources to help spread the gospel in difficult places. Bill had a project in the Middle East that needed funding. For two years Bill was trying to get a meeting with Mr. Hayes because Mr. Hayes had a history of supporting Middle East gospel efforts focused on women and children. Finally!!! Bill was offered fifteen minutes with Mr. Hayes toward the end of the year in early November. By the way, Mr. Hayes was the president and founder of a very large business, so he was extremely busy.
Bill arrived 15 minutes early, but no matter—exactly when the meeting was scheduled to start, Bill was escorted up a set of rickety stairs to a large box-filled attic area. Mr. Hayes was 20 feet away and elbow deep into a couple boxes. He looked over his glasses and said, “Bill, I know who you are and what you do. Now, what do you want?” Bill gulped but was prepared. “I need $91,000 for a Women and Children gospel outreach project in the Middle East and I need the funding by January 1st.” Mr. Hayes, without hesitation, replied, “Call me back in 11 days so my wife and I can pray.”
Bill called Mr. Hayes on the 11th day following the meeting. Mr. Hayes asked Bill for one more day to pray. Bill called him the next day. Mr. Hayes said, “God has spoken to my wife and me. We will send you the $91,000 today.”
When Bill relayed that story to me, I was moved. Reflecting on “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes” has helped me realize the seriousness of how donors of Christian ministries consider their giving. This story has also helped me to consider “what I want” for World Impact as you contemplate #GivingTuesday.
I want you to know that I know you are busy, but you always make time for God’s plans and purposes. I want you to know that I am blown away by your commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, prayer, and generosity. And I want you to know that giving to World Impact is entirely dedicated to #AffirmTheCall, empowering urban leaders in our world’s poorest communities.
Your generosity has helped us train tens of thousands of urban leaders and partner with thousands of churches. Your prayers have insured an incredibly powerful ministry on the cell blocks of so many prisons. Your shared faith has paved the way to new ministries among our nation's most traumatized citizens. And your continued faithfulness will make it possible to impact so many more.
What I want is unimportant. I am most interested in what God wants. God is delighted when you pray. God is delighted when you care about the building of the local church and spread of the Gospel. God loves it when you care for the poor. So, I look forward to hearing stories of how God’s voice has directed you.
Lord, what do you want?
