Why He Gives: A New Measure of Success
United States
Roger shares God stories with great grandchildren.
Roger Stewart knows what it means to build something that lasts. Over the course of his 93 years, he’s been the architect and leader of successful businesses. He’s guided and joyfully witnessed a family outgrow one dinner table after another. He’s celebrated 70 years of marriage.
By all worldly accounts, he’s been hugely successful. But with age and, perhaps, wisdom, Roger reflects, “The things of this earth grow strangely dim.” Now, he measures his success in generosity. In his obedience to the Lord. And in how far he’s able to spread the hope of the God Who has been so faithful to him throughout his life.
Roger’s passion for sharing the Gospel isn’t a recent development. He’s invested in global ministries for decades. But something sparked a change in his normal giving habits. One Sunday morning, listening to a livestream of his longtime church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Roger heard an Awana leader share a story about children being discipled in Africa. The message was simple, but it captivated him.
“God honors our little efforts. They may not seem like much, but He can turn them into something we could never imagine.”
So he did his homework. Roger began learning more about how Awana helps children know and follow Jesus, and he was fascinated with the concept of bringing discipleship to African schools. “It’s seeds falling on good ground,” he says. Sowing seeds for lifelong faith in Jesus is what our ministry is built on, and in that, Roger says, “Awana has the best ROI in the Kingdom.”
That conviction led Roger to give abundantly to help more children hear the Gospel and grow in their faith through Awana. He sees it as one of the greatest opportunities in the Kingdom today, a ministry that multiplies far beyond a single gift. “God honors our little efforts,” Roger says. “They may not seem like much, but He can turn them into something we could never imagine.”
Family time on the patio.
Indeed, through the generosity of disciplemakers like Roger, God is moving in communities all over the world. When you give to support even one child on their discipleship journey, the ripple effect is undeniable and immeasurable. And when you multiply it, it resonates across miles and generations.
Roger has, without question, built a legacy — within his own family, as a business leader and as a Christ-follower who has used his gifts to spread the Gospel around the world. “As long as I’m here,” he says, “I want to do what I can to encourage believers to give to Awana and help children know Christ. It’s a wonderful return on investment, and I’m thankful to be part of it.”
We’re grateful for Roger, and for every person who gives generously! You’re growing lasting faith in children around the world, and we’re honored to steward it as together, we do the most important work on the planet.
