Welcome to the 40acts Generosity Challenge, Stewardship's new podcast for Lent.

Would you like to do Lent differently this year? This 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection leading up to Easter is normally associated with giving stuff up but 40acts, our generosity challenge for Lent, flips that right on its head to focus instead on giving stuff away – that's right, giving stuff away - not just money but also our time and talents. It's a wonderful opportunity to bless people in creative ways big and small and to have lots of joy and fun in the process.

Each week from Ash Wednesday onwards throughout Lent, hear from a member of our Stewardship community who is engaged in 40acts. Our guests will share the highs and lows of their 40acts journey so far and how their faith is helping them to keep going.

So, please join us for encouragement and inspiration as you embark on your own 40acts journey this Lent season.

Listen to our podcast trailer to find out more and sign up for 40acts to be the first to receive each week's podcast as well as daily resources to support you on your 40acts journey.

Together, let's discover the joy of active generosity this Lent.

Sign up to 40acts to receive this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewardship/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stewardship.org.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stewardshipuk

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Esther Simmons

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/

In this episode of Active Generosity we hear from Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair, an international humanitarian organisation that has provided emergency relief to over 53 million people in 43 crisis-affected countries.

Anne shares her remarkable journey from growing up in South Africa as the child of missionaries to leading life-saving programmes in some of the world's most challenging contexts.

This episode explores:

• how generosity transcends cultural boundaries and brings hope
• the impact of childhood experiences on Anne's calling to humanitarian work
• Medair's mandate to provide healthcare, nutrition, water and shelter in crisis zones
• what it means to live with a generous spirit - even in times of scarcity
• powerful stories of faith, including the feeding of the 5,000 and an eight-year-old donor's inspiring gift
• the role of biblical stewardship and why generosity is central to thriving communities

"If I see scarcity, I struggle to be generous. But if I know His abundance, I can in faith lean into the generosity that He has called us to."

Anne's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

Anne highlighted Isaiah 58 as her go-to passage. It speaks about true fasting, caring for the hungry, the poor and those in need of shelter. It promises that when we 'spend ourselves' for others, we will be like a well-watered garden, repairers of broken walls and communities will flourish. She also noted the importance of Sabbath rest in that passage - giving from a place of fullness, not emptiness.

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Anne:

Anne asked for:

• protection and wisdom for Medair's teams working in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas provision and resources to continue life-saving work
• courage to operate from a spirit of abundance, not fear
• flourishing and joy as they live out generosity in challenging times

Related links:

Medair: https://www.medair.org

The Interagency Standing Committee (IASC): https://interagencystandingcommittee.org

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

New podcast coming for 40acts, our generosity challenge for Lent - sign up now! https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts

This Lent, Stewardship will guide you through 40 days of reflections and challenges, created with Christian partners and voices from across the Church. Each day offers a simple opportunity to live out generosity in everyday life.

New for this year: a weekly podcast miniseries to inspire and encourage you on your 40acts journey. Plus 40acts will be available in the Stewardship Giving App for the first time, helping you stay engaged and see how your generosity grows.

Download the Stewardship Giving App: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/giving-account

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stewardship.org.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stewardshipuk

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Founder and Director of Stewardship Wealth*, a faith-aligned financial planning practice based in the North East of Scotland.

Simon shares the incredible journey he's been on to embed faithful stewardship and joyful generosity into his financial planning business. He also unpacks his personal faith journey and how he tries to support others in their journeys of generosity.

"There's no such thing as my money. It's God's money He's asked me to manage for Him for a purpose, for a season. There's no such thing as my time, my skills, my expertise, my health, my love, my life. Jesus is a sustainer of all these things…So, all of this is to do what God has given me for His will. He chooses to give me free will in how I respond and what I want to respond is faithfully in my finance and be a really good steward."

*Stewardship Wealth is a limited company that is completely independent of Stewardship (charity no: 234714). Stewardship Services (UKET) Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not provide investment advice or recommendations in relation to investments or firms (which include Stewardship Wealth Ltd). If you do require financial advice, you will need to consult a regulated financial adviser.

Simon's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

"For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Simon:

At the time of recording, Stewardship Wealth was trying to buy a building for use by Simon's church. Simon asked for:

• patience and perseverance through the process
• God's provision for the decision-makers
• Stewardship Wealth to be the resource it needs to be for the local church
• Stewardship Wealth to grow in its business generosity for the church

Related links:

Stewardship Wealth is a limited company that is completely independent of Stewardship: https://stewardshipwealth.uk/

'Where Your Treasure Is…': The Podcast where Faith and Finance Meet with Simon Glazier and Bex Elder: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-your-treasure-is-the-podcast-where-faith/id1622954782

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Richard Gamble, Founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer.

Richard Gamble shares the inspiring journey of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a new national monument due to open in 2028, that will aim to make hope visible through stories of answered prayers. He discusses the challenges, milestones and the role of faith and generosity in bringing this vision to life. Richard reflects on his personal faith journey, the importance of stewardship and how he models generosity in various aspects of his life, including his former role as the chaplain of Leicester City Football Club. The conversation emphasises the power of storytelling and community involvement in the project.

"When I think about how God talks about being generous and with the gifts that we have and steward doing them wisely, I think about stories about answered prayer. And I don't necessarily, as most people, go to finance. I believe every time that God answers a prayer in our lives, it's like dynamite in our pocket."

Richard's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

'We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.' Psalm 44, 1-3.

Richard comments: "I love this scripture because if we give in line with His will, if we give in line with His promptings, then the person who receives knows that it's God's hand at work."

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray:

Richard's request:

• pray for protection and strength for him and the team behind the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, to help them face any opposition and spiritual battles

Please also pray for:

• the submission of diverse stories of answered prayer - especially reaching the goal of 250,000 stories by 2028
• the monument to become a living testimony to God's faithfulness and leads people to Christ through personal stories
• the successful raising of £5.7 million needed for operational readiness

Related links:

Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer: https://www.eternalwall.org.uk/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, hear from Tania Bright, Co-CEO of our charity partner Home for Good and Safe Families, which offers hope, belonging and support to children, families and care leavers.

Tarn, as she likes to be known, shares insights on the fluidity of money, the gift of being able to receive as well as give and how she's resisted a scarcity mindset to be generous, even in periods of financial hardship. She also weaves powerful stories of generosity with her faith journey, which includes her experience as an adoptive mum and how she's trying to encourage her two boys to be generous too.

"God designed us to live in that generous flow and we get a sense of wellbeing as a result of that. Well, what a God and what an amazing thing we can give out of lack and feel joy, give out of generosity and overflow and still feel joy. It's the joy of giving, the joy of giving even when it can feel hard."

Tarn's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

'In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.' 2 Corinthians 8: 2 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Tarn:

• for her family's plans to foster a teenager
• for Home for Good and Safe Families, that the generosity of their donors would continue to flow

For the life of the Church in the UK:

• for young people coming back into a relationship with God
• that an overflow of God's goodness would be felt across our country as we tackle some really big challenges
• for more children coming into the care system
• that we would be places of welcome as the Church and would open our hearts and our homes to as many children as possible so that we can live out the Gospel message as fully as possible

Related links:

Home for Good and Safe Families: https://safefamilies.uk/who-are-home-for-good/

GoHenry tools for helping kids to learn about good money management: https://www.gohenry.com/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Gary Grant, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of The Entertainer, the largest family-owned toy retailer in the UK.

"I wasn't generous before I was a Christian. In fact, quite the reverse, everything that I had was mine so why would I want to give it away".

Hear about the dramatic journey of generosity that Gary has been on, both personally and professionally, since he came to faith in 1991. That journey includes setting up our charity partner Restore Hope, which helps people get back on their feet with practical support.

"You can't outgive God. Be as generous as you can, as often as you can and make as big a difference as you can."

Gary's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

"Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained." 1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Gary:

· For discernment to use his time wisely to best effect

· For his fundraising efforts to get the new community hub for Restore Hope up and running

· For good health

Related links:

The Entertainer: https://www.thetoyshop.com/aboutus

Entertainer founder hands over shop chain to staff: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm2jjwmw9jo

Restore Hope: https://restorehopelatimer.org/

Give with Stewardship to Restore Hope: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20096832

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Annika Greco Thompson, a Growth and Relationship Manager for Stewardship.

Annika shares insights from her experience of faith and generosity and how they feed into her work with Stewardship, supporting and encouraging donors on their own journeys of generosity.

"One parable that I've been thinking a lot about lately is The Good Samaritan. This one speaks to me of the ministry of reconciliation which I believe is directly linked to generosity… It's not just about giving money, it's giving up of our power and our control…in order to see someone through to health and well being and fullness and that is exactly what generosity is supposed to do."

Annika's favourite Bible verses on generosity:

The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Annika:

• that she may continue to challenge herself to give more and to trust God more in that

• that she uses the platform she has at Stewardship to speak the truth in boldness and to encourage Christians to step up in their generosity

• to not be afraid of what man might think but to really try to be faithful to what God is asking of her

Related links:

Journey of Generosity – find out more and register your interest: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/event-series/journey-generosity

Recent blogs by Annika:

Investing for the Kingdom: A full-time ministry: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/investing-kingdom-full-time-ministry

Just grace, forgiveness and accountability at work: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/just-grace-forgiveness-and-accountability-work

What if Lent wasn't just about giving stuff up?: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/what-if-lent-wasnt-just-about-giving-stuff

Annika's bio: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/about-us/our-people/annika-greco-thompson

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by John Rinehart, Founder of Gospel Patrons and author of the book by the same name.

John discusses the journey he embarked on with his wife to become a global Christian and the pivotal conversation he had en route, which triggered his mission to inspire a new generation of Gospel patrons – Christians in business leadership who generously partner with those in the mission field.

Passionate in his belief that "the very heartbeat of God is generosity", John also reflects on God's call on us as Christians to be generous.

John's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for John:

That he may continue to have wise stewardship over his resources and the message behind Gospel patrons.

Related links:

Gospel Patrons: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/

Gospel Patrons UK Chapter: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/uk-chapter/

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, Director of Giving for the Church of England and author of The Porcupine Principle (and other fundraising secrets).

From porcupines to a 'MINT IDEA', in this wide-ranging discussion Jonathan outlines the principles that he believes are essential for both enabling giving and growing a culture of generosity in the Church of England. He also discusses his own experience of faith, generosity and the joy that comes with giving.

Jonathan's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning – you must walk in it… How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?" (NRSV)

2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:17

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Jonathan:

That he may be open to and receive the spiritual gift of generosity as embodied by St Anselm's prayer:

"I owe you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you."

Related links:

Church of England's 'Generous Church' model: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church

The fundraising target for Jonathan's own church was met within a month. Read the blog Jonathan and his vicar wrote that tells the story: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generous-church-blog/how-we-cleared-ps30k-deficit-one-month

The Porcupine Principal (and other fundraising secrets): https://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/the-porcupine-principle-2/

Jonathan's discipleship course 'Living Generously': https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/building-generous-church/generosity-resources/living-generously-films-small-groups-and

Subscribe to this podcast: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/subscribe#Podcast

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/

Shownotes

In this episode of Active Generosity, we are joined by Rev. Wendy Pawsey, Elim Minister, Head of Giving for the Evangelical Alliance and author of 'Generous with a Capital G'.

Wendy reflects on her faith journey and how that intersects with her experience of generosity as something that "flows from the heart" to create massive impact. She also shares stories and insights from her book on generosity in which she inspires all of us to rethink the difference our money can make.

Wendy is giving away 10 copies of her book 'Generous with a Capital G'. To enter, simply subscribe to our podcast email and tick the box to enter the giveaway. Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!).

Enter now: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Wendy's favourite Bible verse on generosity:

"Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?" 1 Chronicles 29:5 (NIV)

See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage

How you can pray for Wendy:

that she would have more opportunities to share what is in her book about generosity

that God would take her onto another level of freedom in generosity

Related links:

Generous with a Capital G: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generous-Big-Creating-financial-generosity/dp/1912726831

Subscribe to this podcast: https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Be the first to receive each month's podcast. You'll hear from our donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way and what a difference generosity makes to their lives.

Giveaway reminder:

Be in with a chance to win your own copy of Wendy's book 'Generous with a Capital G' by entering our giveaway.

Already subscribed? You're still welcome to enter - simply complete the form and tick the box (you won't receive our podcast emails twice!).

Enter now:https://stwdshp.org/podcast-subscribe

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/

X: https://x.com/stewardshipnews

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/stewardship

Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa

Episode website: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/podcast/