Wayne and Louise Showalter of Ohio City, Ohio, created a charitable trust in thanksgiving for the Lord’s blessings during their 51-year marriage. A public auction of their farm equipment provided the funds for their charitable act.
The trust provides a lifetime income for the Showalters. Since LCMS Foundation sold the equipment as the owner, no tax was due on the sale. "We had no idea that this option existed," Louise said. "We hope that more farmers will learn how they can support the church this way."
If the Lord calls Wayne and Louise home before He comes again, the trust residual will be distributed to their selected church organizations. If you want to learn more about establishing such a charitable trust, or about its benefits, call the LCMS Foundation at 1-800-325-7912.