Bible Society supporters get together to explore St Paul’s

If you love the Bible, you want to share it. For many of us, the opportunity to have the greatest impact comes with a gift in our will, when we’re able to give beyond what we might have been able to in our life.

Michael, a longtime supporter, told us: ‘My wife and I have both pledged a legacy to Bible Society in our wills because we can see the importance, beyond our time, of people needing the Bible in their own language.’

Last year our Head of Legacy Giving, Howard Barker, was given the first ‘Excellence in Legacy Pledger Stewardship’ award by Smee & Ford Ltd, a firm that supports charities in this particular area. He’s passionate about seeing people’s legacy gifts make an amazing difference, and getting to know those generous donors as they make their legacy pledge.

‘People make this big decision because they believe in the power of the Bible to change lives,’ Howard said. ‘They ask themselves, “What do I want the world to look like when I’ve passed away?” And the answer is that they want the Bible to continue to be shared, to be experienced, and to shape communities.’

Recently, Howard gathered supporters who have made this decision for a special event at St Paul’s Cathedral. Joy, who was visiting from Yorkshire, said: ‘I felt welcomed and at home, as if I was part of the Bible Society family – and I suppose, as supporters, we are.

‘The tour of parts of the cathedral was enjoyed by all. I trust that the Society will know increased benefit from legacy giving from many supporters, and I include myself in this number.’

Supporters like Joy and her husband had the opportunity to learn more about the difference their legacy gifts will make through life-changing Bible outreach with children in Guatemala and the Christian think thank, Theos, which makes the case for the Bible in public life here at home. Joy said she found this work to be ‘particularly opportune and relevant’, which built her confidence in the impact of her support.

Marian also enjoyed exploring St Paul’s and discovering more about the work she’s enabling. She said: ‘Every aspect of it was unforgettable – the beauty of the place, the eloquence of the speakers, the chance to meet other members of the Society, the kindness and attention of your staff, the tour so expertly led, the discovery of Theos and its work, and the opportunity to take Communion in such a setting.

‘It is a joy to be a member of your organisation and to have the opportunity to contribute.’

Find out more about legacy giving, including how you can get help writing your will free of charge.

Explore legacy giving