Why I give

People give for many reasons. For some, it’s simply how they were raised — tithing as a way of life. For others, it’s a desire to serve the common good, a generosity of spirit. The Messiah alumni and donors on the following pages detail their commitment to giving and, more importantly, to giving back.  

Ray Chung ’04

The journey

“I came from Malaysia to Messiah College in 2001, not knowing a single soul but was immediately greeted by a group of friendly faces at the Harrisburg International Airport. I graduated with a degree and a lot more, including the backing of a supportive community—professors, staff members, friends and alums—many of whom I'm still in touch with today.”

The “why”

“The time spent at Messiah College and the many who poured into my life during that season and beyond have shaped and molded me to be where I am today. My giving back to Messiah College stems from 1) a heart of gratitude and 2) witnessing how the College seeks to continue to remain mission true.”

Not sure how to give back?

Do this:

“Engage in one next step. If your first step is simply learning more about the financial stewards of Messiah College, then do that. If your next step is to pray for a student-athlete going on an AROMA missions trip, then sign up for their prayer request. If your next step is to guest speak and share about your vocation, then reach out to the alumni office. What is your next step?”

Don’t wait

“A mentor cautioned me on the trappings of postponement. It goes like this, ‘I will give back when I … become a director, turn 40, make $60,000 per year.’ Don't do it. Don't wait. Obey now. Serve now.”

Lloyd and Kathy Myhre

The methodology

“There are three categories that are important for us to support, which include 1) individual needs, 2) our local church and 3) organizations that are ministering in the name of Christ. Messiah College falls into the latter group,” said Kathy Myhre.

An opportunity

“The high quality of education and strong Christian stance, which Messiah College holds to, were reasons that inspired our daughter to select this outstanding college. The opportunity to attend Messiah was made possible financially by campus scholarships that eased the burden of private college tuition. It was such a joy to know that others were willing to step up years before us and make the financial sacrifices and commitment to give future students the support needed to balance the costs of college education.”

Paying it forward

“We are so thankful for Messiah College’s impact on our daughter in deepening her faith and preparing her for a career that we were convicted to see that future students may also have resources available to provide them the same amazing experience. As such, we made it a goal to repay her college scholarships through a giving plan that would invest into the lives of future students.  It has been a blessing for us to honor that commitment and know that many students will be benefiting from our financial contributions to Messiah College.”

Brian A. ’99 and Joela M. (Campbell) Mbuu ’99

Tithing

From the time we were young, we remember our parents and church family talking to us about the importance of tithing. It didn’t matter how much one gave, but rather that giving was an act of obedience. After graduating from college and obtaining our jobs, we began to better recognize the importance of sacrificing our own pleasures in order to bless someone/something else. 

Paying it forward

We are held responsible for what we have been given. Therefore, if we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, etc., it is expected that we, in return, help and give to others.

What we’ve learned:

• To start a giving attitude, it’s not about the amount you can give financially.  It’s about making regular giving (time and talents) a part of your lifestyle. 
• All alumni are a part of the Messiah community and should be invested in its future.
• The importance of pausing to recognize what God has provided for us.
• Giving has built and fostered relationships in our community/church/programs.
• Giving has promoted new programs and initiatives that will impact others in similar ways.
• Giving reveals God’s faithfulness.

Kevin Driver ’03

My journey

“I was fortunate to be chosen for a significant scholarship to attend Messiah. So while there were many lean years in my early medical training, I finished my education without debt. I know that my experience is not the norm, so I want to at least return the amount of my scholarship so that current and future students can have a similar head start in their lives and careers.”

The “why”

“I believe that most alums are already quite generous. The challenge is usually balancing competing and worthy causes seeking contributions. Clearly, giving to a local church and to support concrete needs in your home community are most important. However, past that, there are few more worthy causes than contributing to the education and, by extension, personal development of young Christian professionals.”

Sarah Baldauf ’19

Giving to giving

“I work as the assistant director of annual giving at Suffolk University in Boston. The experiences I had at Messiah greatly impacted the decisions I made to move up here and accept this job. I majored in public relations and minored in education. While I was at Messiah, I worked in the Office of Annual Giving as the digital philanthropy assistant as well as a student manager of the Phonathon program. The majority of the work, studying and extracurricular activities I did while in undergrad influenced my desire to go into nonprofit work.”

Next steps

“I am planning to pursue my MBA here at Suffolk, so I can run my own nonprofit that helps victims of domestic abuse. I have always been passionate about helping people, but I was able to hone my interests and refine my skills, thanks to the professors at Messiah.”

No small gifts

“I told myself whenever Messiah called, I would have something—even if a very small amount—to give. Why wouldn’t I want to give back so future Falcons can have an experience as fantastic as mine? Everyone has something to give, even if it is a nominal amount. Gifts of all sizes get put to good use.”

More than money

“It is important to remember philanthropy isn’t just throwing money at something. People can invest their time, resources or money into something they care about, and that is the heart of giving back. Showing up to events and staying engaged with the Messiah community as an alum are ways to give back that don’t break the bank.”