Anneka devoted much of her life serving people as a missionary in South America. When she retired to her hometown in central Canada, she carried with her a life-time commitment to missions. And now that God has called Anneka home, her legacy extends beyond the 85 years she lived and served on earth.
Anneka, who never married and had no family, left her entire estate to Back to God Ministries International Spanish outreach. That’s not surprising since every time Hans Mulder, our Canadian donor representative, visited Anneka she was eager to hear what God was doing through media ministries in Latin America. Over a cup of tea and homemade cookies, Hans would share stories of how people were coming to know Christ through BTGMI Spanish outreach. When Spanish ministry leader Guillermo Serrano would preach in nearby churches, Anneka would be sure to attend so could hear firsthand how to pray for his ministry.
Anneka faithfully sent gifts to support Spanish media outreach, at first $50, then later increasing her gifts to as much as $500 a year. We received the gifts with gratitude from this retired missionary who lived simply.
In the last years of her life Anneka developed Alzheimer’s. But before the onset of this difficult disease, Anneka made a handwritten will and informed CSS (Canadian Stewardship Services) that she intended to leave her estate to Back to God Ministries International. When the ministry learned of her death, we were surprised and grateful to learn that, through faithful stewardship, Anneka had saved more than $300,000 to support the Spanish outreach of Back to God Ministries International!
It’s good that Anneka had informed CSS of her intentions. Because the executor of her estate could only find a photocopy of her handwritten will, the legacy Anneka meant to leave could have been swallowed up by legal fees and government red tape. CSS was able to work with the photocopied document to make sure that Anneka’s desire to support Spanish media ministry was carried out.
Anneka’s story inspires us on many fronts: her love for missions and media ministry; her desire to serve the Lord through her work and her stewardship. And—the reminder to make sure all the details of our estates are clearly communicated.
How about you? Do you have an estate plan? Have you filed it with CSS (Canada) or Barnabas Foundation (U.S.)? If you have questions about preparing your estate plan, contact a representative at info@BackToGod.net, admin@csservices.ca, or info@barnabasfoundation.com.
