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"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matt. 9:37). For retired farmers, Erik and Joyce Radke of Aurelia, these words hit close to home.
For more than 30 years the Radkes focused on harvesting the crops produced on their farm near Aurelia. "Harvest season is my favorite time of year," admits Erik. When the Radkes retired in 2000 their oldest son, Mark, took over the farming operation. "I still enjoy getting out on the combine for a few hours every day giving Mark a break," says Erik.
The Radkes enjoyed their own fruitful harvest as God blessed them with three children and five grandchildren. Oldest son, Mark, and his wife, Barb, continue to operate the family farm. Daughter, Annette, is married to Dr. Steve Harris and resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. Son, David, and his wife, Anne, also live in North Carolina near Charlotte.
Today the Radkes focus on another type of harvest - the Lord's harvest. Supporting those in the ministry and the mission field has become a high priority with them. When they decided they wanted to continue supporting missions for years to come, they contacted Iowa District West Gift Planning Counselor Jim Schroeder. Firstfruits of Giving.
This decision did not happen overnight. The Radkes discovered that learning how to give back to the Lord is a maturing process. Erik now uses a Bible verse to summarize his faith and philosophy of giving: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (Prov. 3:9). "In estate planning we realize that all we have is the Lord's and not ours; it is all a gift from the Lord," states Erik.
When Erik's father passed away, the Radkes knew it was time to get serious about their own Christian estate planning. They had heard Jim Schroeder speak on various occasions and had read his articles in magazines like The Harvest and The Lutheran Witness. They made some notes and called Jim for an appointment. He was able to help them write their own statement of faith, make plans for their children, and include financial gifts to their favorite ministries.
Supporting Mission Work through Mission Central
The Radkes are very supportive of Gary Thies and the mission development work at Mission Central in Mapleton. "Gary's mission development program there is excellent," says Joyce. Their son, Mark, attended training from Gary Thies and now serves as a volunteer mission presenter to congregations in Iowa District West. It seemed only natural to include mission work in the Radkes' estate plan. "We want to support those 'farm boys' in the mission field," says Joyce. Ironically, the Radkes first met Jim Schroeder in the barn at Mission Central.
Jim helped the Radkes include a bequest in their revocable living trust that establishes a family mission fund. When the bequest is made to their family mission fund at the second death, their son Mark will choose the mission projects supported by the fund. The Radkes are pleased with their son's involvement in missions and grateful in knowing he will continue to assist in supporting the Lord's harvest after they're gone. Workers for the Harvest
The Radkes have also established a scholarship fund with Iowa District West for college students studying for full-time church work. They decided to do this while they were alive so they could enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor now and are glad to know it will continue for many years to come.
As the combines roll across the golden fields of corn we are reminded that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Erik and Joyce Radke hope their story will in some way inspire others to support the work of the Lord through Christian estate planning. King David wrote in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." Or as Erik says, "Everything is His anyway." Those are good words to live by.
The mission of gift planning in Iowa District West is to help you bear fruit for your family and your favorite ministries. District Gift Planning Counselor Jim Schroeder is available to help you just like he helped Erik and Joyce Radke.
If you would like more information on planning your estate, contact Jim Schroeder at 1.877.913.2221 or e-mail: jim.schroeder@idwlcms.org. Locate a counselor in your district by clicking on Meet the Staff.
Written by Kristin Kaldahl of Spencer.
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