Because fear of death is such a strong governing force of human mind, threat of death acts as an advantage to some. Hold a gun to an unarmed person’s head and ask them for anything of value to them, in most instances they will give it. Others value some things such as family, friends and even material substances to point of death. However, this takes courage and lots of love, and sometimes lust. Nevertheless, when a person’s life is threatened, they will submit to one holding gun. Crooks, drugs dealers, robbers, murderers, child molesters, rapist, even businesspeople, congress people, celebrities, and average working Joe knows that if push comes to shove, a gun and a serious demeanor can give them temporary power over their victim.

Notice Hollywood movies. Ninety-nine percent of time, antagonist uses threat of death to get what they want from victim. Be it gun point, knives, bombs, alien invasion, war, or with bare hands, if death is antagonist’s strategy for victim or victims, it makes for a adventurous movie. The fear of death makes plot. Death also makes good sad stories. When main or supporting character is suddenly stricken with sickness and dies after audience grows fond of character, it makes a good story. If there were no death, Hollywood would have no purpose, neither would many crooks.

Eternal life is an option for those who desire to live a fearless life. Free from threat of death and of Hell. Trusting in God and His promise of a heavenly kingdom will destroy fear. In fact, many believers of God desire death over life any day. That means that after they die (or their body dies) they will be with God. This mindset takes great faith, faith that what God promised is true and real. Those who have this type faith do not fear death but await it. When those close to them die, it is no great loss or sorrow because they know that of that person had same faith, then they are with God.

Do not fear death. Fear death only if there is no faith in God. If there is no faith in God then there should be any belief in Satan, and if there is no belief in Satan, then do not fear death because this means there is nothing afterward in afterlife. But who can be sure that there is anything? The human mind has ability to imagine unimaginable and many people have no control over that realm of mind. Therefore, if mind says “know” then realize that there is something greater than mind. Trust God and live.

Another way to display these donor recognition bricks that will strengthen tie your church is to design and construct an attractive landscaping display. Many churches build a prayer garden and incorporate these engraved bricks in sidewalks, planters, and rest/reflection areas.

Ask yourself if your church grounds could benefit from some additional landscaping. Then consider that each personalized brick could bring a donation of as much as $150 while also strengthening bond between donor and church. See examples at http://www.engravestone.com/gallery.html

What about high dollar capital campaign contributions?

For recognition purposes, nothing beats an attractive wall display in a high-traffic area such as a foyer or entryway. Let's face it. People like to see their good deeds recognized and they like to see them recognized where their friends and neighbors can also see.

The higher campaign amounts sought for your church's capital campaign, more tasteful your recognition program should be. One simple method features engraved brass plaques on a polished wood backdrop. Donors select message they want displayed on their respective plaques. See examples at http://www.bd-donor-rec.com

Another method, which is somewhat fancier, involves a gift tree. A three dimensional sculpture of a tree with burnished metal leaves is fixed upon a wooden backdrop for wall mounting. Each leaf is engraved with donor's message and end result is high-quality artwork in church's foyer or lobby. See examples at http://www.able-engravers.com/p4.html

For very personalized recognition, consider offering a cast bronze plaque that highlights individual contributions to a specific project. You can also offer smaller individual photo plaques that provide more room for customization of message. See examples at http://www.oldemillimpressions.com

There are many more ways to increase your church fundraising, but they'll have to wait for another article.

Good Luck and God Bless!

--------------------------------------- Kimberly Reynolds Get 52 freebies a year via email mailto:join-success@comet.sparklist.com http://www.fundraiserhelp.com Maximize your fundraising success!