Editor’s Note: Through this year, we’ve asked members of our staff to contribute to our blog from their programs or fields. This week, Chalmers’ VP of Generosity, Rob Porter, shares about his experiences in walking with ministry partners in God’s call to live generously.

There’s a joy in walking alongside generous people. Over the years, I’ve come to see our gift partners not merely as supporters of Chalmers’ mission, but as fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith. Their generosity, wisdom, and trust in God’s provision have not only funded this work, but they’ve also shaped the soul of our organization. And they have taught me much. 

One of the things I’ve learned is that generosity is not an obligation—it’s an invitation.

Tom, one of our gift partners, recently told me, “Giving isn’t something we ought to do… it is something we get to do!  We get to partner with the Creator of the universe with the work He is doing here on earth.” 

This reframes giving from duty to delight. This perspective reminds me that giving is a privilege—a chance to actively participate in God’s redemptive work. We don’t give to earn favor; we give because we’ve already been invited into something far greater than ourselves: partnership with the Creator in the unfolding story of His kingdom on earth. When we see generosity this way, it becomes worship, joy, and a reflection of God’s own generous heart.

Gift partners don’t just write checks. They lead. They challenge me to consider generosity—not just as a fundraising goal—but as a formative part of discipleship.

Mary shared, “When I understood what I believe is God’s perspective of what living generously meant, it changed everything… If we understand how God is inviting us to participate with His work to heal others’ brokenness, it is like walking with Christ. It brings so much joy and meaning to my life. You can always spot a cheerful giver”.

Indeed, generosity is a path that leads to discipleship and the sanctifying work of the Spirit. 

Our partners have reminded me that generosity is worship. Not a transaction. Not a strategy. Not even a philanthropic choice. But worship. A recognition that God owns it all—including our finances—and that we are stewards, not owners. This understanding re-centers me every time I’m tempted to strive in my strength or lean too heavily on budgets and projections.

Generosity liberates.

Giving isn’t just about meeting a need, it’s about loosening the grip that material things can have on our hearts. Craig shares, “Giving is an act of liberation – a freeing from the clamor of the things of this world that offer no enduring satisfaction. Giving well is cleansing for the soul.”

In a world that constantly promises fulfillment through accumulation, this perspective reminds us that true satisfaction isn’t found in holding on, but in letting go. Generosity becomes a spiritual practice of liberation, helping us love more deeply, and trust God more fully.

And they challenge me to be generous myself. To mirror the same open-handed posture. To listen when God calls me to step out, stretch beyond comfort, or invest in others even when it’s costly. Our gift partners don’t just support generosity; they inspire it in me.

I’ve also been reminded that generosity often precedes vision. One long-time partner once shared: “We’re giving toward what we believe God is going to do—even if we don’t see it yet.” That perspective has helped Chalmers take bold steps, trusting that provision and clarity often come as we walk, not before we start moving.

I often say: We would not be here without our partners. That’s not an exaggeration—it’s the simple truth. Like the Apostle Paul, I have come to see our supporters not merely as donors, but as true partners in the gospel (Phil. 1:5). 

They’ve challenged my assumptions. They’ve modeled trust, sacrifice, and joy. They’ve interceded for us when doors seemed shut and the way forward uncertain. And they’ve kept me encouraged. I know we are not striving alone—this is a shared calling, and Chalmers is strengthened by their partnership every step of the way.

One partner, Cheryl, puts it this way, “We know that all we have is really His anyway. He gives us a chance to partner with Him to advance His kingdom.”

In times when there have been plenty of reasons to feel weary, their words, prayers, and faithfulness have reminded me that this work isn’t ours—it’s God’s. And He’s carrying it forward, through the hands of His people.

So to all who give, pray, and walk with us, thank you. You’ve taught me more than you know.