Giving is the spirit of heaven. Heaven was emptied for us that we might receive its spirit of giving. But the enemy tries to find ways to prevent us from receiving this spirit of generosity. He tempts us to think we need more than we do. He gets us over-stressed with problems to depress us and cause us to lose that happy spirit. Sometimes he stifles the giving spirit by using others to get us angry.

Some people don’t know what to do. They have been giving to God’s cause for many years, investing their time, influence, tithes and offerings in what seemed to them to be the place where the truth would be upheld. But now they realize that false doctrine is preached. Schools are teaching a worldly philosophy and engaging in sports and other things that God has forbidden. They see rock music flooding in on worship services, worldliness pressing in all around them, and people they were taught to respect are often leading out in it. When they protest these things, they are told to be quiet, or they get foolish arguments and defensive behavior that sidestep the question and leave them without hope of change for the better.

Sometimes people lose the heart to give because they have been alienated by those who they thought were going to do right. They become disconnected, losing the sense of “message ownership” that gave them passion for the truth and their church.

Whatever you do, don’t lose the spirit of giving! Giving of yourself to someone else will lift YOUR spirits. When you know that you have done some good for someone else or for the true cause of God, you have the satisfaction of seeing your benevolence at work. This is vital to spiritual life and to a happy, well-balanced outlook. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38) because He knew how important the spirit of giving really is and that all generosity comes back to bless the giver.

We all need to be connected to a worthy cause to inspire our giving. As I talk to people who visit Hartland’s campus for the holy convocations, I have begun to sense a reconnection. They need a place where they can feel a part of a worthwhile effort, where they can volunteer and be connected to a “cause,” a place in which to invest time and energy as well as their financial generosity, a place where they can practice that good ol’ spirit of giving. Many people are finding that faithful self-supporting ministries give them a sense of “message ownership” once again. They sense that their gifts won’t be wasted on the stock market, in drama programs, cartoons, clowns and other foolishness, but that their gifts will be used wisely and efficiently. The opportunity for connection to the real truth again is very appealing and is often the reason people come to Hartland for convocations and camp meetings. They feel a part of “the cause” again.

Why not get connected? If you’ve never been to Hartland, pay us a visit. You won’t regret it! For example, come and help with our ladies’ dorm project this fall. You’ll be glad you did. Here’s your chance to get involved in something really worthwhile.

And thank you for your support and prayers! The vision at Hartland can’t be completed without God and you! Help us fulfill the vision training young people to take the truth all over the world. You are definitely needed! Make the spirit of heaven your spirit too. God bless you.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2003

Why is it that when someone expresses concern about something in the church that is not in harmony with God’s Word, there are often accusations of “intolerance” by other church members or the pastor? The answer partly lies in the modern view of tolerance. Everything from culture to clothing, music to movies, divorce to doctrine, even feminism and forbidden sexual orientations must now be “tolerated” by church members.

Someone once said, “The last virtue of a wicked society is tolerance.” Roger Williams found toleration intolerable because it was only one step from intolerance. Today’s “tolerance” is intolerant of anyone who still believes in a biblical definition of sin. Those who raise their voices in concern or protest against persistent evils among us are no longer tolerated. They are badgered, accused, removed from church office, and sometimes even disfellowshipped. Accountability to the revealed Word of God is intolerable and seems to have fled to a safe hiding place, chased there by excuses, criticism, ridicule and threats.

So many “conservatives” are afraid to speak up, that there is a “conspiracy of silence” that undermines spiritual accountability and leads to greater impiety. Recent revelations of cover-ups in the Catholic Church leave questions some are afraid to ask. How much cover-up goes on among us? Do we support a similar protectionistic silence in Adventism? Recent revelations of shady dealings at a Maryland Adventist Hospital would never have come to light had there not been a public accountability issue. But why is there so little spiritual accountability? Why are we reluctant to speak up? Partly because we fear being labeled intolerant. The result is that compromise goes unchecked, sin goes unconfronted, false teaching is unabashed and moral standards are at an all-time low.

The modern idea of tolerance has been pressed on us for so long now, that it has taken on a life of its own. Those with high standards who won’t let their children rent blockbuster movies, eat junk food, watch cartoons, or date are shunned and ostracized. Those who oppose GraceLink, intercollegiate sports and drama are ridiculed and scorned.

Faithful souls must not accept this sorry state of tolerance. We must have the same attitude that Jesus had, but spiritual accountability demands that public sins be publicly addressed. Jesus openly reproved sin, but loved the sinner. He reproved the wrongdoers with tears in His voice and gladly helped to free the sinner from it. He had high standards and didn’t flinch when they were attacked. Can we do any less and still be faithful stewards?

Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, April/May 2003

This month (February) our lesson from history is about Winston Churchill’s courage, despite the overwhelming unpopularity of his views. His was the lone voice of reality. His meteoric rise to power when Neville Chamberlain stepped down was not because of some sudden twist of fate or fortune, but because of his consistent and persistent realism. What positioned him for greatness was his unflinching commitment to speak the truth no matter how unpopular, long before the moment of crisis. He was faithful in his “stewardship of reality.” That’s the foundation of true leadership.

Too often, we turn our backs on the stewardship of reality and true leadership, like Neville Chamberlain, by blindly ignoring the facts, all in the name of being positive or in the name of “consensus” (often mislabeled “unity”). Frequently, we consult our own interests and create our own reality, thus missing the real truth. The real truth can be too painful and “negative.”

Yet it was a forthright and consistent effort to uphold the truth of Hitler’s deceptions, against all odds, that ultimately made Churchill the prime minister. But this was not the end of his leadership; it was just the beginning. He knew what to do when the moment of truth dawned on the consciousness of the populace of Britain, because he had been developing a keen depth perception into the forces at work in Europe and at home (something Chamberlain failed to do). When it became clear that Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement and compromise was a failure, Churchill inspired the despairing with an inspiring message of hope through sacrifice. Once again, he didn’t gloss over the harsh realities, but turned them to good account by helping the people grasp that their own survival was at stake. Even the children were encouraged to do their “itty bit” of sacrifice. The national crisis became the platform to reveal Churchill’s true leadership qualities.

We may not be called to be prime minister, but we are called to demonstrate true leadership by the same honest evaluation of the circumstances. We are facing the final spiritual crisis. We need to think clearly about the forces at work in our church, schools and homes. To ignore, overlook, turn a blind eye or sweep the problems under the carpet, because they are “negative,” is tantamount to defeat.

Fantasy will not do either. Jesus says we are “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked” (Rev. 3:17). Facing reality is the first step in true stewardship and true leadership.

When I was 37, something began to happen to me. I found myself reflecting on my values and priorities, my family and my commitments, my ministry and my calling. A few years later, when my mother was terminally ill, I felt that it had been the Lord prompting me to reinforce my connection to my family. But in more recent times, I have recognized the broader implications.

Though we are living significantly longer lives than previous generations, life is still very short. I must make the best of the time that I have. I have discovered that there is so much more to life than making money, building a retirement, and advancing in a career (as important as these things may be in their time and place). What has dawned on me has been the realization that true wealth, advancement and even retirement, is a rich life of giving.

Jesus was a philanthropist (a big word for giver). He taught that in order to receive the best things in life we must give. See Luke 6:38. Giving of ourselves to help someone in need, making a difference in someone else’s life in a meaningful way is vital to happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment- these are the really valuable things. Value isn’t found in yachts, fancy cars, homes, or securities, etc. It is in finding ways to bless others. So often we are preoccupied with building our personal empire, working beyond normal limits, and worrying about our temporal needs, both present and future, that we forget the everlasting value of philanthropy – of giving of ourselves for others with nothing expected in return.

If we merely focus on achievements, we may be “successful,” but in that success we actually fail to gain what really matters. Midway through our lives we suddenly come face to face with the lack of significance in merely serving self. Significance is derived from the benefits we bestow on those around us and those beyond our borders; giving back as it were, and doing some good to help others. Before long we discover that God has given us purpose, a mission, and significance in giving to others. Taking advantage of opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life by giving of your resources, whether it be money, time, energy or wisdom, resonates back to you in fruits of the heart – satisfaction, fulfillment, meaning, and true joy.

And there are many other benefits to giving-whether it is writing a check, volunteering; or being a literature missionary. It is spiritually nourishing and refreshing. It gives you opportunity to flex your “soul muscles.” It gives you a sense of accomplishment, a new appreciation for the challenges that others face. It broadens your horizons. What is the true meaning of wealth? It is the rich reward of giving to others.

Now, what kind of contribution are you making to benefit someone else? Cultivating the true spirit of philanthropy can change your life, especially if it is in connection with the truth God has given us. Make a covenant with yourself and with God that every single day you are going to give something of yourself to someone who can’t repay you. Make philanthropy the object of every day of your life, and you will find that you will be rich-spiritually. Go ahead, try it. It will excite you! You will truly be laying up treasure in heaven.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, December 2002/January 2003

Hartland’s organization is built around the servant leadership model that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 23. For both spiritual and legal reasons, Hartland’s staff and others guide the fundamental direction of the institution through its corporate membership (more commonly known as the Constituency). All staff are required to be active members of the corporation because it gives them the opportunity to have a voice in the overall management, philosophy and direction of Hartland. Non-staff supporters are also part of the membership if they apply and attend meetings.

The membership meets once each year and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Hartland maintains its basic philosophy, and mission. The membership also hears the annual reports from the divisions, appoints board members and is responsible for any changes to the Constitution and by-laws. Most importantly, the membership oversees the spiritual philosophy of the ministry.

The membership makes a big difference to the work of Hartland. It keeps Hartland on a steady course, and prevents deviation from its principles. Members make a big impact because they are partners with Hartland in promoting its work by encouraging potential students to attend Hartland College, potential wellness guests to attend Hartland Lifestyle Education Center, encouraging others to support Hartland’s literature work or purchase books, attending convocations and camp meetings, and urging supporters to make gifts and bequests to the work at Hartland. On one occasion, the membership made important decisions that prevented big changes to the Hartland philosophy which would have compromised its mission. On another occasion, the membership cleared the way for Hartland to more fully decentralize its management and thereby reflect the principles of the Bible in its management. At the recommendation of the Administrative Committee and the Board, they wisely limited the power of the Administrative Committee and put more authority in the hands of the division leaders. Though it took several years, this one decision greatly strengthened the unity of campus leaders and staff, and also greatly improved the financial position of God’s work at Hartland.

Hartland is looking for qualified people who love the truth, who love Hartland’s work and believe in its importance at this time of great apostasy. The membership body is open to all faithful Seventh-day Adventists who believe in, and uphold and support the philosophy and work of Hartland. You may become a member by making application and pledging your support for the mission and philosophy of Hartland. You must be prepared to attend the annual meeting which is usually held just before the fall convocation in October. You must also be willing to promote and encourage others to participate in the work of Hartland.

For a more complete description of our organizational plan and philosophy, see our web site. A copy of the job description of the membership body can be found on the organizational page along with an application form to become a member, or you may write to Hal Mayer, Secretary of the Corporation, and request them.

Make the most of your stewardship —
Why not invest in the young people of Hartland College?

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, October/November 2002

I recently had correspondence with an individual who believed that the conference organization is the church and that self-supporting work is not part of the church. He also suggested that since self-supporting institutions are not controlled by the conference, they are not part of the church. Since this troubling and erroneous concept is all too common, I thought I would ask myself a basic question.
How do I become a member of the church? Do I join the local congregation and give my name to them to put on their books? Is that how I join the church? The church, you say, is the body of Christ. OK, if that is so, then His body is actually Himself incarnate, manifesting to the world Him who loved the church and gave Himself for it. That being the case, membership in the church then comes not by belonging to the church in order to belong to Christ, but by belonging to Christ in order to belong to the church. We are baptized into Christ and the truth and voted into the church on earth. We are first members of Christ, then we are members of the church. Even if for some reason we cannot be a member of an earthly congregation, we can still be a member of Christ and part of the church.

Now, how do I know that I belong to Christ and consequently to the church, and not to the world? Do all those that claim to be Seventh-day Adventists really belong to the church, even though their names are on the books of an earthly church? If all my energies and talents and faculties are devoted to the world, am I a member of the true church? If I say that I am a member of the church, but I am satisfied with the world’s education, do I really belong to the true church? If I am satisfied with the world’s medical system, am I a member of the true church?

Probably the most painful question to ask is: If my money belongs to the world, do I belong to the true church? If I put the means that God has lent me as a member of His church to be used in His service, in a worldly bank, and loan it to worldly men and enterprises, do I really belong to the church?

Belonging to the church is more than just being in a club, or attending services on Sabbath morning. It means that all that I am is devoted to Christ, the One who gave Himself for me. I steward my time so that I can maximize it in His cause. I steward my abilities so that they are more and more efficient in His work year after year. I steward my finances so that I can give more than I gave last year. I do not seek to do the minimum for God; I run my affairs so that I can do the maximum.

How is it with you? Do you find yourself holding on to possessions that you don’t really need? Are you minimizing what you can do for God, or are you attempting to increase your devotion, your service, and your gifts?

I know a man who is a very good business man. He earns a lot of money, but he keeps on giving everything he can to the cause of God. I have often wished that I could do the same, yet I wonder if I had the same talents, would I use them the way he does, or would I squander them on myself? When Jesus returns, He will reward us according to the attitude we have toward the talents He gave us to use in His service.

Make the most of your stewardship –
Why not remember Hartland Institute in your will?

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, August/September 2002

I have a friend who sometimes goes out of her way to give to the cause of God. She begrudges spending any more than she must on incidentals, travel and other expenses so that she can invest as much as possible in God’s cause. She even forfeits meals occasionally, something most of us might neglect to do. She is an active steward of her resources for God.

Stewardship of our finances is vital to our success in this life and the life to come. Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings… prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:8, 10.

Notice that returning the Lord’s portion opens the windows of heaven. The more faithful we are, the more faithful He is to return blessings. This in turn increases our ability to bless His cause, which increases His blessings, and the circle grows.

Notice that the way we rob God is in both tithes AND offerings, not just tithe. But, isn’t there a difference between them? Tithe is a specific percentage of our increase and is reserved for funding only certain parts of God’s work. Offerings on the other hand are not a specified amount of our increase, and they are not restricted in use. Offerings can be used for many projects for which tithe use would be forbidden. But both are sacred, and both are required by God. Neither tithes nor offering should be placed where they will be misused.

Our systematic offerings are as much a part of worship as are our tithes. Returning a faithful tithe reveals our recognition of God’s sovereignty over all we have and are. Offerings provide us the opportunity to show God how thankful we really are for His sacrifice for us and for our deliverance from sin. Therefore offerings should be given cheerfully and voluntarily in proportion to our joy and gratefulness. We won’t be stingy with our offerings if we truly and joyfully love Christ. We can even look for ways to give more to the cause of God, like my friend.

How much should I give in offerings to the Lord? How many blessings have you received? Offerings should be an expression of how much we value the light and blessings received. How often have we neglected to show appreciation for what God has done in bringing us into the light of present truth?

Betsy and I systematically return to the Lord, 10% tithe from our income, and another 10% for offering. At first we wondered whether this would impinge on our needs, but we learned to live within the remainder, and the Lord continues to bless us. We stretched a little beyond what we thought we could, and found that we actually could survive. The old adage “You can’t out-give the Lord” has been proven over and over in our lives. Incidentally we take the offering 10% off the top of our income (just like tithe), not after we have spent for all our personal needs. Sometimes we are moved to give more than our regular 10% offerings. We love helping to fund various aspects of God’s work. It makes us feel great!

It may be time for God’s people who love present truth to give some thought to the principle of Stewardship in offerings. Why not join Betsy and me in systematic and joyful giving to the Lord? It will make you feel great! God bless you.

Make the most of your stewardship –
Why not encourage a student to attend Hartland College?

By Hal Mayer| Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2002

All ideas lead somewhere, to some ultimate conclusion. There are always practical consequences to ideas. Henry Ford’s idea, for example, was to mass produce the automobile, and it led to a great revolution in the auto industry, and an American love affair with the car. Try to tell Americans to give up their cars now!
Or take Hitler’s Arian supremacy ideas for example. In the environment of post war Germany (WWI), when Germans were ready for a strong leader who promised them economic prosperity, Hitler’s strong, political ideas gave his views credibility and momentum, and they led to the cruel deaths of 6 million Jews, a horrific consequence.
Here is another one; the idea of a college dedicated to training young people to spread the truth. In this age of decadence; when even Adventist youth are turning to the world in record numbers (often encouraged by their parents or by the very schools that were to train them for the service of God), it is a revolutionary idea to start a school just for training soul winners. But that is exactly what Hartland’s founders did almost 19 years ago. And what of the consequences of that idea? Now there are many young people teaching, preaching and publishing the truth around the world.

And don’t forget the medical missionaries. For example, there is David Fam, a Hartland Grad, whose idea had consequences. Under great opposition, David established a Wellness Center in Malaysia, plus a medical missionary training program so that young people can learn to be soul winners too. That will have consequences in Heaven, won’t it?

One of my favorite statements is about ideas and their consequences. Every human being… is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator – individuality, power to think and to do. The men in whom this power is developed are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise, and who influence character… men strong to think and to act, men who are masters and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions. Education 17-18.

Every idea has consequences. “Thought capital” is an asset that God has granted to every human being. Capital is something you must steward if you plan to have capital gains. Thoughts react on other thoughts, and this leads to plans and ideas which always have consequences.

Stewardship of our ideas is vital because the consequences can be for good or for evil. That is why we cannot let our children just watch anything they want on TV, or waste their minds on video or computer games or cartoons. These things drain thought capital. If we are going to be men and women of spiritual stature, we cannot waste our intellectual resources on things that will not take us there. Have you taken stock of your ideas lately?

When the Lord of all comes again, those who have properly stewarded their ideas will have the ultimate consequence. They will hear those wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt 25:23 Now that’s stewardship at its best! Eternal thought capital, ever growing, ever gaining in the knowledge of God. New ideas with incredible, never-ending, and joy-filled consequences.

Make the most of your stewardship –
Why not make Hartland your preferred giving alternative?

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, April/May 2002