Dying to get ahead.

Story 1

A little over 30 years ago this week I was attending a Convention of the Church group that I belong when I was pinned in my seat by the words of the Keynote speaker. He surveyed the arena and knew that there were many church leaders present and said, "If lightning struck this group tonight, it would set the Church ahead 20 years!" It shocked the crowd AND it made many leaders irrate. Sadly, it did not happen.

Story 2

About ten years ago I was designing a large church. It was large and had a large price. The church had an "ace in the hole" though. One of its members a quite wealthily man had "ALS " and confined to wheel chair. he sent word that he would give the church $1,000,000 and when he died he would give much more. Everyone thought he would soon pass away. Not only did he not die (he is still alive), he fell in love with his nurse, divorced both his wife and his church. No million! No inheritance! He is alive, but the church is floundering!

Story 3

A few years ago my University, Oklahoma State University, came up with a swell plan, "Gift of a Lifetime". About 40 alumni donors, who were wealthy and over 65, took out life insurance policies that would pay OSU $10,000,000 upon their deaths. $400,000,000 would go a long way, but five years later and those OSU boosters are still alive. Who knew? The premiums (paid by the school) have risen to $35,000,000.00. AND OSU can no longer pay.

People just won't die when you want them too!