Tony Berg ’82 and his wife, Kathy, never forgot how JBU professors and staff modeled Christian excellence daily. When the Bergs began estate planning, the Holy Spirit prompted a conviction: In an era when public universities often pull students from their faith, supporting a biblically grounded institution mattered.
How did you create your estate plan, and how did JBU’s free services help?
“While we were already working with an estate-planning attorney, getting advice from PhilanthroCorp afforded us a second set of eyes. It helped push us along so we wouldn’t procrastinate. PhilanthroCorp’s services, knowledge and advice were free, and our estate attorney composed the final documents.”
What would you say to someone who’s been thinking about creating an estate plan but hasn’t started yet?
“In our opinion, it is never too early to start. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and start learning about estate tax laws and rules for gifting as soon as possible.”
When you think about your legacy, what impact do you hope your gift to JBU will have on future generations?
“Unless we become president and first lady, no one will remember us 200 years from now (assuming Christ’s second coming is delayed), and we hope our gift will encourage students to seek Christ’s purpose and help others.”
Has your decision brought you any peace of mind or joy?
“We organized our estate to give the most possible money to our family and our designated charitable organizations and less to the government. We have peace knowing we have been good stewards of the financial opportunities God has given us and that the money will go where we have directed it. Donations are in obedience to Matthew 6:19, which says, ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.’ Our donation to JBU will hopefully help thousands of students become the heart and hands of Christ, reaching thousands of people, which we cannot. A donation to JBU is truly a gift that keeps on giving for eternity. We thank God for the ability and the opportunity to give to JBU.”
For information on free estate planning resources, visit jbu.edu/estates.