Jim and Ida Bell's stewardship journey began with small steps early in their marriage as they gave to a handful of parachurch ministry workers. Later, a trip to South Africa expanded their perspective on giving and revealed to them the depth of the world's physical and spiritual needs.

As the Bells giving increased, so did the creativity in which they gave. They opened an NCF Giving Fund and contributed real estate and a limited partnership interest, which NCF liquidated for them. Over the years, NCF has arranged numerous complex, illiquid gifts for the Bells.

Their NCF Giving Fund allows the Bells to separate tax decisions from giving decisions. They can give at the end of one calendar year for to reap tax benefits but then not feel rushed to grant the money back out immediately. "It's wonderful not to be under the pressure of all those end-of-the-year giving letters," remarks Ida. "At the beginning of the new year, we can sit down together, calmly and prayerfully reading through and discussing each ministry request. Because the money is already in the Fund we can then make most of our giving decisions for the coming year."

"I have the highest admiration for NCF," says Jim. "They have handled all of our affairs with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. They've given us excellent legal advice and saved us lots of money and hassle. But what I respect most is their integrity. They don't try to hold on to the money that flows into them. Their bias is strongly toward making that money flow out, so it can impact the world for Christ. As a result, God has blessed them and they continue to grow."