John Ward: Still Bearing Fruit
At 96 years old, a long-time donor is still faithfully supporting the Regent mission.
The Bible promises us in Psalm 92:13-14, “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (NKJV). John Ward is living proof of that.
At the age of 96, Mr. Ward still faithfully donates to Regent every month, empowering the university’s mission to equip Christian leaders to change the world. John and his late wife Susan began giving to Regent almost 40 years ago through their generous support of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
“They were building the Regent Library, and we had some funds left over from an estate that we donated,” he recalls. “I’m a great reader, and I believe you need to have a good, sound, Christian library for your students.”
In the many years that followed, Mr. and Mrs. Ward faithfully continued their support for the university through monthly donations. John says he’ll keep giving to Regent until the Lord calls him home.
“You can’t take it with you when you go, so you might as well use it to the best advantage while you’re here,” he explains. “It’s like something you buy, and it’s a good thing. It’s a good deal, so you stick with it.”
A 1956 graduate of Auburn University, John worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over most of his career. He understands the importance of students becoming “good Christian citizens” who graduate and find jobs that benefit their families and the world around them. John also encourages everyone to find a cause and give.
“Pick something you like, and if you agree on their principles, if you like what you see, support it,” he urges. “I’m able to give to others so they can improve themselves. Other people might see it and want to do the same.”
No matter how small, every donation plays an essential role in equipping students for long-term success and service to others. John knows that his efforts to keep Regent financially strong are vital to not only securing the university’s future but also raising the next generation of Christian servant-leaders to impact our world for good.
“When I was growing up, believing Christian parents talked to kids about what was right and what was wrong,” he recalls. “I believe that kids today sometimes don’t realize what’s bad and what’s good anymore.”
Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 6:21 (and in Luke 12:34), “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” By faithfully supporting Regent with a tax-deductible gift every month, John and other generous friends make it possible for bright, deserving students to answer the Lord’s call to attend one of the leading, transformational, Christian universities in the world.
“God watches over you and protects you,” he insists. “I just want to feel like I’m still able to help because Regent’s cause is one that can’t be duplicated.”