Financial advisor Ron Anderson knew a lot about smart investments. Then, a surprise spike in his earnings led him to discover the powerful returns of generous stock giving and launched an unexpected ministry that led him to the streets of Stockholm and beyond.
Almost two decades ago, Ron – founder of Plan A Wealth Management in Lincoln, Nebraska – found himself at a crossroads. His business had experienced an unexpectedly good year, doubling his income. He started to think about what he could do: “I could buy a bigger house, a nicer car,” Ron says. “But I didn’t feel right keeping all of that extra money.”
As a faithful tither, Ron wondered if he should increase his giving to 15 or 20 percent. Seeking guidance, he approached several pastors, asking if there was a rule to follow. About that time, a friend suggested he attend a Generous Giving conference.
Little did he know this conference would be the catalyst for a profound shift in his approach to finances and faith. As he sat among fellow believers listening to inspiring stories of generosity, Ron’s thinking shifted. For the first time, he considered asking God directly, “What do you want me to do with the extra?”
Kingdom investments
In a quiet moment of reflection, Ron felt a clear prompting from the Lord – a specific amount to give above and beyond his regular tithe. But before he could make the gift, his finances took an unexpected turn.
“When it was time for me to give that gift away, the market was at a low,” Ron says. “My income doubled, and shortly thereafter, the market cut my net worth in half. And yet, here I was giving away this substantial dollar amount, more than I normally give. I was laughing to myself.”
On the morning he planned to make the donation, Ron received a phone call out of the blue from a client asking about Wells Fargo stock, which had lost value and was selling at a substantial discount. After their call, Ron decided to make a personal investment in Wells Fargo stock equal to amount he was giving to charity.
What happened next could only be described as a miracle. Within two weeks, the stock had doubled in value, effectively replacing the money he had given away. Two months later, it had tripled.
This experience was a powerful lesson – a monetary reminder that God was in control. “That’s where my journey of generosity really started,” Ron says. “Just coming to the realization that God wanted a personal relationship with me related to my finances.”
“Why would I not be obedient if I know that’s what he’s asking me to do and I know he’s in control of how much money flows into my hands or out of my hands?” he says. “If I’m not going to be in the game, I’m going to miss out on the joy I could have along the journey, giving resources that are his anyway to causes that he wants me to fund.”
A tool for greater giving
From that point on, donating significant portions of his appreciated stocks through his Giving Fund at NCF has become a regular part of Ron’s giving strategy.
Ron’s strategy has proven wise, as he’s witnessed dramatic increases in stock values before gifting them, only to see some plummet afterwards. He recalls a particularly striking example with telecom stocks, which skyrocketed before he donated them, then crashed.
“Had I not done that, it would have gone back to almost where it was when I bought it,” Ron says. “It’s amazing. The fun I would have lost giving that money away over that time period and the things that I’ve been able to help fund in the kingdom has been a blast.”
From stocks to Stockholm
One of the most meaningful results of Ron’s stock gifts has been the support of an organization that sponsors missionaries in Sweden. About 15 years ago, Ron and his wife visited the missionaries in Stockholm. During this trip, he felt God calling him to increase his giving and find new ways to support the ministry there.
This nudge led to an exciting initiative – a vacation Bible school in a park in Stockholm’s parks. For four or five years, Ron’s stock gifts helped fund annual ministry, bringing between 17 and 60 people each year to serve in this unique ministry. “It was just a wonderful time with other believers, talking to people, encouraging them, sharing God’s love with them, and inviting them to church,” Ron says.
His stock giving didn’t just fund short-term missions; it has helped establish a lasting presence in Stockholm. “It’s pretty neat to be able to go back there and see the church that we helped fund in Stockholm,” he says.
Eternal returns
By investing his stocks in kingdom work, Ron has seen returns that far exceed any market gains – lives touched, seeds of faith planted, and a church established in a city thousands of miles from home.
As he continues his journey of generosity, he remains ever watchful for those divine appointments and kingdom opportunities. His “stock for Stockholm” strategy has proven to be an eternal investment, yielding returns that will last far beyond any market cycle.
Watch this video to learn more about the power of giving stock.
