Tuned in to the Vision

Like the Brothersons, Kim and Jennifer Bertin have made charitable giving a family affair. A successful orthopedic surgeon, Kim was attending a medical conference at a lavish resort in Texas, USA, when the thought struck him: "Does all this really matter?" He and his wife met with an estate attorney to set up a family foundation for charitable giving. Their five children sit on the board, and as a group they make decisions about donating to various charities. The children continually search out and research causes. Jennifer says, "You haven't affected charity until you pass it on to the next generation. Our children are 'tuned in,' with a vision that has extended past their daily lives." Kim adds, "We were concerned about how to instill in our children a desire to help others." Kim and Jennifer feel they have done this by teaching their children to give to those in need.

In 2008, the Bertins made a trip to Uganda and Kenya to see firsthand the results of some of their donations. Jennifer compiled a beautiful scrapbook of narration and photographs showing a water treatment facility, gardens, and farms with cows, pigs, and chickens—all designed to raise standards of living and encourage self-reliance. Kim described the experience as "Christmas," a "spectacular eye-opening" as to what the Church is doing with the donations through service missionaries. He also remarked on the incredible efficiencies of the administration of the projects. Kim and Jennifer's observations motivated them to give even more and to encourage others to donate.

The Bertins feel they have been blessed as a result of donating to Church causes. In addition to their close ties with their children, they feel that as they have recognized others in need and done something about it, they have come to a greater realization of their own blessings.

Even small donations can bless others' lives. Jennifer said, "Everyone can find a little bit to give in a way they haven't thought of before. … If one million people donate $5 each, the resulting $5 million will have an unbelievable impact. Everyone can be part of the unbelievable."