People around the world have had to make unprecedented adjustments to their lives since the spread of COVID-19 began just four months ago. The church services that we were accustomed to have been drastically changed. Rather than giving hugs and kisses as we enter church, we may see each other in a Zoom meeting or watch a Bible study that is streamed on Facebook. Just as many parts of our worship service have changed, the way that we return our tithes and offerings have changed.  

The returning of tithes and giving of offerings are acts of obedience and faith, especially in times that become uncertain. Tithing is a reminder that everything that we have is God’s. “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it” (Psalm24:1). Giving is a part of worship and ensures God’s work continues during this time of need. It can be especially character-refining as we increase our dependence on Him. As external pressures mount, let those concerns press us closer to God and His Word. He has promised to bless us.  

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the Lord Almighty,“and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Another wonderful thing about tithe is that it does not matter if our income increases or decreases. The tithe is always 10%. When God blesses us with more, we can give more. When there are times of scarcity, we are not expected to give the same amount. "Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you" (Deuteronomy 16:17). God promises to bless us through the return of His tithes and the joyful giving of offering, even when we cannot meet in person.

“You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).

We still have a way to give even though we are not able to meet in person on Sabbaths. AdventistGiving.org is a safe and secure way to return your tithes and offerings while you are not able to attend church. The option is available either online or through the Adventist Giving app available through the Google Play app store or the Apple app store. Donations can be made by credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer.

The process to return your tithe and offerings is easy. Open the app or the adventistgiving.org website and type in your local church or the Guam-Micronesia Mission Church in the search bar.  (If your church is not registered, please request your pastor or church treasurer to enroll.) You will see an electronic tithe envelope that has all the options that you normally see on your physical tithe envelope. Enter the amounts that you want to give in the appropriate rows and then click “Continue”. You can then choose to login, register, or complete the checkout as a guest. Additionally, you can either set up recurring donations or a one-time donation. Your local church will receive 100% of your donation.  

We thank you for your continued faithfulness and pray that God will continue to bless you even now.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

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