For Jill McNicol, giving monthly to the WMU Foundation isn’t just about supporting a cause. It’s about participating in a story—God’s story—where the gospel takes root in hearts and grows to bear eternal fruit.
“I believe in the mission of sharing the Gospel through the discipleship and compassion ministries of WMU,” Jill shared. “The stories of lives changed for eternity fuel my reason for continued giving.”
A Joy That Spreads
Jill has spent years teaching children through Mission Friends and Children in Action/Mission Journey Kids. In those classrooms and church halls, she’s witnessed something beautiful: children catching the vision for missions.
“I have personally witnessed the excitement of children giving and going on mission for Jesus because they want to be like the missionaries they have prayed for,” she said. “Their joy in serving is contagious. When Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14), it spurs me on to continue their missions discipleship and the support for that.”
It’s moments like these, eyes bright with excitement, tiny hands eager to give, that remind Jill why she gives month after month. Her generosity ensures that children will keep hearing missionary stories, learning to pray for the nations, and finding joy in following Jesus.
The Women Who Lit the Way
Jill’s love for missions didn’t start in adulthood. It was lit, like a steady flame, by women who came before her. While Jill was growing up, her mother served as WMU Director, faithfully modeling a life committed to missions. As a teenager, her Acteens leader, Carolyn Miller, showed her what it looked like to live with compassion for the lost and to encourage the saints.
Later, as Jill grew in leadership, women like Evelyn Tully, Sandy Wisdom-Martin, Serena Butler, and Carmen Halsey-Menghini shaped and sharpened her. Through their lives, Jill saw what it means to walk faithfully with Christ and lead others to do the same. Their investment planted seeds that are still bearing fruit in her ministry today.
Why Monthly Giving Matters
Jill points out that WMU’s work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. “The WMU Foundation is vital to the work of WMU,” she explained. “It allows the ministries to continue so that lives continue to be changed. If WMU did not have the Foundation, the work would suffer, which means we would limit the opportunities for people to hear about Jesus.”
Her monthly gifts are an act of stewardship and faith. “I have nothing except what the Lord provides,” Jill said. “As all I have is His, my walk is strengthened by His continued provision.”
An Eternal Legacy
As Jill looks to the future, her hope is simple yet profound. She wants her giving to inspire others to give, too — not for her glory, but for God’s. “Money is a finite thing,” she reflected, “but giving my money to WMUF has an eternal impact that will continue to bring the light of Christ to the least of these until the whole world hears.”
Her prayer is that people will remember her as “one who had her Father’s eyes in the work and support of the Kingdom.”
Jill’s story is a beautiful reminder that monthly donors aren’t just keeping ministries afloat, they’re lighting the way for future generations.
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Pass the Flame. Continue the Mission.
A generous donor has gifted $50,000 for matching gifts to the Vision Fund for Giving Tuesday! The first 100 gifts made to the Vision Fund will be matched on a 2:1 basis, and every gift to the Vision Fund after that will be matched dollar for dollar up to the $50,000 match.
Your generosity will be multiplied to help others know Christ and to support the mission and vision of WMU.