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It certainly does. All documents are prepared in accordance with state laws and are minutely checked by an Oklahoma attorney.

 Should the disposal of one's possessions after death be of concern to a Christian?

"Many will to their friends and relatives all except a small pittance of their property. This they leave for their supreme Friend, who became poor for their sakes, who suffered insult, mockery, and death, that they might become sons and daughters of God. And yet they expect when the righteous dead shall come forth to immortal life that this Friend will take them into everlasting habitations." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 155

How much does this service cost?

All services are free when the Lord's work is remembered.

Is it appropriate to discuss such business matters as wills and trusts at campmeeting?

"At the camp meeting in Vermont, in 1870, I felt urged by the Spirit of God to bear a plain testimony relative to the duty of aged and wealthy parents in the disposition of their property. I had been shown that some men who are shrewd, prudent, and sharp in regard to the transaction of business generally, men who are distinguished for promptness and thoroughness, manifest a want of foresight and promptness in regard to a proper disposal of their property while they are living. They know not how soon their probation may close; yet they pass on from year to year with their business unsettled, and frequently their lives finally close withouttheir having the use of their reason." Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 116-117.

 Should we discuss such matters during sacred Sabbath hours?

May we add: While we are urged to present Jesus' teachings on this we do not feel it appropriate to discuss an individual's business details during sacred hours!

Where may I discuss this with someone during camp meeting?

You may visit the Trust Services office in the front, right corner of the Lodge for private and confidential counsel. 

EXTEND YOUR STEWARDSHIP

We hear much these days about stewardship and the responsibility of the Christian to his church and to those he loves. This is right, because the sensitive Christian properly does understand the relationship that must exist between the material and spiritual aspects of life. A thoughtful Christian rightfully will give serious consideration to what will happen to his possessions when because of his death he can no longer actively manage them.

Specific counsel has been given on this matter: “While they have sound minds and good judgment, parents should, with prayerful consideration, and with the help of proper counselors who have experience in the truth and a knowledge of the divine will, make disposition of their property.” – Counsels on Stewardship, p. 330.

Unfortunately, too many people procrastinate in this important and delicate area of their lives, and do nothing. Inevitably a plan will develop for the disposition of every person’s estate. It is accomplished either by hi own care in consultation with his lawyer and those in whom he has confidence, or by an established legal procedure, which, of course, makes no provision for the exercise of Christian philanthropy in the form of a bequest to his church, educational institution, or other worthy project.

 WHO NEEDS A WILL?

 Virtually everyone. Mature persons who have accumulated a lifetime of assets. Young parents who are concerned about the guardianship of this children in the event of a common disaster. Single persons of all ages who desire to direct what is to happen to their assets.

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE A WILL 

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will sign during your lifetime. Its preparation requires careful though and wise planning to be certain your material possessions will be distributed in accordance with your wishes and the needs for those you love.

 A PROPERLY DRAWN WILL SAVES MONEY

 Over 100 million dollars in assets are left each week in the United States by people who die without a Will. It costs considerably more to settle an estate without a Will.

YOU CAN SELECT THE PERSON OF YOUR CHOICE

TO MANAGE YOUR ESTATE AFTER DEATH

 This person is known as an executor when named in a Will. In some states this person may be called “a personal representative”. If you nominate an individual, your Will can request that your executor serve without bond to reduce expenses in settling your estate.

 WHO SHOULD WRITE YOUR WILL?

An Attorney of your choice. It is unwise to try to write your own Will. The expense of having an attorney write your Will is worth its cost many times over. In states where “holographic Wills” (handwritten) are legal, there is more litigation over these wills than all others. 

WHEN YOU HAVE A PROPERLY DRAWN WILL

YOU CAN GIVE YOUR PROPERTY TO THOSE YOU WANT TO RECEIVE IT

 Without a Will the court must divide your property according to, the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of death. Such laws do not take into consideration the educational or financial needs of your family.

YOUR WILL CAN BENEFIT CHARITABLE CAUSES

WHERE SHOULD A WILL BE KEPT?

 Your Will should be kept in a safe, fireproof location known to your executor.

INSPIRED COUNSEL

  “Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.” Deut. 8:18.

  STEWARDS OF GOD

  “Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards supplied from God with talents and facilities and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him.” Education, p. 137

 STEWARDS OF GOD’S PROPERTY

  “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. This love is without a parallel, giving to men the relationship of sons of God. Therefore the Father expects obedience form His children, therefore He requires a right disposition of the property He has placed in their hands.” Testimonies IV, p. 124

 ASSIST CHILDREN NOW

 “If parents, while they live, would assist their children to help themselves, it would e better than to leave them a large amount at death. Children who are left to rely principally upon their own exertions make better men and women, and are better fitted for practical life than those children who have depended upon their father’s estate.” Counsels on Stewardship, p. 332

 NOW THAT YOU HAVE DECIDED THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE A WILL,

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?

Make a list of your property, including real estate, securities, cash, and anything else of value including personal items. You should also prepare a list of intended beneficiaries and the amount or percentage of your estate which you desire to leave to each one. In addition, you should make a tentative selection of the executor for your estate, and guardians for your minor children if needed.

 PERSONAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN WRITING YOUR WILL

  Have I put first things first? Are my priorities in the right order?

  Have I provided for my family according to their needs?

  Does my Will truly reflect my real wishes for my family and the Lord’s work?

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING

- If you fail to write your Will you will forfeit the right to give you possessions to those you love.

- If you do not write a Will, the state in effect writes one for you and those you leave behind much live by the arbitrary decisions of the court.

- Because of changing circumstances, it is essential to keep your Will updated after it is written.

- Your Will is a mirror of your real self – it reflects your love a devotion to your family, and the charitable causes you believe in and have supported during your life.

- There is great personal satisfaction when you have memorialized a parent, spouse or some other loved one in your will.

- Your “last words” give evidence to the life you lived and your influence with live on after you are gone. In this way you can establish a living tradition to be perpetuated by those you love.

 For Information:  email Elder Vialo Weis at: