The Heart Behind Giving

Mark and Matthew Wong, a father and son who have been part of our church family for decades, have seen the transformative power of finding deep roots in a local church. When Mark and his wife, Joyce, first decided to find a new church, their goal was simple: find a place for community where their life—school, church, playground, grocery store—was integrated. They landed at West U Baptist around 2000-2001 and less than five years later made a courageous choice to join the startup of the Bellaire campus.

Now, twenty-five years after first walking through our doors, the results are undeniable. Mark says that the church has been an "integral part of raising" their children, Matthew and Rebecca, through ministries and mission trips that profoundly impacted them. For the Wongs, their commitment is a story of stewardship, a recognition that their life, time, and finances are not their own but the Lord’s.

The Power of the Heart Behind the Gift
Representing the young-adult perspective, Matthew Wong offers strong encouragement on generosity. He recognizes that young adults are often "early on in our careers, and we don't necessarily make all that much money.” However, he asserts that what truly matters is the heart behind the gift that God prompts His people to make. Whether a person can give a lot or a little, he says, “No matter how much someone gives, I believe God will honor their heart.”

Matthew also broadens the definition of generosity, saying that it "doesn't just look like giving financially." For young adults who have "a lot of time on [their] hands," giving can look like serving in childcare or youth ministry.

Sacrifice, Provision, and Financial Miracles
Mark offers a powerful reflection on the family's journey of financial giving, framing it as a life-long lesson in God’s provision. The Wongs made a conscious decision to give sacrificially—sometimes more than they thought they were able to give. Through doing so, they have learned that God is faithful. Looking back, they have truly seen God's goodness, citing financial miracles that can only be attributed to God.

For Mark, the key challenge is to have a Kingdom vision. He encourages young people to realize their life is not their own. "When you look at your calendar, your money, and your time, it's really the Lord's.” His belief is that all believers should give what they feel prompted to give and then see what God can do.

The Wongs’ story is a powerful reminder that sacrificial giving is not a risk but an invitation to witness God’s incredible, ongoing provision.