Entrusting Resources for God’s Glory

Bob Grant remembers the first time he heard about InterVarsity—it was his first day as an undergraduate at Colorado College. He came across a pamphlet in his dormitory that asked, “What Is IVCF?” He was intrigued, but the pamphlet didn’t include any contact information, so he ended up participating in another ministry on campus.

It wasn’t until years later, after Bob and his wife Marcy moved to Madison, Wisconsin for graduate school, that they came across InterVarsity again. The couple attended a church with many InterVarsity staff including then president, Dr. John Alexander. As Bob and Marcy’s friendships with InterVarsity staff grew, so too did their love for InterVarsity’s ministry. From that time, they have been deeply involved in the ministry, first as graduate students, and now as engaged partners including giving faithfully to InterVarsity staff. They have even made future plans to continue this vital ministry.

The couple’s commitment to giving is remarkable. Both Bob and Marcy grew up in families that valued tithing. When they got married, using their resources to further God’s kingdom wasn’t even a question, the act was assumed. Bob said, “One of the ways God has blessed us is that we always agree—we have never had conflict over giving.” Marcy went on to reveal that when they discuss how much to give one of them will often suggest an amount without knowing the other was already thinking the same.

The Grants’ giving goes beyond their faithful partnership with InterVarsity staff. Nearly 50 years ago, long before they retired, they included InterVarsity in their estate. When asked why they made the choice, Marcy laughed and said, “It was just the right thing to do.”

Bob expanded on his wife’s humble reply, “God has provided more than enough for us, so we want to continue to give to the Lord’s work out of the excess He’s given to us. We feel that’s part of our responsibility, having been entrusted with resources, to use them to God’s glory.”

God used InterVarsity to bless Bob and Marcy’s lives and faith, and their children’s lives as well. It is not only with thankful hearts that they give to InterVarsity, but out of a deep sense of God’s love for them. “We give because we are profoundly grateful to God for His constant provision. He has been so gracious with us,” Bob said. Marcy nodded in agreement and added later, “The breadth and depth of InterVarsity’s ministry makes the investment worth it.”

Watch their video, part of our Legacy Partner Portrait series, to learn more about Bob and Marcy's special connection to InterVarsity and why they choose to give.