Everything on this site is free and will stay free. Nothing is unlocked by giving and nothing is closed by not giving. An offering here pays for hosting, translation, printing and the time of the people who write, draw, sing and answer. If you cannot give, do not; pray for the work instead, and that is the larger gift.
Giving in the family of Abraham. Judaism: tzedakah, from the word for justice; giving to the poor is not charity but what is owed, and a tenth was the ancient rule. Islam: zakat, one of the five pillars, a fixed share of wealth given each year, and sadaqah, giving beyond it. Christianity: the tithe of the Law of Moses, the widow's two coins that Jesus praised above the gifts of the rich, and Paul's rule: each as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Where an offering goes. Hosting and the tools the site runs on. Translation into the languages of the sister sites. Printing of study material and picture books. Music recording. A small stipend for those who give their working hours to the church. Every year an account of income and spending is published on this page, in plain figures, so that a giver may see where it went.
IHS Bethlehem Church is a California nonprofit. Whether a gift is deductible depends on your country and on the church's status at the time; write and we will tell you what we can. We are not tax advisers.
Do I get anything for giving?
Our thanks and our prayers. Nothing on the site is reserved for givers; a few member extras exist for those who register, and registration is free.
What is the printed edition serial number?
Printed editions carry a number that opens the section prepared for that edition. It is a key, not a payment.
Can I give to a specific purpose?
Yes: say so in the note. Translation, music, printing, or the general fund.
Is the store a way of giving?
The store sells books, pictures and study material at fair prices; its surplus supports the work. It is not the centre of this place and never will be.
Once or monthly, any amountMake an offeringNothing is unlocked; nothing is closed
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Store and giving
The store is not the centre of this place. It exists so that good books, pictures and study materials are within reach of those who read and pray here.
