A Legacy of Faithful Generosity: Jim and Nancy Diller’s Story

Jim and Nancy Diller, longstanding supporters of TEAM, have shared how God has worked in their lives to lead them toward generosity and faithful, Spirit-led giving. We had the privilege of interviewing Jim and Nancy, who shared their story!

Q: Would you share a little bit of your story and what led you to the Lord?

Jim: Nancy and I met at 12 years old, had our first date at a school dance at 15, and married at 19. I was not a Christian, but deep down I knew I was a sinner and felt convicted. I prayed for the first time saying, “God, I don’t even know if you truly exist, but if you do, would you forgive me of my sins?” I felt immediate relief and knew God had answered my prayer. I became enamored with God’s word, began discipling a group of young men, and asked the Lord for opportunities to preach. I preached for about a year at a small church, and then Nancy and I felt called to lead Bible studies. Over the next 50 years, we led studies in homes, jails, hospitals, and rehab facilities in nursing homes. We also ministered to men with addiction struggles.

Nancy: I learned about the love of Jesus at the age of 3 from my grandmother, who taught me to pray. At 13, I gave my heart fully to God, saying, “I belong to you.” That was the beginning of knowing and walking with the Lord. I have grown to love him- He is my life.

Q: What led you to serve the Lord through your giving?

We have not always been able to give. Back when we had four young children, we barely made ends meet, but we knew we wanted to be obedient to tithe. By faith, we slowly started giving and increased our giving until it was 10% of our income. Over time, God’s abundant blessings have allowed us to give beyond that 10%. We believe that the prosperity we enjoy is rooted in our giving. The money isn’t ours; it belongs to God.

Q: How did you first become connected with TEAM, and what has kept you engaged with the ministry over the years?

We heard about TEAM in 2012 through our church’s missions conference. We had a good impression of TEAM, could tell it was a steady, solid mission, and we grew to trust TEAM. We loved seeing the work TEAM was doing and hearing stories and testimonies. God placed it on our hearts to give to TEAM when we sold our medical equipment business of 40 years.

Q: What aspects of TEAM’s ministry and history are most meaningful to you?

We love that TEAM ministers the Gospel to countries around the world. We were originally very committed to giving toward projects like water wells in Chad. We eventually redirected our funds to the Global Outreach (GO) Fund when those well projects were fully funded. We have always been led by the Lord for how much to give and where to give. It has been a tremendous joy to be able to give it.

Q: What draws you specifically to give generously to the Global Outreach (GO) Fund?

The GO fund makes it possible to send missionaries overseas. They are willing to give up their lives to get the gospel out and see others come to know the Lord- but they need resources, support, and training.

Q: How do you see your giving as an expression of your faith and partnership with what God is doing through TEAM?

We see our giving as a response to reality. We live in a broken world, and we need to take the resources we have and make them available to spread the gospel. You cannot look at the world and not see millions of lost souls. We see giving as a response to what Christ has done for us.

Q: What has prompted you to give a legacy gift to TEAM, including TEAM in your will?

Someday we will not be here, and we need to make decisions now as to where that money will go. We want to see the Lord’s work continue through TEAM, which is why we have included them in our will.

Q: What encouragement would you share about TEAM, and what is your prayer for TEAM moving forward?

We have found TEAM to be a faithful, Godly, reliable organization. We believe they use funds wisely and are extremely effective in their mission. We pray TEAM will continue to worship and serve the Lord in spirit and truth, and that their commitment to Him is firm and resolute.