November is Make a Will Month: Protecting Your Family and Planning for the Future

November is Make a Will Month in Ontario, an annual opportunity to remind individuals and families of the importance of preparing a will and putting their personal and financial affairs in order. It is a timely reminder that planning for the future is not simply a legal or financial responsibility but also an expression of love, care, and Christian stewardship.

Many Canadians have yet to prepare a will, leaving their families vulnerable to unnecessary legal complications, financial uncertainty, and emotional stress when a loved one passes away. Despite the importance of estate planning, surveys suggest that approximately half of Canadian adults do not have a will.

For Christian men, particularly husbands and fathers, Make a Will Month offers an opportunity to reflect on their responsibility to provide for and protect their loved ones. While no one enjoys thinking about death, preparing a will is a practical way to ensure that family members are cared for and that personal wishes are clearly communicated.

The Bible reminds believers of their responsibility toward their families. In 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV), the apostle Paul writes, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

This biblical principle emphasises the importance of caring for our families, not only in the present but also through thoughtful planning for their future. Preparing a will is one practical way to demonstrate that commitment.

A properly prepared will allows individuals to specify how their assets should be distributed, name an executor to administer their estate, and make important provisions for their loved ones. Parents with minor children can also use their wills to specify their guardianship preferences. Without a valid will, provincial laws determine how an estate is administered and distributed, which may not reflect the deceased person's intentions.

Estate planning can also provide an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of faith and generosity. In addition to providing for family members, individuals may consider making charitable gifts to support the church's mission, Christian education, evangelism, and other ministries close to their hearts.

The Ontario Conference encourages men and their families to take advantage of Make a Will Month by reviewing their estate plans or taking the first steps toward preparing a will. Those who already have a will should ensure that it reflects their current family circumstances and wishes.

The Ontario Conference's Planned Giving and Trust Services office is available to provide information and guidance to help individuals start this important process.

Preparing a will is more than completing a legal document. It is an act of responsible stewardship that can bring peace of mind, help protect loved ones, and ensure that the blessings God has entrusted to us are managed according to our wishes.

This November, take the first step. If you have not yet prepared your will, contact the Ontario Conference office at 905-571-1022 or by email at trust@adventistontario.org to learn how to get started. Do not wait until an unexpected event makes these decisions more difficult for those you love.

Plan today. Protect your family. Leave a legacy of faith.

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