November 29, 2007 - Rod Conrad, an employee of EnCana Corp. in Calgary has long used the company's matching charitable donation program to leverage his donations to organizations like The Mustard Seed, Focus on the Family and Samaritan's Purse. As a member of RockPointe Church, Rod became particularly interested in the development of the new campus for the Ambrose University College when he realized RockPointe had made a pledge to support the college. Rod decided to check if Ambrose could be added to EnCana's list of approved charities for their matching gifts program. When EnCana agreed to add Ambrose as an eligible charity, Rod approached his pastor, Brent Trask about the idea of channeling his giving through EnCana to support the Ambrose College. Pastor Brent was extremely supportive of the plan. As a result, Rod's tithe and donation to Ambrose were subsequently doubled through EnCana's matching gift. In addition to this, Ambrose graciously agreed to recognize these monies as a gift associated with the RockPointe pledge by crediting the amount towards the RockPointe pledge.

Rod's unique opportunity to carry out this process over the period of his three year pledge allowed him to experience God's promise of Malachi 3:10 where He promises us that He will multiply our gifts. Upon completion of the initial three-year pledge period, Rod again talked to Pastor Brent about continuing his giving to Ambrose through EnCana. Brent again agreed that this was the wisest approach for Rod to steward his monies.

Rod describes it as a joy that "I work for a company that generously offers a program that can be utilized to support worthwhile organizations like the college which has such a significant impact on the development of our future leaders." Rod encourages others to find creative ways to give to the campaign. "It isn't the amount but the direction and spirit of the gift and what God can do that really counts." In this case God blessed not only Rod but also Ambrose University College and RockPointe Church through the opportunity presented by his employer, EnCana Corporation.

Contact: Gordon Dirks
Phone: 403.410.2904
Email: GDirks@ambrose.edu