Gary Ringger Founder President Lifesong for Orphans Adoption Children Radical Business Generosity Finish Line Podcast
Finish Line Podcast Episode 91

Gary Ringger, Founder of Lifesong for Orphans, on Handing His Business Over to God

You want to steward God’s resources faithfully. But questions about generosity, calling, and impact are rarely simple.

In this conversation, you’ll hear from someone who has walked through these kinds of questions and learned along the way. Listen for the next step God may be inviting you to take.

Meet your guide

Gary Ringger is the founder and President of Lifesong for Orphans. His journey from struggling business owner in the food industry to the steadfast shepherd of Lifesong for Orphans is a testament to the heart of generosity in action. Following a profound personal “contract with God,” Gary’s life shifted from profit-driven enterprise to purpose-driven stewardship, shaping a legacy of impact.

Amidst the crucible of business challenges, Gary’s faith-inspired pivot directed millions in business proceeds to fuel an innovative approach to orphan care. Today, Lifesong thrives on sustainable and impact business strategies, all rooted in Gary’s spiritual journey and entrepreneurial grit.

What you’ll gain

  • What led to Gary’s “contract with God”?
  • How did Gary transition from business to ministry?
  • How has careful, intentional listening prayer shaped many major decisions in Gary’s life?
  • How can givers align their time and energy with their financial giving?
  • How does Lifesong for Orphans serve orphans and families around the world?
  • What is a giving engine and how do they provide ongoing support for ministry?

Inspired? Take your next step

Try the Game of Life Simulator

Step into a four-minute interactive experience and see what unfolds as you decide how to manage your resources.

Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot
Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot

Inspired? Learn how to partner with ministries well.

A compelling ministry story can inspire you to respond. But wise partnership often begins with better questions.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Focus

What is the ministry really seeking to restore?

Learn to look beyond visible needs toward people, context, relationships, and flourishing.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Fruitfulness

How do you recognize meaningful impact?

Consider how ministries learn, evaluate their work, and pursue lasting change.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Faithfulness

What does genuine ministry partnership look like?

Explore how to foster trust, alignment, and shared mission in your giving.

In our Intervention Series on the Applied Generosity Podcast, we’ll help you become a more thoughtful, discerning, and faithful partner.

Quotes to Remember

  • “We’re gonna get rich, retire at 40, and live the American Dream.”
  • “God used that brokenness to change my paradigm.”
  • “My prayer life went from a discipline to my favorite time of day.”
  • “If we hadn’t written it down, the entire journey wouldn’t have happened.”
  • “Don’t just give it away, get involved with something.”
  • “Once you’re a steward, God opens and closes doors in ways you could never imagine.”
  • “If you want to experience God, look for where He’s working and join into that.”

Links from the Show

Bible References from the Show

2 Timothy 1:7 | Spirit of Fear

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

James 1:27 | Pure Religion

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Matthew 25:23 | Parable of the Talents

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.’

Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.

Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.

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Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.
Generosity Profile Image
Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.
Generosity Profile Image