The Joy of Tithing
by Donald N. Bastian
Hometown:
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Place of Birth:
Estevan, Saskatchewan
Church Affiliation:
Free Methodist Church
Number of Years Writing:
I wrote my first published piece when I was in sixth grade at the prompting of a very wonderful teacher who had the whole class striving for publication of stories, articles or poems. Our major paper in the province, The Regina Leader, used to publish a supplement for children's writings every Saturday. This means I have been trying to perfect the craft for 69 years.
List of Other Publications and Year Published:
I have had hundreds of articles published in such periodicals as The Lutheran, Christian Reader, Christianity Today, The Toronto Star, Together, The Upper Room, The Preacher’s Magazine, and a score of others. Of course, Light and Life and The Canadian Herald forever. A brochure on Arminianism and Calvinism has been in continuous publication since about 1955. I have done several books and booklets, the major ones so far as public interest is concerned are Belonging and Counterfeit: The Lie of Living Together Unmarried. I recently published God’s House Rules, Seven Biblical Truths to Transform and Enrich Your Family Life.
Education:

Greenville College , B.A
Asbury Theological Seminary, B.D.
Some work toward a master’s at British Columbia University, Vancouver, B.C.
Four honorary doctorates ( Seattle Pacific University, Greenville College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Asbury Theological Seminary)

Employment:
I started as a gospel singer in my teens; became a pastor and seminary student together in 1953; served three Free Methodist pastorates covering a total of 21 years; served in the elective office of Free Methodist bishop for 19 years; and since leaving the office in 1993 I have been listed in our yearbook as "released for denominational service" and have been actively involved to date in preaching, teaching and writing.
Family:
Married Kathleen Swallow in 1947; daughter Carolyn, schoolteacher, born in 1948; son Donald, owner of Bastian Publishing Services in Toronto, Canada, born in 1951; son Robert, owner and chief physician of Bastian Voice Institute, Downer's Grove, IL, born 1953; John David, our profoundly retarded son, born in 1956; nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild

Additional Information: I keep up regular contact with my grandchildren by e-mail and other means (lunches, telephone, personal conversations), to my pleasure and I believe to theirs.