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Giving FAQ

Quick Give


Features

1) A quick and easy way to give. You only enter your payment data once.

2) It’s safe and secure. Your information is passed to the bank. We never save it.

3) If you are already registered to give via mobile giving, there is no need to enter card information. Your card is only used for website giving.

4) If you are new to mobile giving, you set up your card only once. You do not have to enter your card every time you give. Your payment information is stored with the bank. You can now give through mobile (text) or the website.

5) The first time you use your computer, you will be asked to verify your identity by being sent a security pin. Once the pin is entered, you will be able to give via your computer.

6) All devices must be validated before using them to give. If you use a computer or device that has not been validated, you must first validate the device.

Mobile Giving


How does it work?

Simply send a text message with KEYWORD space DOLLAR AMOUNT to 28950.

For example, to give an offering of $25, text BWMO space 25 to 28950. If this is your first time, you will receive a text with a link to follow to register. This one-time registration is required to complete the donation. When registration is complete, you will receive a receipt for the $25 gift via text message. Any time you want to give after you register, all you have to do is send a text message with KEYWORD space DOLLAR AMOUNT to 28950. Your card will automatically be charged, and you will receive a receipt via text message.

Message and data rates may apply.

How do I change my personal contact or payment card information?

Text the word edit to your organization’s 5-digit phone number. Press send and follow the prompts to update your information. For example, send edit to 28950.

How do I add, edit or view my recurring donations?

If you are already registered to give by text, text the word recurring to your organization’s 5-digit phone number. Press send and follow the prompts to schedule your donations. For example, send recurring to 28950. Repeat that step to edit or view your recurring donations.

How do I set up recurring donations if I am not registered?

Text any keyword associated with your organization with the word recurring to your organization’s 5-digit phone number. Press send and follow the prompts to schedule your donations. For example, send keyword recurring to 28950.

How can I tell if my donation was accepted or if I sent it twice?

Text the word history to your organization’s 5-digit phone number. Press send and follow the link to view your last 20 donations. For example, send history to 28950.

What if I forget my keywords?

Text the word keywords to your organization’s 5-digit phone number. Press send and follow the link to view a listing of your keywords. For example, send keywords to 28950.

Is it secure?

Yes. mobileAxept receives a unique security token usable only for your card and your organization. This process has been certified by the Payment Card Industry (PCI), and our merchant partner has been awarded the highest safety rating, PCI Level 1 compliance.

Why did my bank charge me $1.00?

Some card issuing banks place a one-time temporary $1.00 authorization hold on the funds, which is removed within one to two business days.

Why does texting Stop no longer delete my payment card information?

Stop now opts you out of text notifications. To change your payment card information, text the word edit. This change was made so that donors could opt out of text alert services while remain registered to give.

Do I need a smartphone?

Any phone that is capable of sending and receiving text messages can be used. To register the first-time, you may do so on your phone, if your phone has a web browser, or you can register the first-time on your computer using the link below:

Bill Winston Ministries Web Registration Link

What are the requirements?

The system works with any mobile phone with SMS or texting capability. Also, Premium SMS or shortcode numbers must not be blocked on your plan. If you text in your donation and do not receive a text message back, your plan may be blocked to receive Premium SMS or shortcode numbers. If this occurs, please contact your provider and request that they enable Premium SMS messaging on the phone number(s) in which you will be using to give.

To be able to do the initial registration on your phone, you will need to have internet access on your phone. If your phone can do text messaging, but does not have internet access, you can still use your phone to give, but the initial registration needs to be done on a web browser, either on a personal computer or on another device with a browser. Please follow this link for web registration:

Bill Winston Ministries Web Registration Link

There is no software or app that needs to be installed on your phone.

Does it work internationally?

Yes. If you have a US number and you are abroad, your text should go through just fine - depending on your cell phone provider’s terms and policies.

What type of debit or credit card can I use?

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

What is the maximum amount I can give?

You can give any amount you wish. The maximum limit depends on how much your bank will allow you to charge to your card. You may give full dollar amounts (10) or dollars and cents (10.25).

Is the amount added to the phone bill?

No, the amount is not added to your phone bill. It is charged to your debit or credit card.

Will I be charged per text message?

The cost of sending and receiving the text message is determined by your cell phone provider. It normally is the same as sending a text message to a friend.

I have texted my donation and nothing happens. What do I do?

After you text in your donation, first-time users will receive a text that directs them to register. After registration is complete your card will automatically be charged and you will receive a receipt confirming your donation. Repeat users will receive a receipt confirming your donation.

If you do not receive a text response right away, do not send a new text; that will duplicate the charge. If you do not receive a text response in a reasonable amount of time and you feel you have waited too long, text HELP to 28950 and you will receive a text message with a toll-free number to call.

Once I have donated, can I undo it?

Donations are not refundable, but if you made a mistake by texting the wrong amount and need to undo the donation, send HELP to 28950 and call the toll free number you receive.

Is the donation tax deductible?

As with all donations to Bill Winston Ministries, donations are tax deductible as allowed by IRS 501(c) 3 rules.

What kind of receipt will I receive?

You will receive a receipt via text message. Donations made via text messages will also be included on the donor statement that you normally receive from Bill Winston Ministries.

What are keywords? Are they important or can I just text anything?

The keywords are very important as they indicate where the donation or payments are going. Be accurate when you text! Click here to get keywords.

Can I use multiple keywords?

Yes, different keywords – same number. No new registration is required for each keyword. You will, however, have to send them as separate text messages.

How can I unregister or unsubscribe?

Simply text STOP to 28950. You will then receive an acknowledgement that you have unregistered.

Can I send prayer requests or other inquiries through this system?

No. This is an automated system designed for donations only.

Can I give to multiple churches or ministries other than Living Word Christian Center or Bill Winston

If you chose to give to another church or ministry outside of Living Word Christian Center or Bill Winston Ministries, you must first text STOP to 28950 to unsubscribe from Living Word Christian Center or Bill Winston Ministries and register as a first-time user with the other church or ministry. When you wish to give again to Living Word Christian Center or Bill Winston Ministries you must text STOP to 28950 to unsubscribe from the other church or ministry. You will then register as a first-time user with Living Word Christian Center or Bill Winston Ministries.

What if my question is not listed here?
Our customer support team is happy to help you. Please contact computersupport@livingwd.org.

Errors Processing My Credit/Debit Card


Why Am I Getting AVS Rejected Error When Processing My Credit/Debit Card?

The address you provided does not match the address on file with your Credit Card Company/Bank. Please ensure the following:
1.) Do not use special characters (for example, use Apt 2 instead of the pound sign (#2).
2.) Make sure that you are entering the billing address on file with your Credit Card Company/Bank. If you have had a change of address, check with your Credit Card Company/Bank and verify that the address associated with your credit/debit card has been updated, not just the address for your account profile. Please note: we only forward the information you inputted over to your Credit Card Company/Bank AVS (Address Verification System). They return to us whether the credit/debit card is valid based on the information they have on file.

Why Am I Getting CVV Rejected Error When Processing My Credit/Debit Card?

The credit card verification number you provided is incorrect. Please ensure that you are entering the correct credit card verification number. On most credit/debit cards, this 3 digit number can be found on the reverse side of the card. On American Express card, this 4 digit number can be found on the front side.

My transaction failed/declined. When I check my bank account, it shows that the transaction went through, why?

Even though our system failed/declined your transaction, certain Banks still put a hold on the money you attempted to process. Usually after 3 days the hold is released. You should follow up with your Bank.


General Giving


How Do I Get My End Of The Year Statement For Tax Purposes?

Each time you donate, you will receive an email confirmation which will serve as your receipt. Please retain a copy of this receipt for tax purposes. End of year contribution statements are only available upon request by calling the BWM office directly at (708) 697-5100.

How do I make a donation by check?

Donations can be mailed to:
Bill Winston Ministries
P.O. Box 947
Oak Park, IL 60303

Please make your check payable to Bill Winston Ministries. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law. Contact a Bill Winston Ministry Representative at (800) 711-9327 if you need further assistance.

"But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]." - Matthew 5:44-45 (Amplified Bible -AMP)