Disaster Relief: Offering Hope

By: Barry Allen, President & CEO

A hot meal prepared for a disaster victim, debris clearing for an elderly widow after a tornado, a hot shower for an emergency responder and a Christian witness shared with a disaster survivor – these are just a few of the many ways the Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief ministry is offering the hope of Jesus Christ across Kentucky, throughout our nation and around the globe.

This important Great Commission ministry traditionally has relied upon (a) the selfless and self-sacrificing efforts of Kentucky Baptist volunteers, who love the Lord and desire to bring hope to those who find themselves in hopeless circumstances, and (b) the collective giving of churches through the Cooperative Program. However, in looking to the future, it is clear this traditional source of funding will not be sufficient to enhance and secure financially this critical ministry even as the need for it increases. As a result, the KBC Mission Board has authorized the establishment with the Kentucky Baptist Foundation of the KBC Disaster Relief Endowment Fund to receive contributions for the direct benefit of this ministry.

This endowment is a perpetual, irrevocable fund from which only the earnings will be used for disaster relief ministry. The principal will be preserved to provide the ministry with long-term financial strength and stability, until Jesus comes again.

Advancing the Kingdom in the future cannot be funded solely by us Christians placing our cash and checks in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. In the future it will require us to steward not only out of our income but also out of our assets. We call that legacy giving, which includes giving in light of one’s overall estate and financial plans and perhaps using tax-advantaged methods.

I like what Mr. Rogers (TV) once said: “The world tomorrow will belong to those who give it hope.” And, Jesus commissioned us “to go and make disciples.” I urge you prayerfully to consider a legacy gift for the benefit of Kingdom advancement through disaster relief. Call me to discover some giving options.