Adopt An Annuitant Sunday provides the gift of dignity to retired ministers

May 10, 2006

DALLAS — “Sacrifice was at the center of our ministry,” Noel Edwards said. Noel and his wife, Sue, dedicated their lives to the gospel ministry. He started preaching when he was only 16 years old and spent 55 years in Southern Baptist ministry before retiring. Today, GuideStone’s Adopt An Annuitant program is helping to provide monthly support and the gift of dignity to the Edwards and almost 2,500 other retired ministers and widows like them.

Southern Baptist churches across the nation will celebrate Adopt An Annuitant Sunday on June 25. This day is set aside each June by the Southern Baptist Convention to remember the thousands of aged ministers and their widows who unselfishly devoted their lives to the gospel ministry, but are now facing their retirement years without the financial resources to meet their basic daily needs.

“These pastors often served smaller, rural churches and missions that provided only a modest salary and little, if any, contributions toward a retirement account,” said John Ambra, director of development for GuideStone’s Adopt An Annuitant ministry. “Now in retirement, many struggle to afford the basic necessities of life such as food, housing, prescription drugs and medical care.”

That is the story of Noel and Sue Edwards. Serving small Southern Baptist churches while raising a family meant both Noel and Sue had to work second jobs and often had a difficult time making ends meet. But God kept sending people into their lives to help, including a local grocer who provided food when they were down to their last two dollars.

The Edwards were never able to save much towards their retirement — a small salary meant little was left for retirement planning. “We have gone to churches because we knew the Lord was in it even when we didn’t know what the salary would be,” Noel said.

As Sue put it, “We found out in our ministry that as we ministered to people, and then we had needs, they ministered to us."

"GuideStone was founded on the idea of serving those who gave sacrificially to spread the Word of God,” said President O.S. Hawkins. “Even though GuideStone has become a leading denominational benefits organization, the heart of our ministry is still providing support to these dear folks who have given of themselves sacrificially in the service of our Lord.”
 
Adopt An Annuitant Sunday provides the gift of dignity to retired ministers. Because of the generosity of Southern Baptists, nearly 2,500 individuals or couples like Noel and Sue are being helped every month. Gifts to the Adopt An Annuitant ministry provide dignity to retired ministers and their widows by allowing them to maintain their independence and to pay for food, utilities and medical care.

Recipients of Adopt An Annuitant funds must meet guidelines for income, assets and years of Southern Baptist service. Qualified recipients may be eligible for $200 per month for an individual or $265 per month for a couple.

Under GuideStone’s financial assistance guidelines, more than $6 million will be paid out annually in assistance to retirees whose income is insufficient to meet their needs. Almost $1.4 million will come from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program. However, the majority of the funding comes from the direct gifts of individuals, groups and churches in our Southern Baptist family to the Adopt An Annuitant ministry.  Every dime received through this program goes to someone in need. No administrative expenses are paid from the gifts made to the Adopt An Annuitant program.

Join Southern Baptists across the country who are helping to provide the gift of dignity to these precious retired servants of Christ. Use online ordering for free bulletin inserts and A Gift of Dignity video to use on June 25th in worship services, Sunday School departments or mission-oriented organizations or by call 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433).

“Words just don’t express how much we appreciate the people who help us through the Adopt An Annuitant program,” Noel Edwards said. “It’s a life saver for us.”