A Full-Circle Moment of Faithfulness: George and Paula Bass’ Donor Story

In 2022, George Bass arrived at his first orientation as a new member of the GuideStone^® board of trustees.

“I felt so blessed to be asked to serve on the board and learn more about GuideStone,” George recalls. “That’s when I first had the opportunity to sit down with Aaron Meraz [the director of Mission:Dignity^®] and truly hear about this ministry. My heart was touched.”

That conversation left a lasting impression on George and his wife, Paula. The two have been Mission:Dignity donors ever since.

For the Basses, supporting Mission:Dignity felt like a natural next step in a life centered on serving others. George and Paula are both long-time volunteers in the special needs ministry at their church, where George also serves as a deacon.

“To me, Mission:Dignity imitates the heart of God, to love those whom Christ loves,” says Paula. “Your heart can’t help but be changed when you are around these recipients. It truly makes you more Kingdom-minded.”

A Full-Circle Moment of Faith

“What’s really incredible to me is how many lives Mission:Dignity touches,” explains George. “I'll never forget our first Christmas serving with the ministry. Paula and I delivered a Christmas ham to a retired pastor. He was so happy to see us that he greeted us on the front porch wearing a coat and tie. Before long, he invited us inside to meet the rest of his family.”

“He told us that throughout his years in ministry, he had delivered Christmas hams to church members in need. Now, through Mission:Dignity, God was providing for him in that same way.”

This full-circle moment of faithfulness reinforced what makes Mission:Dignity truly unique.

“Mission:Dignity recipients have given so much to other people, probably more than any of us”, adds Paula. “We’re simply giving that same support back to them now that they need it.”

When asked if they had a message for anyone who is considering giving to Mission:Dignity, the Basses responded seemingly in unison:

“If more people heard the stories of these recipients and how they’ve been a blessing to so many, I think they’d open up their giving to Mission:Dignity.”