DALLAS
Mission:Dignity® recipients in Tennessee received an extra check — a 13th check — this fall, thanks to efforts from churches and the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
Tennessee marks the ninth state convention to offer such an arrangement between Mission:Dignity/GuideStone® and state conventions.
“Reflecting the vision of Tennessee Baptist Pastor and first President of what is now GuideStone, William Lunsford, to ‘care for the old soldiers of the cross’ as they enter into their golden years, it is a privilege and honor for Tennessee Baptists to provide a very well deserved 13th check for Mission:Dignity recipients that have served the Lord in Tennessee,” said Randy Davis, President and Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
In 2022, Mission:Dignity will help more than 2,700 individuals with extra money needed for housing, food and vital medications. It also ensures a well-deserved dignity, independence and, often, the ability to continue serving the Lord. This fall, 120 Tennessee recipients received a 13th check — equal to a normal monthly honorarium.
GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck expressed his personal thanks for the generosity of Tennessee Baptists.
“We are truly thankful for the generosity of the people and churches in Tennessee,” Dilbeck said. “Randy Davis and his team are wonderful ministry partners helping ensure our Mission:Dignity recipients there are well cared for. It is most fitting that Tennessee Baptists have joined in this gesture as the very birth of GuideStone was conceived in the heart of a Tennessee pastor who saw the needs around him and rallied our convention of churches to care for retired pastors and their widows. We are thankful that Southern Baptists continue to capture his vision and are joining us in our mission.”
Mission:Dignity expressed its thankfulness for the efforts of Tennessee churches.
“Retired pastors and their widows who served well truly deserve a double honor,” Mission:Dignity Director Aaron Meraz said. “We are thankful for the people of Tennessee churches for their commitment to ensure no retired Southern Baptist minister or his widow must endure their declining years without the dignity that they have earned.”