“There is something special about writing out our tithe check to the church every payday,” reported a smiling Stephanie Grove, a member of First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights. She and her husband, David, were two of the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI) clients who shared their stories of Christian stewardship during the Foundation’s report at the IBSA Annual Meeting Nov. 8.
The couple has done their estate planning through BFI. “Estate planning that provides for Kingdom causes is rare for most Christians,” Stephanie said. She urged messengers to think ahead of how they can keep giving after they’re gone. “By delaying, we are squandering the greatest giving opportunity we may ever have.”
Messengers also heard from Ailee Taylor of Net Community Church in Staunton. Her husband, Derrick, is the church planting pastor. “I never looked at getting a loan as a spiritual experience,” Ailee said, “but that has changed drastically this year.”
Her church financed its mortgage through BFI. “When we go make a payment, we are putting back into those investors,” she said. “And I know those investors are making a tithe, and now I know loans are a very spiritual process.”
After the testimonies, BFI Executive Director Doug Morrow (left) came to the microphone and acknowledged who was behind it all. “God is the real hero.”
In other business:
• Messengers approved the 2019 budget of $295,032 and Board of Trustees officers Ted Zimmerman, chair; David Grove, vice chair; and David Chumley, secretary.
• BFI set a new record, awarding $79,250 in scholarships to 39 students for the 2018-19 academic year.