Posted on Mar 19, 2007

TAYLORS, S.C. (BP)--Many people across the Southern Baptist Convention ask me about the health of our entities. I have been privileged to visit many of our seminaries, mission boards and other entities over the past eight months. On every occasion, I have witnessed God at work. Our entity leaders are working hard to be relevant, caring agencies of ministry and outreach.

My recent visit to GuideStone Financial Resources was certainly no exception. As I visited with the staff, President O.S. Hawkins and the trustees, I came away convinced that this is an entity with God’s hand of blessing upon it.

One of the great parts of the meeting was hearing of a recent decision on the part of the trustees to double the monthly relief supplement for ministers and ministers’ widows who have very low monthly incomes and long years of Southern Baptist service. This significant increase will do much to help those who have the greatest financial need among our brothers and sisters. Although this amount far exceeds what most of these dear people or their churches were ever able to contribute, it is the sign of God’s blessing upon GuideStone Financial Resources that has enabled them to provide it. Large numbers of Southern Baptist Churches also have given to help make this ministry of relief possible.

Some people may think that the ministry of GuideStone Financial Resources is one of lesser importance than other entities. However, after visiting GuideStone I can assure you that it is a ministry of great importance and upon which God’s blessing is pouring mightily.

Pray for Dr. O.S. Hawkins, the staff and trustees as they continue to seek ways to bless God’s people.
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Frank Page is president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. Visit his website at www.sbc.net/PresidentsPage.