Help Beyond Words: The Ahlbergs’ Story

For decades, Rev. Mike Ahlberg encouraged his church to give to the PCA’s Ministerial Relief Fund. He never imagined that one day, he and his wife Robin would need that same generosity.

For more than 30 years, Mike Ahlberg served the Presbyterian Church in America as a pastor, shepherding congregations in Mississippi and South Carolina. Each Christmas, he encouraged his congregation to give to Geneva’s Relief Fund, helping provide financial assistance to retired pastors, widows, and ministry families facing hardship.

After retirement, Robin was diagnosed with cancer—not once, but twice. The treatments and medical expenses took a devastating toll on the couple’s savings. As their financial situation grew increasingly desperate, even meeting basic needs became a concern. “I sold every valuable thing I had,” said Robin.

Then, in a moment of particular need, Robin prayed for help providing groceries. As she prayed, she remembered the Relief Fund they had supported for so many years. She asked Mike about it, and he contacted Geneva Benefits Group. Within four days, financial assistance arrived.

“The Relief Fund has helped us beyond words or expectation,” Mike said. “Humanly speaking, we do not know how we would make ends meet without you.”

The fund Mike and Robin had spent years encouraging others to support was now helping sustain their own family.

Today, Mike continues to serve as a circuit pastor, preaching and caring for congregations while also caring for Robin through her health challenges. The Relief Fund helps make that possible, providing critical financial support during this season of their lives.

“Now that we’ve gotten help from it,” said Robin, “it’s just…wow. Praise God for Geneva.”

This is what the Relief Fund is all about. It’s a powerful way for the church to care for those who have spent their lives caring for the church.

As the need across the PCA grows, more congregations have an opportunity to take part in that Kingdom work. A special offering, recurring gift, or a personal contribution can help ensure that assistance is available when the next pastor, widow, or ministry family faces a crisis. Your gifts will help pay for housing, food, doctors visits, prescriptions, utilities and more so that the church can look after widows and others in need.

Together, we can help make sure that no ministry family has to face hardship alone.

Learn more and give at genevabenefits.org/lookafter.