How the Relief Fund Became “A Blessing” to Elizabeth McClelland

Elizabeth McClelland spent her life alongside her husband, Rev. Thomas McClelland, faithfully serving Christ and his church. 

Their ministry journey began far from the United States. Born and raised in Belfast, Ireland, the pair felt called to a missional life overseas. Eventually, they became missionaries in Brazil, working for a Christian literature ministry. There, the McClellands had all three of their girls. 

The McClelland family in Brazil, circa 1965

From Brazil to Tennessee, Mississippi, and eventually Florida, Thomas McClelland served wherever the Lord called. Some of the churches he pastored were small and under-resourced. “They didn’t have the budget for full-time pastors,” daughter Faith Test explained. “So we would do one church one Sunday and the other church the next Sunday.”  

After Thomas attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi he accepted a call at Hazlehurst First Presbyterian Church, where the family spent over a decade. Eventually, they moved to North Port, Florida for a church role. It was there that Elizabeth’s life changed forever. 

At just 57 years old, Thomas died suddenly when advanced-stage cancer led to a fatal blood clot in his brain. “It was a shock for all of us,” Faith said.  

For Elizabeth, the days and weeks that followed were filled with uncertainty. She had spent decades supporting ministry behind the scenes without building a career, retirement plan, or financial safety net. According to Faith, her mom didn’t even know how to drive a car.

With Thomas gone, the financial burden was immense. Thankfully, the Relief Fund was able to provide much-needed support.  

Just before Thomas died, the McClellands had finally purchased their first home—a place that meant a great deal to Elizabeth. Through the Relief Fund, she was able to remain there.

“It was a huge blessing through the years,” Faith says. “She was able to maintain her life, and that was attributed to those funds coming in and helping her make ends meet…between me and my sisters, I don’t think we could have done it alone.”

The Relief Fund provided more than monthly stability. It met specific, urgent needs, like a major dental procedure Elizabeth could not afford on her own. What mattered most to Elizabeth wasn’t just financial help—it was dignity and independence.

“It gave her a level of independence,” Faith says. “She was able to stay in her little home…she could go to the store herself, she could go to church herself, and she was able to function.” 

Faith believes that independence changed her mother’s life.

“If she hadn’t been financially able to do that, she wouldn’t have done as well as she did.”   

For decades, Elizabeth applied for assistance with humility and prayer. Every year, it was approved. According to Faith, her mom considered it “a huge blessing.” 

“Being a pastor is not a moneymaking business,” said Faith. “It’s more out of love of God and love of people. So the fact that people are able to give, it’s a huge blessing to pastors and their families.” 

Today, Elizabeth is 95 years old. Faith continues to see God’s faithfulness at work in her mom’s life. “I still see God’s hand taking care of her.”  

Because of the Relief Fund, Elizabeth McClelland was not displaced, overlooked, or forgotten. She was seen. She was supported. And she has been able to live with dignity after a lifetime of faithful service.  

To learn more about how you can support PCA widows, pastors, and missionaries in need, visit genevabenefits.org/sustainers.