The Guthries were willing to sacrifice their future financial security to serve within a denomination that valued the Bible and Reformed faith. 50 years ago, the Relief Fund was created to help fill the gap for families like the Guthries.
Geneva Benefits Group launches Look After fundraising campaign and matching program in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Relief Fund. The campaign will provide support to pastors, widows, and ministry workers in need and offer matching funds up to $85,000.
Today, a significant number of retired ministers and their spouses face financial difficulties. Their ministry positions limited their earning potential which resulted in limited savings. Ordinary expenses like groceries, housing expenses, and medical bills threaten to exhaust the modest funds they possess.
Rev. Bill Hughes may be officially retired but at age 84, he continues to preach weekly. Every Sunday, he makes the hour-long drive from his home near Jackson, Mississippi to Carthage where he’s serving a small congregation without a pastor.
However, on November 28, Mike went on a mountain bike ride with his children—one of their favorite activities. In a fluke accident, he flew over his handlebars and crashed onto his helmet. He suffered a spinal cord injury, severely limiting his movement.
After her husband passed away, Peggy moved to live closer to family. She brought all her belongings, including family photos, her treasured violin and piano, and original music compositions, to an apartment—only to have a second tragedy strike when a fire consumed the building.