Dear First Baptist Family,
We are deeply grateful for your generous giving. Your gifts matter—not just because they keep the lights on, but because they change lives. Still, we know it is not always easy to see the direct impact of your generosity. We hope to share more stories that connect the dots between your giving and the significant ministry it makes possible.
Emily Fayssoux, a member of our Finance Committee, shares one such story below—a powerful reminder of how even a single line item in our church budget can be a lifeline for someone in crisis:
Have you ever wondered where your First Baptist contributions are really going? Once a year the congregation receives the annual budget to look over before it is voted upon at the annual meeting. The funds go to different areas such as Missions and Affiliations, Congregational Life, Church Operations, and, of course, Property. But where does it truly specifically go? Let me give you an example.
Jane, a single mother, and her three children lived adequately renting a home month to month. Then along came Hurricane Helene. When Helene hit, it was scary. The power went out, the food went bad, and Jane’s family had to move to a hotel temporarily because a tree went through the roof of their house. Unfortunately, not only did the storm cause problems at her home, it also caused problems for Jane at her work. She worked at a fast-food restaurant, which lost power for several days as well. Jane lost many working hours because of the storm. Soon after Jane was able to return to work, her child was diagnosed with COVID. COVID spread throughout her family person by person. All of this led to Jane losing several weeks of paychecks. Though she did her best, she could not find enough money to pay the bills and the rent. Times were extremely tough. She fell behind and was told she was going to be evicted. Can you imagine the fear for her family?
Let me tell you about the HoSEA program, which was established by First Baptist in collaboration with four partner churches. The HoSEA program is a congregation-led program that, in conjunction with the assistance and representatives of our trusted nonprofits and their skilled, experience case managers, helps to provide for individuals and families that have dealt with unexpected financial hardship and are being faced with eviction. The person facing eviction must have the adequate income to maintain their rental payments going forward after the HoSEA program assists them.
I am thankful to tell you that the HoSEA program kept Jane and her children in their home. I am honored to tell you this is one tiny line item in the Missions and Affiliations portion of our First Baptist Budget.
—Emily Fayssoux
This is just one story among many. Because of your generosity, First Baptist is a place where faith is put into action—a community where every member is a minister, offering care and compassion to those in need. It is a place where people facing hardship can find help, hope, and healing. Thank you for giving and for helping to create a church that does not simply speak of Christ’s love but strives to embody it.
With gratitude, Carol McEntyre