Mission:Dignity recipients in Texas will receive an extra check — a 13th check — in 2022, thanks to efforts from churches and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
The SBTC marks the seventh state convention to offer such an arrangement between Mission:Dignity/GuideStone and state conventions.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to bless those who came before us and served our Lord faithfully and sacrificially,” said Nathan Lorick, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. “The Executive Board of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention unanimously and enthusiastically approved the motion to grant a 13th check to Texas recipients of the Mission Dignity ministry. We trust the Lord will use this gift to meet a need and provide encouragement at just the right time.”
In 2022, Mission:Dignity will help more than 2,500 individuals with extra money needed for housing, food and vital medications. It also ensures a well-deserved dignity, independence and, often, the ability to continue serving the Lord. In May, some 275 Texas recipients will receive a 13th check — equal to a normal monthly check. Just over 2/3 of the Mission:Dignity recipients in Texas are pastor’s widows. Texas is home to more Mission:Dignity recipients than any other state.
“We are so thankful for the partnership, now with seven state conventions, to provide an extra check to each participant in the Mission:Dignity ministry,” GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck said. “The men and women we serve through Mission:Dignity are truly deserving of a double honor, which Mission:Dignity certainly is. That so many state conventions have caught this vision is a blessing to those we serve. I am reminded of Paul’s remarks about another offering to help the poor — For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12 CSB)
Mission:Dignity expressed its thankfulness for the efforts of SBTC churches.
“All of us at Mission:Dignity are thankful for Nathan Lorick, the executive board of the SBTC and their churches across Texas,” said Aaron Meraz, director of Mission:Dignity. “The pastors and widows we serve are truly deserving of these gifts. Because of the SBTC’s ‘whole life’ initiative to care for the most vulnerable among our churches, Texas recipients will be receiving an extra blessing this year.”
For more information on Mission:Dignity, to give, to apply for assistance or to refer someone in need, visit MissionDignity.org.