The Baptist Foundation of Alabama has functioned for more than 65 years as the trust agency for Alabama Baptists.
Presenting the Foundation’s report Nov. 14, President Barry Bledsoe pointed out that it focuses on three basic ministries: administering permanent endowment gifts, assisting churches and associations with institutional investments and promoting stewardship.
He cited research showing that Christians tend to give only from their cash assets.
“Alabama Baptists gave well over $500 million in undesignated offerings last year (in 2006) — that came from 10 percent of our net worth,” Bledsoe said. “Imagine if we as Alabama Baptists walked deeper and gave the same percentage from our wealth as our cash. I don’t think it is any coincidence that God has given us wealth.”
According to the Book of Reports, the Foundation’s assets as of Dec. 31, 2006, exceeded $210 million.
Despite all the talk about money, Bledsoe said that is not what it’s all about. “We cannot forget that this is a spiritual mission. The Bible tells us that God owns everything. We are called to be His stewards.”
Other Foundation ministries include charitable gift and estate planning services, estate settlement services and ElderCare for Alabama Baptists who have designated at least 10 percent of their assets to a Baptist cause and do not have family to help them.
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