More than 300 Alabama Baptists celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Baptist Foundation of Alabama (BFA) Nov. 14 during the Alabama Baptist State Convention in Montgomery.
Ralph Norman, chairman of the board for BFA, said BFA is “the best kept secret in Alabama” and challenged those in attendance to learn more about BFA and its history.
Highlights from BFA’s history came during the luncheon as Elizabeth “Betty” McManus provided examples of how dreaming the impossible can make the impossible happen. BFA was one of those impossible dreams, she said.
“A few Baptists saw the need for the foundation … and now the scope of its work goes worldwide,” said McManus, whose late husband, U.A., was a former executive director of BFA.
“Every great achievement was once impossible until someone set a goal to make it happen,” she said. “When you dare to dream, many marvelous things can happen.”
Alabama Baptists from a variety of areas also gave testimonies of how BFA made a difference in their lives, and Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, gave thanks to BFA.
“Thank you, first because it is biblical, but also in practical ways,” Lance said, noting that BFA “represents the heart of our family of faith, the heritage of our family of faith and the hope of our family of faith.”
“And then from a personal standpoint, you represent the very best of Alabama Baptist life,” Lance said. “May your tribe increase.”
Warren Trussell Jr., executive director of the foundation, delivered his report to the Alabama Baptist State Convention the next morning. “Hundreds and hundreds of Alabama Baptists have given to the foundation through wills, trusts and gifts leaving a legacy until the Lord comes again,” he said.
Reminding convention messengers that BFA was the single largest contributor to the Cooperative Program in 1999, he said the same would hold true for the year 2000.
“Any undesignated gifts BFA has received have always gone to the Cooperative Program,” he explained.
Trussell said that currently the foundation is handling assets of $128 million and is managing an income of $7.4 million. He recognized BFA’s board of directors, 20 representatives from across the state.
“Most of these directors are lay people who give of their time and expertise,” he said. (TAB)
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