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WatersEdge Endowment tops $8.5S Pmillion SIONS & ORTS & M I SDistribution ENT M I N I S T RY
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>> by Anna Dillinger
WATERSEDGE CONTENT CREATOR
In the final week of 2020, WatersEdge staff members poured their energy into finalizing one of the organization’s most anticipated projects of the year: the Endowment Distribution. Their efforts resulted in more than $8.5 million being sent out to support ministries in Oklahoma and across the United States. Combined with smaller quarterly endowment distributions made throughout the year, WatersEdge distributed a total of $13.7 million in endowed funds in 2020, surpassing 2019’s distribution by $1.3 million. The funds were sent to 353 unique beneficiaries, the vast majority of which are Southern Baptist ministries that focus on changing lives with the Gospel. They include churches, seminaries, Christian universities, children’s homes, missions organizations and more. But none of this would be possible without the generosity of ministry-minded givers. Despite COVID-related economic turmoil, these endowments continue to distribute faithfully, thanks to the donors who created and support them. Many ministries rely on endowments to sustain fundraising efforts or to weather temporary dips in annual charitable giving. Endowment is a wise financial decision for any ministry, because E O N LforI N it allows givers to invest donations long-term NEW ENT T growth and distributes toON charitable CLUSIVE C EB-EXpayments W causes annually. The principal grows over time, so gifts multiply over time. “An endowment is an exceptional option for a giver who wishes to leave a legacy and not just a one-time gift,” said David Depuy, WatersEdge chief investment officer. “An endowment will last FO much longer than a lifetime provide N INever-inTIO ICAand
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creasing distributions for ministry every year until Jesus’ return.” Anyone—not just the original giver—can contribute to an existing endowment, further growing the principal andV ultimateOICES ly increasing its distribution. An endowment also offers donors flexibility since they can be funded with cash, stocks and bonds, real estate and privately-held investments. Here’s an example of how endowment works: Jim Smith places $50,000 into an endowment for his church and names it after his grandmother: “The Loretta Smith Legacy Fund.” In its first year, the endowed gift would distribute $2,250 to Jim’s church. While that amount may seem small
EVENTS Oklahoma Baptists’ leaders continue to monitor information about the continued impact of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. After careful consideration, the decision has been made to cancel, and in some cases move to a virtual event format, all Oklahoma Baptists sponsored events of 50 people or more in the months of January and February 2021.
Ponca City, First focuses on its neighbors KAREN WILLOUGHBY | JAN 6
Being a good neighbor is a Jesusdirected way of life, says Michael Taylor, citing Luke 10.
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Taylor, pastor of Ponca City, First, is leading his church to expand that concept in 2021.LifeWay finalizes Ridgecrest sale
EVENTS
CAROL PIPES | JAN 4
The following January events are cancelled: • January 14—Singing Churchmen Day Retreat • January 21—January Update • January 21—Singing ChurchWomen Day Retreat • January 25-26—Advance Conference
January event moved to virtual/online only: • January 17-18—Youth Evangelism Conference
FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS
LifeWay Christian Resources has finalized the sale of Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps to the Ridgecrest Foundation, a group dedicated to using the property as a Christian camp and conference center.
The 10 best family-friendly movies of 2020 MICHAEL FOUST | DEC 30
Even if 2020 was the worst year in recent history, it still produced dozens of inspiring and entertaining movies families can enjoy— including documentaries, dramas and comedies. FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM
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compared to the size of the initial gift, time quickly multiplies the impact. In 25 years, the $50,000 endowment will grow to more than double its annual E & Cudistribution, from O PtoL$4,570. P E$2,250 S mulative annual distributions over E Wthat HN R Ctotal CHU 25-year period would $82,000— more than $30,000 above the original $50,000 gift. The yearly distributions continue indefinitely. To learn more about multiplying your charitable giving through endowment, visit WatersEdgeServices.org/endowLT U R E U C & S W E ment. You can also start a conversation N with a WatersEdge giving professional at 800/9499988 or give@WatersEdgeServices.org.
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January 14, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends
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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 731126506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,811. Individual subscriptions are available upon request. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506. While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. January 14, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 1. Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.
EVENTS
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