T H E B A P T I S T F O U N D AT I O N O F O K L A H O M A
GENEROSITY Fall 2014
I N TERN ATION AL MI S SION BOA RD PRENATAL CLASSES CATALYST FOR NEW LIFE, NEW FAITH, NEW CHURCHES
ARE YOU A BULL OR A BEAR? Investments A NEW WAY TO BORROW Church Building Loans
GENEROSITY
FALL 2014 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
T his issue of Generosity magazine might look quite different to you. The pillar that
GE NEROS IT Y Fall 2014
anchored this publication and all our communications for the past several decades
A magazine for clients and stakeholders who support The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma’s mission to promote charitable planned giving and provide financial management for the gifts that strengthen Southern Baptist ministries.
to explain why The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma changed our logo because, for us,
PRODUCTION VI Marketing & Branding | Design Layout Jayme Phillips | Editor & Writer Christian Sangree | Photographer Marcus Wehmuller | Photographer
position our organization.
ADMINISTRATION Robert Kellogg | President & CEO Dan Allen | Chief Development Officer, Senior Vice President, Donor Services Jayme Phillips | Interim Director of Marketing & Communications Shryln Treadwell | Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Beneficiary Services Jerry Vaughan | Senior Vice President, Church Services Jim Wilsie | Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Support Services Generosity is published in the fall and spring by The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Recipients include approximately 10,000 clients, stakeholders and churches in Oklahoma. To request a copy or to update mailing information, please call 1.800.949.9988. “…through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” II Corinthians 9:11
5 FB C LE XINGTO N
6 TO P 1 0 REAS O N S C HU RC HE S N EED A L EGACY- GIVIN G M IN IST RY
8 ARE YO U A BULL O R A B E AR?
9 L MCO : P REN ATAL
NEW BUILDING LOAN
CHURCH BUILDING LOANS & INVESTMENTS
is noticeably absent. I believe it’s important
it’s not only a fresh design but also a fresh approach to how we
Send questions/comments to: Editor, Generosity 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 communications@bfok.org
4 A NEW WAY TO B O RROW
7 I LOVE MY DO NO R ADVISE D FUND DONOR SERVICES
INVESTMENTS
I N T E R N AT I O N A L MISSION BOARD
Many of you are aware of our goal to distribute $25 million annually to ministries by 2025. It is an ambitious undertaking, and we recently invested in a research and branding project to explore how we could refine our marketing efforts to ensure we reach this goal. By talking with our donors, potential donors, pastors and directors of missions across the state, we learned what people think of the Foundation. Most importantly, we learned what motivated them to use the services we provide. It was enlightening to discover that while people appreciate our financial expertise, stability and trustworthiness, they chose to work with us because we enable them to give to causes they care about and share their vision for spreading the love of Christ. We are a cooperative partner in helping grow the Kingdom, and that commonality is something other financial management companies or banks cannot provide. Our new logo represents the impact donors’ gifts can have on the individuals whom Baptist ministries help – bringing light into lives near and far. Individually, gifts may start as a single flame, but together, our gifts can light the world.
Robert Kellogg, President & CEO
C L AS S E S CATA LYST FO R N EW L IF E , N EW FA IT H, N EW C HU RC HE S
17 NICY MURPHY LEAVING A LEGACY
18 DONORS’ GENEROSITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO STUDENTS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
19 FO U N DAT IO N N EWS
CHURCH BUILDING LOANS & INVESTMENT FUNDS
A N E W WAY T O B O R R O W b y J e r r y Va u g h a n
One of the goals of the Foundation is to constantly evaluate
The benefits of borrowing in this way are threefold: there is
what we do and to consider other services that will meet the
no requirement for a mortgage to be filed on the church’s
needs of our clients. This is especially true in the area of services
property and therefore, no need to secure a Mortgage Title
to churches, more specifically, the Church Building Loan program.
Policy; there are no closing costs; and the turnaround time
NEW BUILDING LOAN
FBC LEXINGTON
from the time of the request to funding of the loan is usually Southern Baptist entities since 1953. Traditionally, these loans
rate on the loan will only be two percent above the rate being
have been for building expansion, facility renovation and any
paid on the term investment.
other church-related purpose. One of the requirements for loans made under the Church Building Loan program is that
No church considers the idea of going into debt lightly. The
the loan is secured by a first mortgage on the church’s main
decision to borrow is usually made after a great deal of
property and facilities. The church will need to obtain a Mortgage
prayer. Understanding the costs of borrowing money is
Title Insurance Policy naming The Baptist Foundation of
important. Our desire at the Foundation is to make this
Oklahoma as the lender. This is going to be true with any lender
process easy and convenient, whether a church chooses a
the church may choose to handle the financing of the project.
traditional church building loan or chooses to pledge Church Building Loan Term Investments as collateral.
The cost of the Mortgage Title Policy is a part of the “closing costs” of obtaining a loan through the Foundation or any other lender. The Foundation’s closing costs are typically lower than most commercial lenders. These costs apply to all loans secured by the church’s property, regardless of the amount of the loan.
This is not usually an issue when the amount of the loan is greater
4 GENEROSITY
Fall 2014
borrow $50,000 or less for a short period of time? The Foundation is pleased to announce a new way to borrow Church Building Loan Term Investments, they can now pledge those investments as collateral on their loan.
Why did you choose to work with the Foundation?
First Baptist, Lexington was founded in 1892 and possesses a rich history of ministry to the immediate community and to the world beyond. I, following in the footsteps of many good and godly pastors, became the pastor of FBC, Lexington in March of 2008. While we have had a few challenges, the Lord has been pleased to bless the church with growth in grace and in number. I am thankful to be the pastor of such a wonderful people!
I had worked with the Foundation in the past and had served on the Board of Directors for a number of years. So, beyond any question, I came before our New Building Committee as a vocal and enthusiastic advocate for the Foundation. Once the committee recognized how working with the Foundation benefits the local church and Kingdom causes as well, it was obvious that we should pursue meeting our financing needs through the Foundation.
Why did the church decide to build? Our decision to build and renovate was born out of an acute need for more space to accommodate our growing educational ministry (Sunday School). For many years our worship attendance has far exceeded our Sunday School attendance. I believe that there are two primary reasons for this: (1) Lack of emphasis: For many years, Sunday School was not a major priority. We’ve tried, in the last 6 years, to give Sunday School a bit more attention and have made it the fundamental component in our effort to connect people with Christ and one another. (2) Lack of space: One prominent reason why our educational ministries could not expand is that the church simply did not have the space for them to expand. Our church has been bothered and burdened by this limitation for many years and understands that numerical increase must be accommodated by an increase in the square footage of our educational facilities.
What will the new space help you do?
than $100,000. But, what about the church that only needs to
money. For those churches that have invested in the Foundation’s
Give us some history on the church.
For more information on this new, more convenient and less costly way to borrow money from the Foundation, contact Jerry at 1.800.949.9988 ext 4269 or jvaughan@bfok.org.
The expansion/renovation of our facilities will enable us to provide: 1. One third more classroom space for our Sunday School and Hispanic Ministry. 2. A dedicated, permanent location for our Community Ministries Team led by Jimmie Landers. This team is responsible for meeting the physical and spiritual needs of many families in our community and beyond.
How has the loan process been so far? It has been a tremendous joy to work with folks who are Oklahoma Baptists and who work with Oklahoma Baptist churches. The process has been relatively simple and straightforward, and when we have needed assistance and support, it has been provided with the utmost concern and courtesy. May I add, Jerry Vaughan has been and remains not only a consummate professional, but also a Christian gentleman who well represents the Foundation to Oklahoma Baptist churches.
What are the benefits you see with a Foundation loan versus using another financial institution? We have had other loans with other institutions in the past and have been well served by them, but the Foundation offers options to churches that typical lending institutions do not. In addition to this, 100% of the interest paid on our note through the Foundation will be distributed to Southern Baptist causes! For us, that fact alone is the determining factor in our choosing the Foundation.
Anything else you can tell us? We are grateful to God for the Foundation, its leadership and its ministry to Oklahoma Baptists! I am one who has been twice blessed by its generosity and consider it a privilege for us to partner with this ministry entity in our mutual effort to reach our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Interview with Pastor Rusty Canoy
Fall 2014
three to five days. An additional benefit is that the interest
5 GENEROSITY
The Foundation has been making loans to churches and other
The Greatest Generation is disappearing. Younger donors give differently or not at all. Annual operating costs of churches are increasing due to health care expenses, and church facilities are suffering from deferred maintenance.
by Dan Allen
It’s probably not altogether healthy to “love” a charitable giving arrangement.
Here is a small sample of just some of the dynamic
Truthfully, I love what my donor advised fund (DAF) allows me to do –
Christian ministries that received DAF grants recently:
meet ministry needs and advance the message of Christ’s redemptive love in my community.
Many local Baptist congregations Spreading the Gospel of Christ to their communities.
It’s simple. I set up my DAF here at the Foundation with less paperwork
Oklahoma Baptist University Preparing a Christian workforce.
A legacy-giving ministry can build a pipeline of major gifts that will grow a church’s endowment and provide long-term stability. 1 LEGACY GIVING MANAGES RISK. The most generous members in a congregation are often the oldest. What would happen if the most generous members were to die in the same year? 2 LEGACY GIVING CONVERSATIONS CAN BE TRANSFORMED FOR THE CHURCH. The desire to make a difference is the most universal. Your
distribution of their assets at their death. They may be inspired
up is pretty remarkable. Trust me, I don’t think of myself as a philanthropist
and relieved to have an opportunity to express their values by
even though I work in the charitable planned giving profession. But, my
making a significant bequest to the church.
DAF gives me the same type of benefits that a wealthy family would have
7 IMAGINE A BLUE-SKY SCENARIO.
the Salvation Army and their alma maters because they’ve
one of your long-time members left the church an unrestricted
been asked.
$5 million bequest? It happens.
twice as much annually as donors without such bequests. 4 INCREASE RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Members who have attended a church for 15+ years clearly
8 LEGACY GIVING IS A LOT LESS COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK.
It’s flexible. I can give a regular dollar amount with each paycheck or use
City Rescue Mission Providing solution-based ministry to the homeless and near homeless in the Oklahoma City metro.
some funds from an unexpected bonus. I can even contribute real estate or a business interest. If I start a business, I can set up a DAF for it and make corporate contributions. I receive a charitable deduction for any contributions I make to the DAF.
technical aspects of planned giving to launch a legacy-giving
It’s functional. When I learn of a need from a ministry that I care about,
initiative.
I can respond quickly. I can request a grant of $250 or more to qualified charitable organizations. Whatever God lays on my heart to give, I have the ability to follow His lead when He speaks.
More than 55% of individuals do not have a will. The church can
largest gift a member makes in his/her lifetime since such
host legacy conversations that help members make these important
It’s durable. At our house, we involve the whole family in the process
gifts usually are made from assets, not income.
decisions to avoid the hardships and heartbreak of probate.
of making ministry grants. As our son participates, he is seeing what
10 LEGACY GIVING IS THE MOST INCLUSIVE STRATEGY FOR GIVING.
The opportunity to create a named endowment for
Many older members hold the majority of their wealth in illiquid
outreach, education, pastoral sabbaticals, facilities or music
assets like land, small businesses or collectibles. And many
excellence is a timeless way for families to document their
single, divorced or widowed women demonstrate their devotion
history with the church.
to their “church family” by means of a significant bequest.
we care about and support. Ultimately, a percentage of our estate will go into our DAF, and he will continue the grant-making process with his family. God is drawing people to Himself and meeting needs through a wide variety of very effective Christian ministries. Support them by volunteering but also with your
According to a donor survey conducted by the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, 70% of donors who make a legacy gift do
financial gifts. A donor advised fund is a great
so because they are asked.
way to be ready to answer God’s call.
MAKE IT YOUR MINISTRY TO ASK. Chris McLeod, JD, is President of Giving Matters, Inc. and a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship. Contact her at chris@givingmatters.com.
Baptist Village Communities Serving God while serving together. Baptist Disaster Relief Meeting urgent needs of people in the name of Christ.
It’s all about relationships. You do not need to master the
9 TALKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL IS A MINISTRY TO FAMILIES.
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Providing hope and homes for children.
with their own foundation.
have an “investment” in the church. A legacy gift is often the
5 MANY FAMILIES WANT TO CELEBRATE THEIR FAMILY HISTORY WITH THE CHURCH.
Fall 2014
functions a lot like my own private foundation, the ease of getting it set
What could your church do differently if you learned that
Research shows that donors with documented bequests give
than when I opened a checking account at my bank. Considering that it
Many church members feel burdened by decisions about the
members are already making legacy gifts to World Vision,
3 LEGACY GIVING CAN UNLOCK THE GENEROSITY OF YOUR CONGREGATION.
6 GENEROSITY
6 LEGACY GIVING IS A HEALING MINISTRY.
For more information about donor advised funds, contact Dan at 1.800.949.9988 ext. 2936 or dallen@bfok.org
Called to Care Providing for the physical, spiritual, educational and emotional needs of orphans and vulnerable children, and encouraging, equipping and enabling other believers to answer God’s call to care for them. Commission to Every Nation Sending 276 missionaries to 52 nations. The Christian Nation Allowing those in need to shop at Christmas for free for their families. Has expanded to be a year-round organization. Wings, A Special Needs Community Enhancing the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs guided by principles of the Bible. Ministries of Jesus Leading people to healing through Jesus Christ by caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs so they can live their lives to glorify God. Medical Missions Response Mobilizing health care volunteers to fulfill churchplanting strategies among the unreached. Focuses on short-term projects requested by missionary personnel.
Fall 2014
by Chris McLeod, JD
I LOVE MY DONOR ADVISED FUND
7 GENEROSITY
TOP 1 O RE AS ONS C HU R CHE S NEED A LEGACY- GIV ING MINISTRY
DONOR SERVICES
INVESTMENTS
A R E YO U A B U L L O R A B E A R ? by David Depuy
It has become quite clear that the Federal Reserve continues
could be worse if and when the markets do turn. The main
to control the markets. It seems that no matter what events
reason the bearish investor expects the market to decline is an
take place in the world (Ukraine, ISIS, low GDP growth, etc.), all
eventual increase in rates, which will without a doubt raise the
eyes are on the central bank and their plans for winding down
cost of doing business for all companies.
its bond-buying program and a future increase in interest rates. The one thing that has become clear is that rates will eventually
HISTORICAL BULL & BEAR MARKETS 2500
rise, most likely by mid 2015. But the real question now is how quickly will they rise? Moving too soon can hinder recovery
2000
financial instability. The markets have enjoyed the low rates
1500
and continue to rise in the midst of geopolitical uncertainty.
1000
The S&P 500 was positive 9.88 percent year-to-date through August 31, 2014. The international markets were mixed with the
500
MSCI EAFE Index slightly positive by 2.55 percent while the MSCI Emerging Market Index was positive 10.62 percent.
BULL
8/3 1/2 01 4
10 /9/ 20 07 11/ 21/ 1/6 200 3/1 /20 8 0/ 09 20 09
4.80 percent as interest rates have fallen year-to-date.
0
1 3/2/3/20 4/2 00 00 0 9/2 4/2 1/4 00 /20 1 02 10 /10 /20 02
The Barclays Aggregate is the biggest surprise of all at positive
VALUE OF S&P 500
efforts, but waiting too long can result in higher inflation or
BEAR
I N T E R N AT I O N A L M I S S I O N B O A R D
LOT T IE M OON CH RIST M AS OF F E R I NG: PREN ATAL CLAS SE S CATALYST FO R N EW LIFE , N EW FAIT H , N EW C HU R C HE S by Susie Rain
So, are you a bull or a bear? Investors continue to closely watch
While we watch the markets closely, the Foundation remains a
economic reports, and there has been much discussion on where
market neutral investor, neither bullish nor bearish. The objective
the direction of the market is headed. However, the leading
of our endowment portfolio is to produce a dependable,
sentiment appears to be dominated by the bullish investor and
predictable stream of income for clients now and in the future.
somewhat muted to bearish views. The bullish investors are
We do this by remaining uncorrelated with the market to
optimistic and are positioned for further market increases.
intentionally keep volatility within the portfolio as low as possible.
Some of the motives behind their actions are solid corporate
As of the end of August 2014, the Foundation’s diversified
profits, low interest rates, slow but improving GDP growth and
endowment portfolio was positive 4.99 percent year-to-date with
low inflation pressures that continue to push back any worries
trailing one, three and five year performance of positive 12.64
of a market pullback. Now in its fifth year, these investors
percent, 8.50 percent and 8.52 percent respectively.
SOUTHEAST ASIA (BP)
Fall 2014
due to a clearly, albeit slowly, improving economy. The bearish investors believe that the markets have risen too far, too fast and expect a correction. They believe that the lack of concern by the bullish investor is by itself a reason to be concerned and warn that if one is not skeptical, the outcomes
For more information about Foundation investments, please contact David at 1.800.949.9988 ext. 4222 or ddepuy@bfok.org.
9 GENEROSITY
8 GENEROSITY
Fall 2014
believe this could be one of the longest bull markets in history
for the ride. Last month, Kalliyan Seng* could make the two-mile
pregnant, it’s nine months of uncertainty, or what,” Nancy says.
trek from her home on a bicycle. But now that she’s nine months
“But if you look at how most of the new village house churches
pregnant and could give birth at any moment, it’s harder to
started, it’s through women. One came to faith and then started
Like most attending the prenatal classes, Seng did not know
pedal that distance.
praying for everyone else. Other women then join her and they
anything about Jesus. The former Buddhist came to learn about
pray for their husbands.”
giving birth and how to take care of her baby. In this poor rural area, death is a common reality when giving birth. Some of the
The woman steadies herself, then waddles inside for a weekly As if to accentuate Nancy’s point, Seng scoots across the floor to the
highest maternal mortality rates are here. Five women die every
and IMB missionary Nancy Potter.* Women in various stages of
missionary nurse from Oklahoma. The reason she came today was
day during childbirth, according to a 2013 United Nations report.
pregnancy or post-pregnancy surround the ensemble chatting.
really to ask everyone to pray for her husband. She prays that she
Surviving childbirth isn’t even an end to the fears for these young
will deliver a healthy baby and that this will lead her husband to ask
mothers. For every 1,000 births, around 50 children never see
questions about her newfound faith.
their first birthdays.
pregnancy health class. She’s greeted by community health workers
Nancy looks around the crowded room and smiles. If someone
Continued on page 13
10 G E N E R O S I T Y
Fall 2014
had told her a few years ago that churches in this part of Southeast Asia would start as a result of pregnant women learning to be
ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY IMB.
healthy, she might have scoffed. Most of these women do not
HEALTH AND THE GOSPEL (previous page) Nancy Potter*
even have a third-grade education. Their families live on less than $1 a day. Some are malnourished and sick. Yet, God uses these women as catalysts for spreading His Word. *names changed
visits local villages to teach regular health classes alongside national women she has trained.
VISIT FROM BELIEVERS (above) IMB worker Nancy Potter*
and two Christian health workers pray for a sick 20-day-old baby at the home of a poor family in Southeast Asia.
MEETING BASIC NEEDS (top left) The Potter* family lives in a rural farming community in Southeast Asia where they minister to local inhabitants through a variety of human needs projects including health care education, sanitation and water purification, leading to opportunities to share the Gospel and plant local churches. WASHED AWAY (top right) The idyllic rural scenery belies the
difficulties of living at the water’s edge in this Southeast Asian community as every year the river floods its banks and inundates vast areas of farmland for months at a time.
LOCAL BELIEVERS TEACH (bottom left) Nancy Potter* sits in the back and watches as local believers teach new Christians church-planting methods originally taught by her and her husband through their Training for Trainers program (T4T). LEARNING TOGETHER (bottom right) National believers in
Southeast Asia come together to receive education in the “Training for Trainers” (T4T) approach to church planting.
Fall 2014
“I’m not sure if it started with the women because when you are
11 G E N E R O S I T Y
The young woman gingerly crawls off a motor scooter, grateful
“They communicate at a deeper heart level.” For years, Nancy and her husband, William,* held
“The first time we tried this, I couldn’t get anyone interested
malnourished babies, wondering how long the children
in going [to villages] with me,” Nancy remembers. “All it
would survive. They cringed every time they heard of
took was one time for that first generation of believers to
mothers squatting in an unsanitary bamboo home to give
catch the vision. Now, … we disciple and train the leaders
birth. Their hearts broke when these women died without
and they go to the next village. They communicate at a
hearing the Gospel.
deeper heart level. What we are seeing now is a real acceleration of the Gospel.”
So the Potters, who have medical backgrounds, created a simple curriculum to teach about healthy prenatal and
Seng, like most of the new believers, came to faith after
post-pregnancy care. Now, they see around 250 healthy
the health workers repeatedly visited her home the day
births a year.
after classes as “follow up.” When a “house of peace,” or a family interested in learning Bible stories and letting others
The Potters can live and work here because of the
join them, is found, a small group is formed.
Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, Southern Baptists’
Sovaan and Maly Lim* opened their tiny home to a small
way of coming together in one sacred effort to fund
group when Maly was pregnant. Local Christians came
missionaries overseas.
each week to pray, sing praises to God and teach a Bible story. Maly came to Christ one year later, but Sovaan
Local Christians teach the health classes on everything
remained a drunkard and gambled away the family’s
from washing hands to burping babies. Each lesson ends
money … but he kept watching and listening.
with a Biblical truth and prayer. This approach combines
Continued on page 14
aspects of a discipleship and church-planting program called Training for Trainers (T4T) with human needs.
MAKING FRIENDS (opposite page) Nancy Potter* checks
the blood pressure of a pregnant woman at a prenatal clinic in Southeast Asia.
Fall 2014
ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY IMB.
13 G E N E R O S I T Y
12 G E N E R O S I T Y
Fall 2014
*names changed
Maly and the other women wanted to bring their husbands to
“We are seeing baptisms almost every month now,” William
Christ. So, Nancy incorporated lessons on “how to be a godly
says. “Most (churches) started as a result of the pregnancy
wife.” Then, the women gathered every day, praying for their
health classes and local believers going out and sharing the
husbands to come to faith.
Gospel.”
“Even up to four months ago, I didn’t think
Sovaan breaks out into a big toothy smile. Jesus is now his
we’d ever have any men in our small groups,”
favorite topic of conversation. In fact, he and Maly just finished
Nancy says. “But then, the husbands saw their wives’ countenance change. They saw healthy
inviting everyone in the village to come to their house for church. At a T4T training, they were challenged to share with neighbors.
babies where in the past there was only death … and that provided a natural presentation of the Gospel from their wives.” Then, one by one, the men came to Christ — including
“I learned about the Words and Truths of God at the training,” Sovaan says. “Now, it’s our turn to take this lesson and teach to the people in our village … then we will go share in the next village.”
Sovaan. *names changed
14 G E N E R O S I T Y
Fall 2014
maneuvers a four-wheel drive truck down the steep, muddy slope that serves as a launch ramp.
workers William and Nancy Potter* make good use of their medical experience as a way to develop relationships within rural communities.
TINY HOUSE CHURCH (opposite page – bottom ) Maly Lim* and her husband, Sovann*, became believers as a result of their dad, William*, as a factory worker unwraps a water pot that has just friendship with IMB worker Nancy Potter* and now hold regular been shaped in a hydraulic press as part of the water purification house church services for their community. process the family has helped teach inhabitants. CLEAN WATER (above right) Robert Potter*, 8, watches with his
Fall 2014
BACKING UP (above left) IMB worker Nancy Potter* skillfully
OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE (opposite page – top) IMB
15 G E N E R O S I T Y
ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY IMB.
EDITOR’S NOTES IMB missionaries Nancy and William Potter (names changed) from Oklahoma are featured in the 2014 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions emphasis. Theme: One Sacred Effort — Find your place in God’s story Focus Scripture: Matthew 28: 19-20 (HCSB). Jesus’ “Great Commission” for all believers: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. 2014 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal: $175 million Every penny given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is used to support approximately 4,800 Southern Baptist workers as they share the Gospel overseas. To learn more about the offering, go to imb.org/offering.
NICY MURPHY A CENTURY OF SERVICE AND A LIFE-GIVING LEGACY Leaving a Legacy
I t’s ministering to souls who live in the midst of mountain grandeur,
“
but who never lift their ‘eyes unto the hills’ from whence their help might come from; who enjoy God’s placid lakes, tumbling streams and majestic waterfalls, but who have never drunk of the Water of Life; who shepherd the sheep on a thousand grassy hillsides, but who do not know the Good Shepherd; who reap the golden grain from the fertile plains, but who are starving for the Bread of Life.” This is what motivated Nicy Murphy to dedicate her life to vocational and volunteer missionary service, and after 101 fruitful years on earth, Nicy’s legacy continues through the gift of her estate to benefit the Woman’s Missionary Union. WMU is an organization dedicated to educating and involving women in missions, and Nicy spearheaded its beginning – serving as WMU’s first director for the Colorado Baptist General Convention in the mid 1950s. Nicy was passionate about teaching new believers and young churches the value of being on mission. It’s where they lived and extended their influence to all parts of the world; it’s to this cause she committed her time and leadership talents, and the work is ongoing thanks to her
ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY IMB.
FISHING (above) At daybreak, a local fisherman skillfully throws his net to pull in a meager catch from a river in Southeast Asia.
FIND YOUR PLACE IN GOD’S STORY
Explore people groups in Southeast Asia at southeastasianpeoples.imb.org. Learn more about Training for Trainers (T4T) at st4t.org and through southasianpeoples.imb.org/resources/item/st4t-storying, which includes free-of-charge storying examples and a downloadable ST4T booklet. Go to imb.org/offering for resources to help promote the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in your church, including downloadable videos at imb.org/lmcovideo and one featuring the Potters: vimeo.com/95757581.
generous donation through The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma. Nicy retired from vocational missionary service in 1976 in Rapid City, South Dakota before serving churches and missions in Littleton, Colorado. As a volunteer missionary, she taught survival English to Cambodian and Laotian refugees at the Brentwood Center and to Chinese adults at Arapahoe Road Baptist Church in Centennial, Colorado. She opened her home to internationals for lodging, meals and Christian love, and
Planned giving allows generous individuals to impact ministries they care about, grow the Kingdom of God and touch the lives of those in need. Charitable contributions through The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma go directly to supporting its many charitable causes, including the International Mission Board. To find out how to begin the process of estate planning or to start a charitable planned gift, please contact our staff at donorservices@bfok.org or call our toll-free number, 1.800.949.9988.
Guymon, Oklahoma to be closer to family. Based on the news article published 4/18/2011 "Nicy Murphy's 100th Birthday" written by Becky Badry, WMU Foundation
To learn how you can benefit a cause you care about and leave a legacy like Nicy Murphy, email donorservices@bfok.org.
Fall 2014
life. In 1977, Nicy retired from volunteer missionary service and moved to
17 G E N E R O S I T Y
16 G E N E R O S I T Y
Fall 2014
she faithfully taught and ministered in her local church throughout her The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma is dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and assisting those in greatest need. We support hundreds of evangelical causes in Oklahoma and around the world like the International Mission Board. When you develop an estate plan through our non-profit organization, we can help you support the IMB and many others.
CODY MOSER
b y Ta p r i n a M i l b u r n
D onors who have set up scholarships for Oklahoma Baptist
“I can simply say that without endowed scholarships and OBU
University may never know exactly what it means to students,
academic scholarships, I would not be here,” said Moser, who is
but OBU junior Cory Moser says their generosity is making a
majoring in both Biblical languages and youth ministry.
real difference. And although he holds a part-time job on campus to help pay some school costs, the financial help provided by donors allows him to more fully immerse in his studies, campus student leadership opportunities and serve as a part-time youth minister at a Baptist church in Shawnee. He knew early on that an education from OBU would provide him with a practical foundation for his calling in ministry, but Moser says his time on campus has been one of digging and “I believe that donors’ scholarships are making a difference in
growing deeper spiritually and intellectually.
Southern Baptist churches around the nation and around the world. The students who come out of OBU with a degree from
“My faith is in a God who is ever present and who is invested
the Herschel Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry are
in every area of life; from theology and ministry to science,
certainly more than prepared to go into a world in which the
from history to psychology, from philosophy to art, from my
Bible is not esteemed, and where God is considered dead, and
workplace to my social life, from my church to my apartment,”
to do the work of the Kingdom,” he said.
he said.
When Moser was called to ministry as an eighth-grader, he said he knew OBU had to be in his future. But as high school graduation grew closer, the reality set in of what a private college education would actually cost. He wasn’t so sure that OBU would be where he landed, until his financial aid letter arrived in the mail, awarding him enough OBU scholarships and grants to make his plan to attend possible.
“My love for truth, and therefore for God’s word, has grown exponentially. OBU has changed me and equipped me to live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ and to make a difference in this fallen world. That is my OBU story.” Following graduation, Moser plans to attend seminary and continue to do student ministry and possibly pastor a church
18 G E N E R O S I T Y
Fall 2014
Moser, OBU’s student body president from Noble, Okla., has
one day.
received the Louise Prichard Scholarship each year. Last year, he received the Bob and Nelle Agee Leadership Scholarship,
“I just want to play my part in God’s Kingdom purposes. I want
and Moser is also receiving the Dighton Scholarship for this
to follow Jesus. I hope that my future is all based in serving
academic year.
others and bringing the Gospel to people,” he said.
To learn more about creating or giving to an existing endowed scholarship through the Foundation, call 1.800.949.9988 or visit www.bfok.org.
F O U N D A T I O N V P, D I R E C T O R O F I N V E S T M E N T S B E C O M E S C FA ® C H A R T E R H O L D E R
The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma is proud to announce that David Depuy, Vice President and Director of Investments, has been awarded a CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter. Depuy began the process of attaining his CFA® accreditation in September 2008. Being a Certified Public Accountant with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, David had the educational groundwork laid but knew he could learn more. “I began the process to attempt to expand my knowledge of the investment process used by the money managers with which the Foundation partners. This knowledge should help me be a better resource for the Oklahoma Baptist beneficiaries of accounts which the Foundation manages.”
“My heart’s desire has always been to do the best job that we possibly can for those that depend on our services.” The CFA® Institute has administered well over 1,000,000 exams since
David since the CFA® is the gold standard among
the inauguration of the CFA® program in 1963. Only 179,288 people
investment professionals worldwide. Reaching this
worldwide have successfully completed all three exams. The CFA®
honor indicates David has achieved a mastery of
institute has more than 119,000 members in 147 countries and territories,
complex investment and portfolio management
including 112,000 CFA® charterholders, and 143 local member societies.
concepts, is dedicated to maintaining the highest
Few foundations worldwide have a charterholder as part of the
ethical standards in his professional conduct and is
investment staff; only one percent of charterholders are employed
committed to continued professional development
by foundations and endowments.
and education.”
The CFA® program is organized into three levels, each culminating in a
David Emerson, Senior VP for LCG Associates (the
six-hour exam offered once per year in June. David was able to complete
Foundation’s investment consultant), also speaks to
all three levels in five years. Successful CFA program candidates typically
David’s accomplishment, “David’s commitment to the
need in excess of 300 hours of study per level.
industry, the Foundation, his family and his faith has led
®
him to successfully become a CFA® Charterholder. His Dr. Dan Reeder, the Albert J. Geiger Professor of Finance for Oklahoma
ability to truly understand what the markets are doing
Baptist University, knows the difficulty of the program as he is an active
and how to react should pay dividends for the future
volunteer for the CFA® Institute and very involved in the curriculum
growth and performance of the Foundation investments.”
process. “Earning the CFA® designation is a significant achievement for
Fall 2014
Endowed Scholarship
F O U N DAT I O N N E W S
19 G E N E R O S I T Y
DO N O RS’ GENER OS IT Y MA KE S A D I F F E RENC E TO STU DENTS
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
3800 N. MAY AVE. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73112
OKLA. CITY, OKLA. PERMIT NO. 1489