California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) president Pete Ramirez (left) and BFCal president Dr. Jonathan Jarboe (right) present checks to Kyle Scott of Mission:Dignity at the 2022 CSBC Annual Meeting in Sacramento.

Mission:Dignity® recipients in California will receive an extra check — a 13th check — this fall, thanks to efforts from churches of the California Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist Foundation of California. California marks the tenth state convention to offer such an arrangement between Mission:Dignity/GuideStone® and state conventions.

“I love working together as a Baptist family as well as learning from each other,” said Pete Ramirez, executive director of the California Southern Baptist Convention. “I appreciate the idea of a 13th check. I’m grateful that Jonathan Jarboe brought this concept to my attention. How wonderful it is to be able to make a difference in the lives of the faithful beneficiaries of this benefit.”

In 2022, Mission:Dignity will help more than 2,700 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. This fall, fifty-two California recipients will receive a 13th check — equal to a normal monthly honorarium.

GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck expressed his personal thanks for the generosity of California Baptists. “Across the Southern Baptist Convention, our churches and pastors are capturing a vision to come alongside us in providing dignity to retired SBC pastors and their wives or widows,” Dilbeck said. “For 104 years, GuideStone and Mission:Dignity have worked to enhance the financial security and resilience of those who serve the Lord. We are thankful that Southern Baptists continue to capture this vision and are joining us in our mission.”

Mission:Dignity expressed its thankfulness for the efforts of California churches. “Every retired Southern Baptist pastor, his wife or his widow who served well truly deserves a double honor,” Mission:Dignity Director Aaron Meraz said. “We are thankful for the members of California churches for their commitment to ensure that no retired minister or his widow must endure their declining years without the dignity that they have earned.”

For more information on Mission:Dignity regarding giving, applying for assistance, or referring someone in need, visit MissionDignity.org.