THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF CALIFORNIA is excited to bring to life the heartfelt vision of Albert and Istalena “Nena” Baxter, who were longtime Southern Baptists living in Sedona, Arizona. The Baxters shared a vision to create an endowment to serve Arizona and California pastors, missionaries, and their wives, providing them a regular place of sabbatical, renewal, and connection so they could return to their ministries refreshed and encouraged.

THE BAXTERS’ STORY
The Baxters’ story began in 1954, when the two met for the first time. Their connection was immediate, and just two years later, in 1956, they exchanged vows and began a journey of love, faith, and shared purpose. From the very beginning of their marriage, their devotion to God was a cornerstone of their relationship. As they often reflected, “We have prayed together and stayed together in God’s strength.”

The couple’s faith deepened further in October 1957, when they were baptized together. This moment marked a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, reaffirming their commitment to live a life of service to God. Over the years, their faith was nurtured and enriched by the love of God, beautifully exemplified through the ministry of countless pastors and missionaries.

The Baxters believed deeply in giving back and recognized the abundant blessings they had received throughout their lives. This gratitude led them to dedicate their resources to what they called “His service and joy,” a guiding principle that shaped their legacy.

THE BAXTERS’ VISION
The vision for the Baxters’ remarkable act of generosity came during their visit with missionaries in Bangkok. While staying at a Baptist missionary guesthouse, the couple witnessed firsthand the renewal and spiritual rejuvenation that missionaries experienced in a retreat setting.

It was here that the Baxters began to dream of establishing a Christian renewal center—a sanctuary where Southern Baptist pastors and missionaries could rest, relax, and reconnect with God.

In their later years, the Baxters envisioned their Sedona property, purchased in 1978, as the perfect setting for this mission.

THE BAXTERS’ FAITH IN ACTION
Surrounded by iconic red rock landscapes, their Sedona property offered an ideal environment for reflection and spiritual renewal. Unsure of its viability or whether the city would permit the renewal center at the residence, the Baxters placed the property into a trust to explore its practicality and, if necessary, identify alternative settings to ensure the spirit and purpose of their shared vision would live on to serve pastors, missionaries, and their wives.

After Nena Baxter passed in 2024, the Foundation conducted several months of due diligence to explore the feasibility of hosting the retreat center at the Sedona property. It became clear that converting the Sedona home into a commercial retreat center would be met with its own practical and legal challenges, including rezoning, permits, and an estimated millions in construction costs.

In August 2024, the Foundation’s Board of Directors voted to explore alternative settings to fulfill the spirit and purpose of the Baxters’ vision. This would require that the Foundation liquidate the Sedona home so the sales proceeds could be used to host annual retreats at other locations for pastors, missionaries, and their spouses. This option ensures the Baxters’ original mission—to provide a place of rest and spiritual renewal—will be fulfilled while, at the same time, maximizing the opportunity to offer retreats to hundreds of pastors, missionaries, and their wives each year at new and diverse destinations.

The Baptist Foundation of California remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and celebrating the Baxters’ legacy and making their shared vision a reality. From a dream born in the 1960s to a celebrated legacy today, the Baxters have shown what it means to live a life devoted to God’s work. The Baxters’ heart for ministry lives on as their generosity serves as a powerful reminder of how one couple’s faith and vision can create a lasting impact.

If you are interested in planning your legacy through a Christian estate plan, please visit www.bfcal.org/donate or contact us at (909) 738-4000.