Rules for the Road … Tools of the Trade

Two days after my daughter’s 15th birthday in early August, we made a trip to an office of the Mississippi Highway Patrol with the goal of receiving a learner’s permit. Our visit occurred on the Friday before most schools were scheduled to begin so we took a seat in the crowded waiting area. We observed more than a few other teenagers whose singular mission on that particular day was to demonstrate their understanding of the “rules of the road” through a computerized test.

Happily, Alyssa proved successful in completing the test. For her efforts, she received a laminated driving permit, complete with her picture, to demonstrate that she could drive an automobile. This year-long permit carries the stipulation that she must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least twenty-one years of age. As one would expect, Alyssa was quite excited and began texting the good news of her accomplishment to several friends.

A few of these friends (veteran drivers - teenagers of 15 to almost 16 years old) already have vehicles that have been purchased for them. Therefore, my daughter has been stricken with a not-so-mild case of “car fever.” Although I have told her that I am thinking about purchasing an ice cream truck with a jingle-playing public address system (she might as well earn money for college as she travels), Alyssa has begun searching the Internet for the perfect first car.

Upon discovering a vehicle in which she had an interest, Alyssa insisted that I look at the picture on the computer screen. Admittedly, I didn’t read through every detail about the cars that were brought to my attention. I did begin to notice, however, that every vehicle that arose from her online search appeared to be spotless and in showroom fresh condition despite the fact that a number of them were several years old. I was a bit perplexed how a novice at online car searches was finding vehicles that looked cleaner and in better shape than those that I typically identify. Well, my curiosity finally got the best of me so I began asking questions regarding year, mileage, number of cylinders, fuel economy, and advertised price.

As Alyssa proceeded to offer the information, I realized that she wasn’t looking at vehicles that were actually being advertised for sale. Rather, she was “finding” cars on an online pricing service such as NADA, Edmunds, or Kelly Blue Book. Thus, the pictures that presented the cars in impressive fashion were actually manufacturer’s photos that accompanied the make and model for which an estimated value might be sought.

Upon reflection, I realized that my daughter knew what she wanted to accomplish but she really did not know how to accomplish her objective of locating cars for possible purchase. She was well-motivated, but not completely educated regarding the best approach for making progress. Though growing in her understanding of the “rules of the road,” Alyssa did not have a complete grasp of the available “tools of the trade” necessary to complete the next step toward the advancement of her overall objective.

In a similar vein, many Mississippi Baptists desire to be good stewards of their financial and material blessings. Yet, while they may have an idea of what they wish to accomplish, understanding how to bring these goals and desires to fruition may not be clear. Please receive this edition of Foundation News as a chapter or two of a primer that highlights some basic tools that are available to help with the “how” of Christian stewardship and estate planning.

Mary M. Kyle: A Cheerleader For Learning

Miss Mary Matilda Kyle’s earthly life and ministry spanned a period of nearly nine decades. For forty-one of those years she taught in the Jackson Public Schools and in Copiah County. Known as a “cheerleader for learning,” Mary Kyle’s genuine concern for her students and peers garnered her sincere respect. Referring to the relationship with students, Mary stated, “My students are willing to work for me in class, so I support them. I’m their best cheerleader.” One of Mary’s former principals called Miss Kyle “an outstanding, dedicated teacher (who) always thinks of the students and what she can do for them. She has high morals and conveys them to her students.”

Believing that she could make a difference in her students’ lives by teaching them to think positively, Mary would often tell her students, “Respect yourself, then live by the perfect example. All of my students can be somebody because God doesn’t make trash.” A newspaper article that chronicled Mary’s lengthy career in education captured her love for young people as she declared, “It’s just an inspiration to deal with these young people. If I can help them achieve their goal, I feel that I have done something worthwhile.” Through her vocation as an educator, Miss Kyle faithfully served her Lord as she helped prepare children for life and for a lifetime of learning.

Mary Kyle’s relationship with the Mississippi Baptist Foundation began nearly 40 years ago when, in December 1971, she made a contribution to start an endowment honoring the life and memory of her parents. Established as the “Mr. and Mrs. Alfred F. Kyle, Sr. Memorial Fund,” the purpose of this endowment is to provide perpetual financial support to the Galilee Baptist Church near Hazlehurst, MS.

When the Lord called Mary into “higher service” on July 1, 2010, further evidence of her wise planning and faithful stewardship was presented through her Last Will and Testament and Inter Vivos Trust. Not only did Miss Kyle provide additional resources for the endowment that benefits the Galilee Baptist Church, but she also provided funding to establish a perpetual endowment designed to bless the Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson.

Of special significance, in view of Mary’s vocational ministry, is the establishment of the “Mary M. Kyle Memorial Scholarship Trust.” This endowment will provide scholarship assistance for students from Mississippi Baptist churches attending a Baptist college in Mississippi. A specific focus of this scholarship will be students who are preparing for vocational pursuits in the field of education. Near the end of her 40+ year career, Mary Kyle acknowledged that she remained a teacher because, “I love it. When I see that students really understand something, (then) that makes teaching all worthwhile.”

As a faithful steward through her church and as a lifelong educator, Mary M. Kyle knew that she wanted to continue having an impact on future generations by providing opportunities for spiritual growthand for the accomplishment of academic, ministry, and vocational goals. In other words, she knew the “What” of her planned giving and stewardship goals and the Mississippi Baptist Foundation came alongside as a “laborer together with God” to assist Mary with the “How” by providing tools of the trade.

Katharine Hardy: A Legacy of Ministering to Others

Katharine Hardy loved the Lord and His church — FBC Grenada, MS — where she played the organ for the better part of her adult life. For the past several years, Katharine resided at an assisted living center in Grenada. Her sweet spirit and contented smile were contagious and I enjoyed visiting with her. On more than one occasion, I arrived on Tuesday about the time that many of the residents gathered in the “big room” for singing and a brief devotional. I was privileged to have a part in this worship experience a few times. Katharine Hardy was the regular pianist for these chapel services as hymnbooks were distributed and participants called out their favorites. Katharine masterfully played each selection as the group sang enthusiastically.

The last visit that I had with Mrs. Hardy at the retirement center was a Tuesday afternoon. I hadn’t been there long when Mrs. Hardy glanced at her watch and said “It’s time to go to the chapel. Won’t you come join us?” (Though she put the statement in the form of a question, she was probably more expecting than asking.) I walked with Mrs. Hardy down the long hallway to the gathering and helped her to the piano. When I asked if she needed a hymnal, her facial expression suggested “What do you think?” She simply sat on the bench and started playing the wonderful hymns that present important biblical truths.

Though Katharine Hardy moved on to “higher service” with her Heavenly Father less than a year ago, her influence and legacy will continue until the Lord returns through the “John Griffis and Katharine Hardy Memorial Fund” Following the death of her husband several years ago, Katharine established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust through the Mississippi Baptist Foundation. Through this arrangement, Katharine presented a gift to the Foundation for which she received a charitable deduction for income tax purposes. She also received an income stream – in the form of a check from the Foundation – each quarter for the balance of her earthly life. Perhaps the most significant blessing to Katharine was the joy of knowing that the residual value of her initial gift would continue to further the cause of Christ even after her earthly sojourn had ended.

When the tornadoes swept across our state earlier this year, Central Hills Baptist Retreat near Kosciusko received significant damage that could have altered the summer camp schedule even to the point of cancellation. The Lord had other plans, however, as scores of volunteers across the state rallied to the challenge and rebuilt the encampment in time for use during the summer.

One of the key areas for meaningful and memorable worship experiences is the amphitheater (fire pit) where campers not only gather to worship but where eternal decisions are made. Unfortunately, this area received extensive damage from the tornado. To help with the repairs to the amphitheater, resources were made available by the Mississippi Baptist Foundation from the fund established by Mrs. Hardy.

I am confident that Mrs. Hardy is smiling broadly and perhaps still playing some of those favorite hymns as she anticipates the opportunity to welcome those who received Christ as their Savior at the fire pit at Central Hills Baptist Retreat.

Info 101 – Mississippi Baptists Offer Planning Guide for Organizing Financial Affairs

The following article, written by Ann Maniscalco and published on her Biloxi Christian Living Examiner website, is reprinted with permission. A regular contributor to Missions Mosaic and a member of the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, MS, Ann enjoys challenging Christians to put feet to their faith, sharing God’s love with those down the street and around the world.

“Do you know where information on all your bank accounts are? What about CDs, IRAs, Money Market accounts, bonds, insurance policies, retirement accounts and such? Have you inventoried your valuable possessions? Are your home ownership documents, wills, and your wishes for end-of-life care and funeral plans easy to locate?

Perhaps you may look at this list and think you don’t have enough of these things to worry with, but having the info and whereabouts together is beneficial for at least two reasons: You can readily go to one place to find needed info, instead of having to scout around in drawers, closets and boxes looking for needed documents. In the case of your death, it will be a godsend for family members or friends who will have to tend to your affairs during a time of grief.

Not many people have advance notice of when they’re going to leave this world, although some may know their death is imminent. One person in the Old Testament — Hezekiah — had a warning to get his plans together:

“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the LORD says, ‘Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.’”

(2 Kings 20:1)

“Put your house in order” — now that’s wise advice found in Scripture. However, adults of all ages often procrastinate about organizing their financial affairs. To simplify this important process, a free resource is available from the Mississippi Baptist Foundation (MBF). The booklet, “Your Personal Planning Toolkit,” provides a wellplanned guide to help you formulate and consolidate important information such as listed above.

In addition to sections for you to fill in personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, employment history and such, there are also pages for you to jot down locations and phone numbers of banks or other financial institutions where you have holdings, and the numbers and descriptions of said accounts (ditto for other financial documents).

For personal property and valuables, you can list and describe them, and even write in a current value. Vehicle inventory pages include spaces for registration numbers, insurance details, and where spare keys are located. Another section allows you to list financial advisors (investment counselor, financial planner, insurance agent, etc.).

A large section considers your funeral plans. You can detail pre-made plans, say whether you wish to be an organ donor, list your pallbearers, add names and phone numbers of those you want notified, etc. A page is available for you to write your personal testimony, should you want it shared at your funeral.

A helpful section called “Helpful Reminders at the Time of Loss” lists things the funeral home will need and reminders of other things your family or executor will need to do. At the end of the booklet, you will find an estate planning guide, definitions of legal terms, and other info to consider.

Desiring to set aside time to fill out this booklet probably rates up there with having a root canal done but it will be well worth the investment of time involved. You and other family members will enjoy having a “one-stop-shop” for an expansive amount of financial and personal details at hand. Your descendants will be incredibly thankful for your foresight and your consideration in pulling this info together.”

Like Mary Kyle and Katharine Hardy, you can have a significant Kingdom impact through a Last Will and Testament or a Charitable Remainder Unitrust. Completing “Your Personal Planning Toolkit,” can help streamline this process. Your friends at the Mississippi Baptist Foundation welcome the opportunity to explain the “Rules of the Road” by offering additional “Tools of the Trade” as you navigate through your stewardship and planned giving needs and goals.

– Daniel C. Hall