An upstate foundation led by a former Lexington pastor has pledged $1 million toward LifeWay Christian Resources’ new $29 million philanthropic campaign, “A Defining Moment.”

Lifeway received the $1 million pledge from The Carolina Legacy Trust, which is based in Travelers Rest. Rick Fisher, who was pastor of Lexington Baptist Church for 11 years, was named the foundation’s director in November 2006.

Fisher said the sustainability of LifeWay’s ministries, their exponential multiplication potential and the quality of LifeWay’s delivery systems were key reasons The Carolina Legacy Trust selected “A Defining Moment” for the gift.

” ‘A Defining Moment’ is a kingdom initiative that met all our criteria,” Fisher said. “With its multifaceted approach, our board saw an opportunity for our investment to be multiplied a hundredfold.”

The pledge, announced by LifeWay President Thom S. Rainer in early July, will be fulfilled in $200,000 annual payments over a five-year period by Carolina Legacy Trust, which focuses on ministry and mission causes locally and internationally.

The “A Defining Moment” campaign is designed to help LifeWay and strategic partners such as the International Mission Board touch the nations for Christ through a variety of global ministries. More information on ADM may be found at www.adefiningmoment.net.

Said Mike Arrington, vice president of LifeWay’s capital resource development and a spokesman for the campaign, “It is with great excitement that ‘A Defining Moment’ welcomes The Carolina Legacy Trust as a partner in helping save physical and spiritual lives around the world.”

Earlier this year, True Love Waits International received $950,000 through major donations to the campaign, enabling True Love Waits to begin expanding its abstinence-until-marriage message in six African countries. The International Mission Board is a leading user of True Love Waits, and the “ADefining Moment” campaign is helping its impact reach around the world.

LifeWay historically has worked with other Southern Baptist entities such as the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board to share unique ministries and common goals. Shared ministries include True Love Waits International and the recently announced collaborative research effort in which LifeWay Research will conduct special research projects on behalf of the IMB and NAMB.

“We look forward to working directly with the International Mission Board in the application of many of the initiatives of ‘A Defining Moment,’ ” said LifeWay’s Rainer. “We are so grateful for our partnership with the IMB and how this organization will strengthen our work overseas.”