When Ron Jackson was preparing to make the move to New Orleans Baptist Seminary many years ago, he was setting out with nothing but prayer to support him and his family. But God had a special way to provide.
The JacksonsOne of the men that Jackson had led to Christ knew of the need and sold some of his antique guns. Jackson still praises God for the outcome. “I’ll never forget, he came in and laid six 100 dollar bills on my table.”
The blessing was not lost on Jackson, now pastor of East Gaffney Baptist Church. Years later, in 2005, while he and his wife Karen were preparing their will, the Lord laid it on their hearts to establish the Parson’s Pantry, a ministry dedicated to giving monetary assistance to needy ministerial students, missionaries, retired pastors, and widows of pastors.
The Parson’s Pantry is led by a board of directors, consisting of 16 pastors and laymen. The board of directors contacts various mission boards and financial aid college boards for references of missionaries and students who need monetary assistance. They also rely on friends and families to recommend loved ones who would benefit from the fund.
Since 2005, dozens of people have been blessed with the timely gifts from the Parson’s Pantry. A significant opportunity came along with the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, when the Parson’s Pantry gave more than $10,000 to pastors affected by the hurricane. Other servants of God have received funds to help pay college bills or medical expenses. Retired pastors who were unable to save for retirement have benefited from this ministry as well.
Although it specializes in meeting the needs of others, the Parson’s Pantry has its own needs, especially contributions to the fund. Over the years, Jackson has learned that “people don’t give because you don’t ask them to.”
Donations given to the Parson’s Pantry are exempt from federal income tax so that all the money can go directly into the fund. In 2007, its goal is $7,777. If 100 people would give only $77 each, the goal would be met. Pastor Jackson is excited about the progress toward their target. “It’s coming along pretty well.”
But there is still a long way to go. Two fund raisers will be held to raise money for their goal. On Aug. 25, East Gaffney Baptist Church will host a singing at 6:30 p.m. A love offering will be taken. On Nov. 3, Midway Baptist Church in Gaffney will hold a banquet, with Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, as a guest speaker. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Requests for assistance from or donations to the Parson’s Pantry may be made by contacting the Jacksons at P.O. Box 777, Gaffney, S.C. 29342-0777, by calling (864) 489-8740, or by e-mailing egbc@charterinternet.com.
Jackson said he wants to “be able to reach out as far as we can to as many as we can. There is such a need everywhere.”