Have you heard of the Smoke Rise ministry called FIN (Families in Need)? If not, that is understandable since FIN is a confidential ministry begun in the 2008 financial crisis in which funds given by Smoke Rise members are available to support fellow members in their time of need. Over the past 18 years, FIN has been a bridge for countless church members during difficult times. FIN has helped with mortgages, all kinds of family bills, home and car repairs, counseling, food scarcity, and more. Not only does FIN help financially but it provides a FIN committee member liaison to work with each recipient and also has a professional resource list of church members who are willing to help in a wide variety of ways. These include attorneys, CPAs, financial counseling, family counseling, the Joseph Project, life coaching and more.
FIN has confidentially and carefully distributed over $500,000 in our 18 years. As the needs of our church members continue, the fund is in a rebuilding phase after a season of increased need. We are asking you and/or your class to consider donating to this life-giving ministry. You can give in all the ways Smoke Rise collects funds.
How to Support FIN?
You can support our Families in Need (FIN) ministry in a couple of simple ways. If you are giving in person, just place your gift in the offering plate and mark it with the designation “Families in Need.” You can also give online by visiting smokerisebaptist.org/give/ and give a Designated Gift to Families in Need. Your generosity helps us respond directly and compassionately to needs within our church and community.
Testimonials
One
I look back now and wonder how I would have made it if it had not been for the FIN ministry at our church. I did not lose my job, but I did lose my marriage and with this, I lost half of my family’s income. I was sometimes unable to pay the bills to keep the lights on and my head above water and I was not sure that I could even keep a roof over the heads of my children and me. FIN stepped in and helped me. It was a financial bridge for me until I was able to get back on my feet. FIN also paid to have work done on my car and bought me tires so that I could continue having reliable transportation to get to work. I look back now from a stable place and wonder how I would have made it without FIN. I am so grateful to Smoke Rise members for funding this ministry.
Two
A few years ago, my nest egg was growing and all was good with the world. I was organized, planned ahead, invested wisely and was very comfortable.
I always enjoyed helping others (anonymously) until my life fell apart. Almost out of nowhere, I found myself in dire need of help. Disbelief, confusion, hurt, anger, depression and shame covered me like an unwanted blanket. I felt like a 2×4 had hit me right between the eyes.
After realizing I could not correct my situation by myself, I swallowed my pride and called one of our Smoke Rise ministers. He told me that there was a program called Families in Need at Smoke Rise, funded by members for members and that there was help for me. Everything would be strictly confidential and all I had to do was ask.
FIN helped me for several months until I was able to get back on my feet. Now I am able to give forward to make sure this ministry is there for others in their darkest hours.
Three
Several years ago, my job was eliminated and I found myself unable to find a job with similar compensation and insurance for my family. As I looked for a new job the majority of our savings were spent on covering our ongoing mortgage, insurance, medical expenses and other bills. I could not sleep at night and almost felt paralyzed over what to do.
I finally talked to a minister at Smoke Rise and learned about the FIN program where funds given by church members are available to help members in need just like we were. I applied and was amazed at the support I have received. The FIN committee not only helped cover some of our bills, but they also put me in touch with a professional who helped me land the new job I so desperately needed. I will forever be grateful to Smoke Rise members and FIN for helping me through this dark days.
How to Support FIN?
You can support our Families in Need (FIN) ministry in a couple of simple ways. If you are giving in person, just place your gift in the offering plate and mark it with the designation “Families in Need.” You can also give online by visiting smokerisebaptist.org/give/ and give a Designated Gift to Families in Need. Your generosity helps us respond directly and compassionately to needs within our church and community.
If you find yourself navigating a difficult season of life where FIN may be helpful,
please reach out to our associate pastor, Bart McNiel. He will help guide you through the application process and help you get connected with the FIN ministry.