Partnership with WMU Foundation Crucial for the Future of Missions Education,
A message from Wanda S. Lee, executive director-treasurer, national WMU.

We Will Be Fine in 2009

WMU Foundation awards $163,445 for missions support

Sylvia Presenting

(Birmingham, Ala.) – April 13, 2009 – The WMU Foundation board of trustees awarded $163,445 to boost missions work in North America and around the world during their meeting, March 30–31, at the WMU Foundation office in Birmingham, Ala.

Of the total amount, $75,000 was awarded from the Vision Fund to support the ministries of national WMU, and $50,000 was awarded from the Joy Fund to support the operational needs of the national missions organization, also based in Birmingham.

"We are so appreciative of our partnership with the WMU Foundation and the support they provide to WMU," said Wanda S. Lee, executive director/treasurer of national WMU. "We continue to be faithful to the mission to which God has called us, and the advancement of WMU continues thanks to faithful members and donors who recognize the immense value of missions education and involvement for all ages in the church."

Sylvia DeLoach of Richardson, Texas, who serves as chair of the WMU Foundation, said that despite a challenging economy, God continues to provide through the sacrificial giving of missional people across the country.

"We are grateful that God continues to bless us as we seek to follow him and fulfill His purpose in our lives," said DeLoach. "It's such an encouragement to national WMU staff members and leadership, as well as the WMU Foundation, to know that so many churches and individuals are standing with them and praying for them. The more we all continue to give, the more we are able to make a world of difference."

An additional $38,445 was awarded in grants, scholarships to MKs, and other awards, including two grants from the Lillian Isaacs Endowment to support literacy missions. This year marks the 50th anniversary of literacy missions begun by former home missionary Lillian Isaacs, who served as a pioneer in that field for many years. Recipients of funds from this endowment to support their literacy missions efforts are First Baptist Church, Machesney Park, Ill., and a Christian Women’s Job Corps site in North Houston, Texas.

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The WMU Foundation is guided by a 17-member board of trustees and was created in 1995 to support the mission and ministries of WMU. Through more than 125 funds and endowments, the WMU Foundation provides grants, awards, and scholarships to further the work of WMU at every level—church, associational, state, and national—as well as overseas. For more information about the WMU Foundation call 205-408-5525.

Summary of Available Scholarships

2009 Scholarship Application

You, too, can make a difference by putting your wishes in writing.

Moses discovered on Mt. Sinai, it's always good to put important messages in writing. These days, communicating your wishes can be as easy as making a will.

If the cause and future of Christian missions are important to you, a bequest to the WMU Foundation is an excellent way to express your support for generations to come. Your gift may be any size and may be designated for a specific WMU endowment or care-giving ministry, if you choose. Even if you're not ready to name an exact amount, there are many ways to make WMU part of your estate plan right now.

Your gift to the WMU Foundation is a lasting legacy of your faith. To learn more about bequests and other options for giving, please call (205) 408-5525 or toll free 1-877-482-GIVE. Or visit us at www.wmufoundation.com

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