CARY, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2024) — Provision Financial Resources of NC Baptists held its fall board of directors meeting, celebrating the organization’s ongoing efforts to foster faithful and wise financial stewardship and approving the 2025 annual budget. Through several initiatives, Provision continues to advance its mission of spreading the gospel and making a lasting impact in North Carolina and across the globe.
During the meeting, the board celebrated the success of its Ministry Grants Program, with the Denominational Relations Committee awarding $137,183 in grants to 63 Baptist churches and ministries. Additionally, three grants totaling $52,427 were allocated for benevolence support to assist 15 pastors facing various needs, including health-related concerns.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bless NC Baptist churches and ministries through our ministry grant program,” said Harry Nelson, president and CEO of Provision Financial Resources. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to providing tangible support where it’s needed most.”
Board members were also shown the progress of Provision’s building renovations, which began in August. Nelson provided a tour of the construction site, showcasing the improvements and sharing floor plans and renderings of the new design. The renovation project is expected to be completed early next year.
The board also received an update on Provision’s Render Capital Initiative, a Christian impact investing program designed to advance the gospel while earning a competitive return. One highlighted investment is Parker Clay, an Ethiopian-based company producing high-quality leather goods. Parker Clay hires at-risk women and provides them with living wages, skills training, and career advancement opportunities in a safe working environment.
“We’re excited about the progress Parker Clay is making in Ethiopia,” Nelson said. “Their work aligns with our values, supporting marginalized women while advancing the gospel in their community.”
The meeting included a special presentation from Ian Bentley, co-founder of Parker Clay, who expressed gratitude to Provision for its ongoing support.
"Thank you to the board from the few hundred people working at Parker Clay in both the U.S. and Ethiopia. We are so thankful for your support," Bentley shared.
As part of the meeting, the board recognized the contributions of outgoing members Molly Foy, Rodney Hicks, Chuck Kennedy, Hal Koger and Angie Wolff, whose leadership has been instrumental in guiding Provision’s mission.
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated individuals who have helped steward Provision's resources with excellence,” said Michael Cummings, chair of the board of directors. “We are deeply grateful for their service.”
Daryl Trexler, director of church lending, concluded the board meeting by highlighting several stories from Provision’s Church Loan Program. So far this year, the program has helped 10 NC Baptist churches by issuing loans totaling $3.7 million. Since its inception, the program has issued loans in 61 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
For more information about Provision’s mission and services, visit provision.org.
To learn more about Parker Clay and its work in Ethiopia, visit parkerclay.com.
