By Barbara Humphreys of Johnson City, Tennessee
Before I began my career in teaching, I was privileged to work for a few years at the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission for Foy Valentine, Bill Pinson and Jimmy Allen. It was a historic time: the “prayer in public schools” decision was handed down and issues with integration were escalating. The outstanding Christian leaders and others I met (including a young James Dunn) were part of a prominent voice for the separation of church and state in our area, and we often partnered with the Baptist Joint Committee on current events and legislation.
After leaving that position and moving across the country, I realized how much I needed “backup” for my own small voice in facing recurring challenges to church-state issues in my new community. I began my personal support of the BJC and have continued to the present. Because the timely information in Report from the Capital reaches across all denominational lines, I can easily share it with my neighbors.
When a few years ago I began serious estate planning, I realized it was a perfect way to offer a bit more to maintain the work and presence of the BJC than I have been able to do during my lifetime. I would urge anyone who feels the need to keep this huge voice heard to do the same. Now as part of the James Dunn Legacy Circle, I am proud to be able to honor his memory in this way.
If you have included the BJC in your estate plans or would like more information about naming us as beneficiary of a will or retirement plan, please visit our website at BJConline.org/planned-giving and fill out the simple form. You may also contact Development Director Taryn Deaton at 202-544-4226 or by email at [email protected].
From the November/December 2015 Report from the Capital. Click here to return to the cover story.
