North Georgia United Methodist - Multiplying Financial Resources for Mission and Ministry

Time had taken its toll on St. Mark UMC, a 127-year-old church located in the historic heart of Fairburn, Georgia. Shortly after becoming senior pastor, Rev. Ed Best inspected the building and discovered it desperately needed repairs.

“I told the people that it’s time for us to reflect on God’s blessings and that our
church must be on a firm foundation in order to promote unity and excellence in Christ as we reach out to help others grow in grace,” Ed said.

A loan from the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation helped St. Mark realize its dream of moving into a new era of distinction. Major renovations gave the church a new lease on life and its members a renewed sense of purpose and passion.

“The remodeling changed the whole décor and made our church a happy place to be,” Ed said. A brighter sanctuary that is more conducive to worship has helped St. Mark attract new members. Thanks to new flooring and furnishings, the fellowship hall is now the perfect place to host clothing drives and other community outreach programs.

“It’s just amazing what the Lord can do if you walk by faith and not by sight. We didn’t know where the money was going to come from,” Ed said. “Then Martha Forrest, our former district superintendent, introduced us to Frank Craft, the Foundation’s director of lending programs.”

Low interest rates, fast turnaround time and the Foundation’s sincere desire to help build God’s kingdom convinced St. Mark to move forward. “I was impressed with the church-wide sense of commitment to preserve St. Mark’s colorful history,” Frank said. “It was very rewarding to see the church transformed.”

Loans such as this are funded by certificates purchased by investors from the
Foundation’s Development Fund. One such investor is Atlanta First UMC whose leader,
J. Wayne Pierce, said, “Although this has been a good investment, and I am pleased with the returns and management of our funds, we’re thankful for the opportunity to help other churches in the North Georgia Conference grow because our main mission is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.”