Dear Friends,
What a year 2024 was for the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas! In some ways, the blessings might seem like business as usual: As in years past, new churches opened accounts with MFA, and existing account holders continued to invest with us. But these successes don’t simply happen on their own; they grow from the long-standing trust that churches, institutions, and individuals continue to place in MFA, rooted in the shared faith that we all have first and foremost in our Lord, Jesus Christ. We don’t take this common ground for granted; we are deeply grateful to be a partner in ministry for so many Arkansans.
We continue to celebrate the way MFA’s Board of Directors Grant Committee is able to practice generosity statewide. In 2024, they awarded 183 significant grants to churches, Methodist-related institutions, the Arkansas Annual Conference, and mission-driven nonprofits, enabling life-changing ministries to reach those who need them most. The generosity of our Bishops’ Club members and the careful stewardship of MFA funds continue to empower this grantmaking.
Since 1963, the Foundation has been doing great work to help churches, institutions, and individuals manage funds for enhancing ministries. These partnerships have resulted in millions of dollars in grant funding — $1.8 million in 2024 alone! They’ve provided resources, leadership training, and spiritual growth opportunities for laity, clergy, and churches, and also have enabled us to offer programs and services that help individuals define their legacies.
Now that we are well into 2025, I invite you to read the story of a farmer, found in the 13th chapter of Matthew. This particular farmer scattered seeds everywhere—the road, stony paths, in weeds, and good ground. Many of the seeds didn’t flourish or quickly died, but some produced abundantly. As faithful people, we know that sometimes our seeds of generosity, love, and grace fall in places and on people that don’t flourish. But we also know that much of our “seed sowing” brings forth change and good in the world, in God’s own time.
As you continue to move through 2025, please know that we appreciate your steady support of our work to strengthen and expand Methodist ministry in Arkansas. May the rest of this year surround you with thankfulness.
Blessings,
– Rev. J. Wayne Clark, President & CEO
