Leaving a Legacy, An Answer to Prayer

PHARR, TEX. – In January of 2024, I was asked to preach at the Pharr Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, April 20. Close to the end of January, I received word that Ned Lynn had passed away. He used to live in southern Texas, where I serve. I reached out to his family so I could attend his memorial service. It wasn’t scheduled until April, a week before I was to go to the Pharr church. 

Lynn was one of the many generous brothers and sisters in the Texas Conference who prepared an estate plan with Texas Conference Planned Giving & Trust Services. He and his wife, Arlene, who passed away earlier, left a percentage to bless the Pharr church. Lynn helped build that church, including planting beautiful trees that are now big and strong. 

What joy I felt when I learned about this gift and the privilege I had to present it to the church members. I was in awe, having been scheduled to preach there many months prior. Pharr church members did not know anything about the surprise I had for them. 

During the offering call, a church elder encouraged the people to be generous with their offerings because the building desperately needed its lights fixed and had other church expenses. 

When the sermon time came, you could imagine my excitement as I looked at the church members and told them about Lynn’s gift to the church. I clearly remember the eyes of surprise and so much joy from the church members when I showed them the check for almost $20,000. Some of them even shouted, “Glory to the Lord!” “Thank You, Jesus!” 

“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” Isaiah 65:24 (NLT).

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By Tony Correa

Stewardship, Planned Giving and Trust Services Trust Officer

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