December 2008

My Dear Friend:

Recently I led a mission conference in Williamsport, PA. I have preached many times in Williamsport. This amazing old city always seems to surprise me with hidden secrets of past years. Williamsport at one time was home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world….

Most of the millionaires were industrious entrepreneurs who contributed much to their city. One of the millionaires in particular caught my attention. His name was Mahlon Fisher. Fisher, along with the other residents on Millionaires’ row, lived in splendor and luxury, but he cared for more things than luxury.

He contributed to the First Baptist Church and also set up a $30,000 trust fund for widows and orphans. The trust fund was to be administered by the trustees of the First Baptist Church.

Mahlon Fisher died in 1874. I corresponded with the First Baptist Church of Williamsport regarding that gift given in 1874.* I was told that the trust fund is still active and each year interest is produced and administered, as directed by Mahlon Fisher, over 134 years ago. For over 134 years Fisher’s gift has been giving and giving and giving.

Over two hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin in his Will, dated in 1789 made an important decision for the future. He left charitable bequests of $4,400 to the city of Philadelphia. Franklin stated “I wish to be useful even after my Death… To this end I devote two thousand Pounds Sterling,… to the Inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia.”

In 1990, that $4,400 was worth millions. Am I speaking today to someone like that? Do you want to bless others and help missionaries even years and years after you have gone to Heaven? The BIMI World Mission Center that cares for and sustains daily and nightly your missionaries, twenty four hours a day, every day of the year….needs your support and help.

Don’t die …when you die. The Living Forever Ministry of BIMI offers you the opportunity to Live Forever. Benjamin Franklin continues to bless Philadelphia. Mahlon Fisher continues to bless the First Baptist Church of Williamsport and widows and orphans of that city.

If Jesus delays His coming…perhaps someone 100 years from now will say, “_____(You) continue to bless missionaries through your forever gift to the Living Forever Ministry.

James Ray

* Gwen Bernstine, First Baptist Church, Williamsport, PA