You’ve likely heard, Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand made national headlines because of a giving initiative that paid off $7.2 million in crippling medical debt and funded 3 foster homes, all in one day. What many media reports did not mention is that the results were because of the generosity of approximately 350 families contributing, not just a few big contributors.
The story was featured by several local media outlets, but was picked up by national outlets such as Headline News, Fox News and Newsweek.
“To say that we are surprised is an understatement,” said Stetson Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Dr. Dan Glenn. “Our goal was to give enough to abolish crippling medical debt in Volusia County, but God showed up through the sacrificial giving of all ages — children up to senior citizens,” he added. “This is what the love of Christ looks like in a very practical way.”
According to the church, it turns out that 350 families of various ages sacrificially gave, affecting more than 6,500 individuals in five different counties: Volusia, Flagler, Lake, Marion and Putnam counties. Because so many families participated in the giving and more was collected than anticipated, church leadership decided to expand the reach beyond Volusia County.
The money raised to abolish the medical debt goes to RIP Medical, a non profit. For each $1 donated, $100 in debt is forgiven. RIP Medical Debt purchases a portfolio of medical debt and forgives the debts for people who earn less than 2x the federal poverty level, where the debts are 5 percent or more of the debtor’s annual income and the person faces insolvency (debts are greater than assets).
The other amount raised was sent to One More Child (OMC), also known as Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, which provides diapers for newborns, food for hungry children, safety for abused and trafficked children and foster homes to children in crisis. OMC’s mission is to “meet the immediate needs of hurting children and struggling families while building relationships that demonstrate the love of Christ.” In 2018, OMC impacted more than 249,000 children and individuals through their expert programs and creative services to offer help, healing and hope. The amount donated is enough to fund three OMC foster homes, each housing 5-8 children, for a complete year.
This just proves that when our community unites together for a common cause, we can make a big difference. Great job, Stetson Baptist!