The Survivor’s Assistance Fund

Every month, the wife of a PCA pastor becomes a widow. As Christ’s body, we are specifically called to look after widows in need. Your donation to Ministerial Relief’s Survivor’s Assistance Fund is a way for us as a church to collectively bear witness to Christ’s love.

The Survivor’s Assistance Fund exists to support women like Mary Lu Strawbridge whose husband, Rev. Ted Strawbridge, passed away during the prime of his life and ministry. Every widow receives an immediate gift of $1,000, plus an additional $1000 gift for any children (dependents) living at home. This gift helps with immediate expenses associated with medical care and funeral arrangements. Moreover, it clearly signals the church’s intention to support ministry families in every way possible. When long-term assistance is needed, further financial assistance is provided through the Relief Fund.

Thanks to a generous grant from the PCA Foundation, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar. This means at least 20 widows will directly benefit from your generosity. In the midst of their sorrow and distress, your gift will be a welcomed reminder that they are not alone! For nearly 50 years, the Relief Fund has cared for ministry staff and their surviving spouses. Your donation helps this vital ministry continue.  

Please consider a gift of $10, $100, or $1,000 to the Survivor’s Assistance Fund. Make your gift go twice as far and be the presence of Christ to widows in need.  

The Relief Fund’s Survivor’s Assistance program is a special ministry of compassion to all PCA pastors and their spouses. The Survivor’s Assistance program provides the surviving spouse (as well as surviving dependents) of any PCA pastor or PCA pastors’ wife with a $1000 check and resources on grief and support.