With massive layoffs and foreclosures taking place across the country many Americans are concerned about their financial health.
Fortunately New Baptist Church of Indianapolis is stepping up to provide a series of free forums to educate consumers on important financial matters.
The church, located at 1211 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St, will host three seminars on Jan. 30, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.
“Our goal is to help people understand that as we enter a new year, we can also get a fresh start and renewed financial health,” said Pastor David L. Page, senior pastor of New Baptist Church, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
This Friday and on Saturday, Feb. 7, seminar participants will receive financial advice from Teri Todd and Roxanne Whitley-Anderson, representatives from Regions Bank. Breakfast will be offered from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., followed by the seminar at 9 a.m.
Topics such as credit scores, obtaining free credit reports, debt, mortgages, smart money management and budgeting are some of the topics that will be discussed.
“We want to help people develop a stronger level of financial literacy and a clear idea of what their financial picture is and know what steps they can take if they need to change it,” said Whitley-Anderson, a branch manager for Regions.
During the final seminar on Feb. 21, representatives of Primerica Insurance will present information on how consumers can secure affordable insurance, find options that are best for their families and avoid paying for more insurance than necessary.
Page noted that the major point the seminars will deliver is that there are biblical methods that Christians can use to achieve financial security and peace of mind for their families. He cited Joseph’s story in the book of Genesis as an example of how God will help those who are obedient to him even in tough economic times.
According to the Scriptures, God told Joseph to set aside resources in Egypt during seven years of plenty, and because he did as God instructed the people of Egypt had food during a famine, when people in other nations were starving.
“That situation is just one of many circumstances where God has taken care of those who follow him,” said Page. “We are living in a modern day famine, but when we set aside 10 percent for his purposes and properly manage the remaining 90 percent, God will continue to provide for us.”
Organizers say they will know the seminars are successful when participants discover that their faith has been strengthened, and that they have practical tools to manage any financial storm.
“Many families are living pay check to pay check and struggling just to survive,” said Page. “Biblical principles show us that is not the way God intends for us to live.”
For more information about the financial seminars at New Baptist Church, call (317) 635-5909.
