John and Eugenia have stood on strong shoulders of faith, and now they are lifting others as good stewards of the grace they received.

John’s strong shoulders include, among others, his Methodist missionary parents who dedicated their lives to work in Brazil and a distant cousin who helped found the Methodist Mission Home. Eugenia’s teaching experience showed her how students’ lives are profoundly influenced by the “shoulders” that encourage and inspire them along the way.

For over 40 years, they have lifted up historic Jefferson United Methodist Church in the heart of one of San Antonio’s architecturally eclectic neighborhoods. If there is a way to serve, the John and Eugenia have done it, from singing in the choir to serving as finance chair, facilities manager, and treasurer of Jefferson’s foundation.

When it comes to Jefferson UMC, John and Eugenia will never stop giving. That’s because they chose to establish a qualified charitable gift annuity through the Foundation. They receive life payments, and the charitable remainder interest becomes available to the church after their lifetimes. “We realize the financial needs of our church will continue after we are gone,” said Eugenia.

“It’s so rewarding to help generous people like the John and Eugenia find ways to achieve their charitable goals,” said Linda Murdock, development officer for the Foundation.

“The long history of their church and the rich architectural history of the neighborhood seem to emphasize the importance of the legacy,” Murdock continued. “In the final analysis, it’s the historic words of faith that the Church has been proclaiming for 2,000 years that make the Bowden’s gift significant – John and Eugenia know how important it is for those words to continue to be heard.”

Not surprisingly, the John and Eugenia's giving does not stop with their local church. As investors in the Foundation’s Individual Fund, they contribute to the expansion of God’s church throughout the state.

“It’s satisfying to offer individuals a competitive investment vehicle like the Individual Fund which helps to support the Methodist Loan Fund,” commented Sara Beltran, special funds administrator. “I know it’s managed by a competent staff, governed by a strong board, and the money invested is conscientiously loaned to churches.”

“The outstanding rates attracted us to the Individual Fund, but knowing the money is used to help churches makes investing an excellent way to support ministry,” added John.

John and Eugenia continue to remind us that we stand on one another’s shoulders, silently lifting each other, so that we may see Christ.

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