Since 1995 hundreds of children and teens from the Bowers twins’ home town have benefited from the yearly gifts made to First UMC Breckenridge. Brothers Robert and Maxey Bowers established an endowment to help a number of churches and charities that had meaning in their lives. In 2004 alone, seven scholarships were awarded to high school seniors active in the congregation.   

A portion of the Bowers gift also assists children and youth with tuition to Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. Providing help to those in need sends a message of hope to the children and touches the lives of other members of the congregation, as well.

“Most families in our community struggle with finances. Our church members are no exception. When asked about who would be attending camp this year, there were two brothers who seemed uninterested. I later found out that was primarily due to financial reasons,” said the Rev. Herman Merrit, Jr., senior pastor.

Through assistance from the Bowers Fund and another generous member of the church, the boys were able to attend Junior High Bike Camp last summer along with several other youth from First UMC Breckenridge.

“I cannot tell you how excited those two seventh graders were when they found out that they were going to camp! And talk about a real blessing – when they each rode their bikes 85 miles during the week, the sense of accomplishment and joy on their faces was unlike anything I have ever seen. God truly has taken our little church and blessed us in amazing ways,” Merritt added. “God has blessed our community of faith through the Bowers Fund and continues to use the Bowers family in ministry today and in the days ahead.”

Fill out our Online Response Card to request more information on services offered through the Texas Methodist Foundation.