Paul Fulks had a passion for missions. He believed mission engagement changed lives and encouraged mission involvement and support. In addition to serving as a pastor for 18 years, he also served on staff with the West Virginia Baptist Convention (WVBC), first as the Minister of Mission Support and later as an Area Minister. Following his retirement in 2005, he continued to serve in a volunteer role with both the WVBC and South Parkersburg Baptist Church.
Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Judy, established a scholarship fund for “the purpose of helping persons interested in participating in a cross-cultural mission trip with needed funds for this experience.” The fund was established with a sacrificial gift from Paul’s retirement account. Quarterly, the fund is reviewed by the trustees and the accrued interest is distributed as scholarships to approved applicants. Priority is given to first-time applicants who demonstrate financial need. Since the scholarship fund was established, more than 250 people have received financial assistance for their mission trips.
John Simmons, former Associate Executive Minister of Missions and Administration, remembered fondly, “Paul is the one who took me on my first mission trip.” There are dozens of individuals around the state who have made the same statement. John then added with even greater fondness, “And I had the pleasure of taking him on his last one.”
Through the establishment of the Mission Trip Scholarship Fund, Paul and Judy Fulks continue to be rope holders for our WVBC family. Not only did they demonstrate a passion for missions in their time of ministry together, but they continue to demonstrate a passion through the ongoing support of their legacy gift. In 2020, six individuals have already been awarded a scholarship – four from Petersburg First Baptist Church who will travel to Nicaragua next week and two from New Baptist Church who will be traveling to Haiti in March.
The Paul and Judy Fulks Mission Trip Scholarships are awarded quarterly, with the next application deadline coming March 1. If you are interested in contributing an additional amount to this fund, you can do so by sending a check to the Convention office and designating it toward the Fulks Mission Trip Scholarship Fund. This fund has been used to help us reach people all over the world with the Gospel. It is through rope holders like Paul and Judy Fulks that we are able to continue doing Christ’s work together.
