Turn Your Passion Into a Legacy: How an Organist's Salary Became a Seminary Scholarship

Imagine being part of something that outlives you-a legacy of faith, service and care that blesses future generations. That's exactly what the O'Dell family of Minden, La., has done by creating a scholarship fund for aspiring United Methodist Church pastors in the Louisiana Conference. Their story is not just one of giving, but of visionary leadership-and it serves as a powerful example of how we can all contribute to the church's future.

The late Nelva and Digger O'Dell were active members of their local church, where they served on every committee and guided countless young people as youth counselors. Nelva, especially, was deeply rooted in the rhythm of church life, serving as the church organist. She cherished this role so much that she didn't want to accept any pay. However, the pastor at the time insisted that the salary remain in the church budget.

So, in true Nelva fashion, she found a way to turn her blessing into a blessing for others.

Rather than keep her salary, Nelva began depositing it into a special fund for seminary students who would eventually serve as United Methodist pastors in Louisiana. She knew firsthand the financial burden of seminary, having watched her sons, Rev. Dr. Jack O'Dell and Rev. Larry O'Dell , navigate those challenges while balancing family life and their calling. Jack and Larry served as United Methodist pastors within the state for over 45 years, making Nelva's dream of supporting future pastors even more personal.

Reflecting on his family's legacy, Jack says, "It's an investment in leadership and the future of the church. We, as older leaders, need to support young pastors and let them know we believe in them. We care for them now, and one day, they will care for us."

In time, Nelva moved the fund to the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, ensuring it would be managed and invested to maximize its impact. Today, the Eskew O'Dell Memorial Scholarship, named for Jack and Larry's late parents and sisters, provides at least one $1,000 yearly scholarship to a seminary student serving the Louisiana Conference.

The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana oversees $8.3 million in scholarship funds for the Conference's Board of Ordained Ministry, including the O'Dell scholarship. Students can find more information and application details at www.umf.org/scholarships .

The O'Dell family's story is a living testimony to the power of legacy giving. Their generosity has already touched the lives of many pastors and will continue to do so forever. "The Foundation gives us all a way to invest," Jack adds. "Anyone can sponsor a ministry opportunity beyond their lifetime."

Is there a ministry that ignites your heart? If so, contact the Foundation to discuss creating a scholarship or endowment fund to support it.

Like the O'Dell family, you can transform your passion into a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime-one that invests in the future of the church, forever.