Retired Ministers Benefit Golf Tournament set for Sept. 18

By Lindsey Carraway
Writing Specialist

Since 1997, the Andy Holder Retired Ministers Benefit Golf Tournament, named after its founder, has raised over $238,000 for retired Mississippi Baptist ministers, missionaries, and their widows. 

At the time, an estimate of 1,000 Mississippi ministers lived below the poverty level. Andy Holder felt the Lord calling him to do something about it. His church, Raymond Road Baptist Church, supported his dream for an ongoing benefit tournament and has sponsored ever since. Holder directed the event until fully prevented by his worsening health a year before his passing. In 2003, Tom Prather became director. For the last twenty-three years, the tournament has continued to raise funds for ministers in need. 

The 29^th annual tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 18, at Castlewoods Golf and Country Club in Brandon. Registration begins 7:00 a.m. with Tee time at 8:00 a.m.

With actions and truth

Andy Holder, a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, an avid golf player, and most of all, a godly man, had an enormous heart for those in need. He organized several golf tournaments to aid disabled veterans navigating financial insecurity. In 1997, the Lord laid it on Holder’s heart to do something for retired ministers experiencing financial hardship. 

Holder was a picture of Christ-like compassion for his family of faith. The theme of the tournament comes from 1 John 3:17-18, which says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth.”

Tom Prather, current tournament director and friend of Holder, shared, “I was always so impressed and humbled by Mr. Andy’s desire and commitment to the retired ministers or their widows in Mississippi. He wanted to help them so much. I will never forget seeing his face when we sat down to write checks to the recipients. He was overjoyed.”

Even near the end of his life, bound to a wheelchair and a portable oxygen tank, Holder was determined to continue raising funds. Over the years, letters filled with gratitude have poured in from across Mississippi.

“Another blessing that makes me know it is all worth it, is each year after the checks are written in December, we receive numerous thank-you cards and letters. You read cards that say, ‘Thank you so much for the check, I will be able to buy food or medicine.’ Or as one recipient stated, ‘My washing machine broke and now I can get it repaired.’ There are hundreds of stories but all blessings to those of us who help in the tournament, especially the members of Raymond Road Baptist Church. They are faithful in their support each year.”

If you are interested in participating in the Andy Holder Retired Ministers Benefit Golf Tournament, contact Tom Prather at tom.e.prather@gmail.com or 601-613-1077. 

“Please help us spread the word to any golfers you may know who might participate. This makes an excellent outing for a group of golfers from a church or other organization. Please give this worthy cause your prayerful consideration. And to God be the glory!”