University Of Mobile: Couple Uses ‘God's Money' To Spread Gospel Through University Of Mobile Students

Press release from the University of Mobile:

Kathy Dean

September 23, 2021

They saw something even better – a way to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through students at the Baptist-affiliated university. 

“We saw what these kids were doing and how they were promoting the gospel – not only in the United States, but all over the world as they travel,” said Butch Emmons. 

It’s a mission and message the couple believes is so important that they established the Eileen J. and Sharon B. Emmons Performance Scholarship in 2019 for students in the performing arts. They also included the University of Mobile in their estate planning, bequeathing their house and property upon their deaths.

Now, the Emmons continue that legacy with a gift of $100,000, adding to their endowed scholarship and supporting additional scholarships through the University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet.

As lead sponsor for the upcoming University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet, the Emmons are inviting the community to enjoy an evening featuring guest speaker and football legend Archie Manning while raising funds for scholarships. A limited number of tickets are still available at umobile.edu/banquet for the Oct. 26 event at Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in Mobile.

The couple said their decision to invest financial resources they have spent a lifetime earning into students at the University of Mobile was easy – after all, it’s not their money.

“Our money is not our money – it’s God’s money. We have only been given the opportunity to use it to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure, we could have ‘built bigger barns,’ etc., but we realized this was God’s money. When we saw how the students were being used by God, we decided this was where we wanted to invest,” said Butch.

“We wanted to make an impact and leave a legacy for all to come,” he added. “These students may have a desire to come here, but not be able to afford it – but through scholarships, it is possible. Then they have the opportunity to leave and go out and spread the gospel of Christ.”

Sharon said, “We realized as we look at the world that Christianity and its influence is declining. And we thought, if we don’t step in and take the few things that we have and help the university and the students that want to come here, Christianity would die.”

The Emmons have been members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile for over 30 years. 

This press release was produced by the University of Mobile. The views expressed here are the author’s own.