Vincent Carpenter: How Waco's Elders Funded His Surgery in 72 Hours

On Sunday mornings, Vincent Carpenter, an elder at Antioch Waco, would stand in the church lobby and greet members and guests as they arrived. For years, his back pain made that harder: often he had to lean against a pole, or find a seat, because he couldn't keep standing.

Surgery, therapy, and continued recovery

The pain limited more than his comfort. It limited his ability to connect with people, on Sundays and at other gatherings, the way he wanted to.

After years of pouring into others, Vincent entered a sabbatical, an intentional season of rest, renewal, and restoration. It also became the right time to address a long-standing physical need, and his doctor was confident that surgery would bring real relief and improve his quality of life.

His fellow elders brought the need to Rivergate. A Jubilee Fund campaign opened on April 20, 2026, with a goal of $15,000 to help cover the medical costs. Vincent's need was met in less than 72 hours.

Surgery, therapy, and continued recovery

In all, his community gave $19,200, surpassing the $15,000 goal. Those gifts paid for Vincent's surgery, and they continue to pay for his physical therapy and other treatments as he recovers.

In their own words

Vincent Carpenter wanted to say this to everyone who gave:

“Since 2009, I have been struggling with a bulging disc in my lower back. After standing or walking for just a few minutes the disc causes my legs to go numb and then it progresses into a burning sensation. The numbness and burning just continued to increase over the last decade to the point where sometimes as soon as I stood up, my legs would be in pain. I was recommended to a surgeon who said he could not promise me a perfect back, but he could resolve the numbness and burning sensation. In June of this year, I had the surgery and the doctor was accurate. He has been able to relieve the numbness and the burning sensation. I have my last physical therapy appointment this week and I'm doing so much better. My back and body is not perfect, but I am able to walk and stand without discomfort now. I'm so thankful for the surgery and thankful God made a wayfor me to have the surgery now. Even with my insurance there was no way I could have afforded the surgery. I would have had to either prolong my pain by putting off the surgery or not having it altogether. I'm so grateful for the River Gate Foundation and for making my quality of life so much better.”

Why the Jubilee Fund exists

The Jubilee Fund exists for exactly this kind of moment: when a family who has given their lives to this work faces something no one planned for. Your gift meant this family never had to make a single financial decision in the middle of what they were carrying. That is what this is for.

As Rivergate Foundation grows, we are building a permanent infrastructure of support for Christian missionaries and church staff, one that holds steady when the unexpected comes. Your participation in this campaign is part of building something that will serve many families like this one for years to come.

Learn more about the Jubilee Fund.