What a tremendous day we had on Sunday.  The testimonies of our new members were so inspiring and challenging.  It is such an encouragement to see what is happening in people’s lives.  Then we had a great “impact weekend.”  Over 300 of our teenagers had a wonderful experience and we will reap the benefits in their lives for a long time to come.  It was so exciting to hear the testimonies on the video and see those kids get serious about growing in the Lord.

The response to my presentation to the church concerning the future was fantastic!  Many of our people expressed a real enthusiasm about the direction that we have for the rest of the year.  I realize that I shared a lot of information in a short period of time, but the excitement was obvious both during and after the service.  The missions emphasis, the capital campaign, the summer program, the emphasis on evangelism, and the changing of the Twin Trees present some tremendous challenges for us as a church.  That is why we must begin to prepare spiritually for what the Lord would have us to do.

As we talk about stewardship, vision, and opportunity, it is the right time for us to move forward.  “To whom much is given, much is required.”  This is not a plan for the faint of heart.  This is a time for us to stand with great conviction and seek to make a difference.

We are concluding a great financial year.  We have exceeded our budget goal for the year.  This Sunday we begin our new budget year.  Our new budget represents about a 6% increase.  It is $5,365,783.00.  That puts our weekly requirements at about $103,188. That represents quite a weekly challenge, but it is well within our capability if we make the commitment to be faithful stewards.  I believe that yesterday was a clear indication of what a great investment this ministry is for the our people and the others around the world.  Your faithfulness is a real key.

I have had a large number of people express their excitement about the devotional guide, “Telling the Story with our Resources.”  I hope that you are following that guide.  You will find it to be helpful and encouraging.  Giving helps us keep a proper perspective.  One of the verses this morning stated it very clearly.  I Timothy 6:10 says “The love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin.  Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows.”  My prayer for all of us is that we will have financial freedom.  We can be confident that the Lord will do great things with the resources we give to His Church.