October 29, 2001

FAITH PROMISE 2002

Bill and Jill Zobrist made a Faith Promise last year. They decided to support the missions programs of the church over and above their tithes, trusting God to provide the amount they promised. They never know exactly where that money will come from, but God has always provided. An unexpected check came from a somewhat dormant account. A recycling effort resulted in more than expected. They look forward to these extra sources of revenue, enjoying God's provision, and passing it on to missions.

In 2001, our Faith Promise goal was $7894. We have almost reached that goal now, with a few weeks still left in the year. In addition, ABCers gave $3327 towards Glenn Molina's short term missions trip to South Africa. That totals $11,221 given to missions outside of our regular church budget this year. Thirty nine giving units (singles, couples, and even one Department of the church) have given to missions this year.

It's time to plan for Faith Promise 2002. We're asking your prayerful consideration as we set our goal for the coming year. Enclosed you will find a Faith Promise card. If you are a first time giver, or an experienced Faith Promise participant, we ask that you return this card stating your intentions. It should only be filled out after prayer, as a promise between you and God, trusting in God to provide over and above your regular giving to the church.

Some people have promised what they know they can afford. Some have used income from extra jobs. Others have suspended regular spending habits (eg. going to the movies or eating out), and have given those funds to missions. Still others have plunged forward in faith, not knowing how God will provide. Each Faith Promise story is different. But the common denominator is a commitment to God, in faith, for missions.

It has not escaped our attention that our regular offerings have been below budget so far this year. We encourage you to consider your regular giving to the church. If you never have tithed regularly, maybe this is the step of faith you need to take first. If your offerings have not kept pace with your income, this is the time to take notice.

Yet at the same time our regular giving has been low, Faith Promise giving looks like it will supercede our goal in the next few weeks. (If there is an overage, it will be applied to missions in 2002.) Every year we have had a contingency plan in case we fall short of our Faith Promise goal. But we've never had to cut our missionaries' support during the year due to a shortfall in Faith Promise. Even as we are asking you to evaluate your regular giving to the church, we are still asking you to consider stepping out in faith for missions. We believe that the two types of giving are complementary rather than competitive. Both should be done in a generous spirit and out of a thankful heart.

I am always excited to see how God is going to provide for Faith Promise. I am extremely encouraged that we will meet our goal this year. I hope that you can share in that excitement by allowing God to work through you in missions in 2002.

–Pastor Connie Larson DeVaughn