November 12, 2002  

FAITH PROMISE 2003

Jackie Kelsey was raised as a Roman Catholic, and had no association with missions before coming to Altadena Baptist Church. Sermons, visiting missionaries, and Bible reading opened her up to the idea of missions, but it was watching Zach and Beth, a young couple with a baby, prepare to live in poverty on their mission field that drew her admiration. "I have to do something for these people," Jackie thought, and her commitment to Faith Promise was born.

A Faith Promise is a gift to missions, made above and beyond regular church giving. It is a personal, individual commitment to God, trusting Him to provide the amount month by month.

Jackie thinks of missionaries as being on the front lines. The description of Eph. 6:10, putting on the full armor of God to take a stand against the devil, seems especially apt of missionaries. "That's how I think of them, out there all the time, having to fight, sometimes against governments, sometimes in physical danger. I don't have that calling, but I admire those who do, and I can help them through prayer and finances."

The decision to take the money she would use to eat out once a week, and funnel it into Faith Promise, was not only "easy," it was "good for me." "We have more than we need in our society, and we can always find some money to give. Even $5.00 a week adds up over the year."

Jackie has discovered several benefits in giving to Faith Promise: "The commitment makes me feel good. I am connected to the people we send out. And people I will never see or know will be helped through the missionaries I give to."

Each Faith Promise story is different. Some people, like Jackie, evaluate their spending, and make a change, sacrificing something they've enjoyed. Others use income from extra jobs. Some give what they know they can afford. Others plunge forward in faith, not knowing how God will provide. The common denominator is a commitment to God, in faith, for missions.

It's time to plan for Faith Promise 2003. 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.

It's important to note that Faith Promise does not take the place of our regular tithes and offerings. In a time when our budget is being stretched, we encourage you to consider your regular giving as well. If you have never 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. We believe that both 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 hope that you can share that excitement by allowing God to work through you in missions in 2003.

–Pastor Connie Larson DeVaughn