We made budget!
O give thanks, for the Lord is good! (Psalm 103)
Our final numbers for 2009 (unreconciled) indicate that we met and exceeded our budget. This is amazing considering the economy last year. Many of our people lost their jobs, yet people were very generous with their time, talents, money, and possessions.
We started a whole new ministry (The Milestone) to young adults who are "aging out" of the foster-care program -- and this was an unbudgeted ministry item. Even then, we were able to give more than we ever have to people in need in our community and within our congregation. Just when we thought we might have to reduce ministries because of lack of funding, we were able to increase it.
May we credit this good news of meeting the budget to the work of God in our lives? As we took our eyes off of ourselves and responded to God's love and generosity by being loving and generous, we experienced something wonderful -- joy through the work of the Holy Spirit.
There is a profound joy in giving to bless others. Jesus said, "If you lose your life for the sake of the gospel and for me, you will find it" (Matthew 10:39). Thank you, Lord, for demonstrating your truth in our lives.
-- Pastor Jeff
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