MEDITATIONS AND MEMORIES

FAITH PROMISE

CONFERENCE!

We are in the midst of Faith Promise Mission Conference with Dr. Jim Brown. We have learned to love and appreciate the Browns since 1997.

The cause of missions is presented in such a way that you really want to give. We did not know about Faith promise until about 13 years ago.

We always gave to missions, but the whole church that we were in then pledged as district. It was a denomination with district leaders etc.

We thought we gave a lot when we gave $100.00 dollars a year. That was the average. But I often wonder if we gave because we realized the need or because it was expected of us! Was the need really represented in such a way that we understood the need? How much of that which was given went to the missionaries? I guess that is'nt important.

The important thing is that we now meet the missionaries as they are on deputation and the needs are made real to us. We had a missionary this week that he and his family are on deputation getting their support to go to Mongolia. He has a precious wife and four precious children but yet they are willing to leave the comforts of home and go and plant churches and train natives to bring the gospel to their own people.

We have several couples in our church that are getting ready for the Philippines. Others that aren't sure yet where the Lord wants them. Others that have visited different fields and brings the need back to the church.

We started Faith Promise 13 years ago and every year we have increased it. I don't know what others give and it does not matter. Only that we all give what the Lord puts on our heart. Can I say that the Lord has blessed us in ways that we can't explained? He keeps blessing. Do we give because He blesses? No! We give because there is a need that we can help with. We send someone to represent us on the Mission field. We are thrilled when we hear how the Lord is blessing and saving souls because someone felt the call and others made it possible for them to go.

I know from experience in the past that a church that is not missionary minded is not blessed of the Lord. If we give for Missions ~ God will supply our needs here at home. He is blessing our church because we have a pastor and people that put Missions first. Our goal last year was $125.000 dollars. We gave almost $115,000 dollars. All for Missions!

Give and it shall be given unto you! good measure, pressed down, shakened together and running over.

Is it a joy to give or could you be giving out of obligation or it may be expected of you? Let's search our hearts and let the Lord tell us what to do!