Little Darlin'

Sometimes it is just best to say what you are thinking and this is one of those times: I am concerned about how our "Annie" is going to survive, financially, this next year. As you know, she is in grad school in Seattle, where she is not only working on an advanced degree in counseling, but also working as a nanny for a couple, who live somewhere nearby. Unfortunately, the husband of the lady for whom she works was recently laid off his job. I do not, yet, know how this will affect Annie, but I cannot imagine that it will improve her financial status. Hopefully, she will be able to keep the job, but this remains to be seen, especially, long-term.

Furthermore, we are no longer able to provide her the $700 per month that we have been giving her since she started this journey because, well because it is no longer coming into our coffers. When she was here the other day, I told her that we would send whatever comes in each month and we will; however, for January, after I deducted her medical insurance premium, I was able to put just less than $100 into her account. I know she is thankful for that but I really wish it could be have been more.

Now, here is what might be perceived as a dilemma: the expenses at GCF for 2006 exceeded the income by roughly $5,000. Yes, we made it and still have a positive balance but, as you know, this cannot continue forever. Obviously, this means that our giving to GCF is very important (I will give you more information about this, hopefully, on Sunday when I give you other year-end financial info); consequently, my asking you to give, even to Annie, makes me a bit "nervous" but I am going to take the perceived risk.

In the information I will provide to you on Sunday (hopefully), I am asking you to prayerfully consider increasing the amount you are presently giving to GCF, and I am doing so for the obvious reason--"outgo" presently exceeds "income." In addition, tonight I am asking you to prayerfully consider giving even more and designate it for "Annie" so that what we are able to provide for her during this year will amaze each of us!

Just for the record: I believe in her and really want to see her finish her degree by the end of this calendar year, so she can get on with the business of pursuing her passion. I can tell you this: she loves this part of the Body of Christ, and she will fight for it, if necessary!

This I promise: you cannot out-give God!

Grace lavished,
Your Pastor