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LETTER |
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Vol. 2 No. 6 |
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” I Corinthians 9:11
Our 2007 Budget was set at $8,836 per week which was an increase of 10% over the amount given in the last three months of 2006. As of June 3, 2007 we have exceeded out goal by $3,880. The Shepherds have decided to place all amounts over $4,000 above the budget goal into several categories that were not included in the budget for 2007. Funds will be added for the “Outreach Program on Wednesday evenings” and for “Advertising with the ‘House to House - Heart to Heart’ effort mentioned in last month’s Shepherds notes.”
The Shepherds want to commend your generosity and encourage us all to greater commitment to faith in Christ Jesus and in our service to God.
WE’RE GROWING!
Our goal for adding new families in 2007 is at least 35 and our goal for baptisms is at least 31. As of this printing we have added 16 new families and 7 have been baptized. Praise God that more of our community are coming to know him!
THE TIMOTHY FUND
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating disorder. It is often referred to by its initials “ALS” ALS is sometimes called Lou Gehrig disease, after the famous baseball player who died of the disease. It affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements. The muscles become progressively weaker, and the disease eventually leads to paralysis and death.
The scriptures tell us that man is destined to die once, and Christ, himself was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people, and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Heb 9:28) And we are waiting for him.
As many of you know one of our family has ALS. Shannon McGee has known this for sometime and is now a part of a study conducted in Houston to see if there may be something to slow down, stop, or reverse this process. The treatments he receives often result in headaches and other discomfort.
ALS is one of a group of diseases known as motor neuron diseases. Neurons are nerve cells, and motor neurons control movement. Persons with motor neuron disease gradually lose muscle control and become paralyzed. At this time, no cure is available for ALS or any other motor neuron disease. The effects of these diseases are not now reversible.
Most experts believe that ALS does not affect a person’s mental processes. In most people, neither cognitive processes (such as thinking, learning, memory, and speech) nor behavior is affected.
Shannon has a sharp mind as many that have been in the Wednesday evening “Seekers Class” can attest. Shannon studied at Sunset to become a preacher of God’s word and has been engaged in doing that since then. He has been able to hold other part time jobs which may not even be proper to be labeled “part time.” But now, that is not possible.
Even in this situation, this man of God has not given up on his desire to spread the word of God. On a normal Sunday you will find that he is preaching for a small congregation in Tow, Texas. This man that could easily have already sat down and faced his situation has determined that as long as their is an ounce of energy and muscular control in him, he will preach the good news.
He is encouraging that congregation to learn the techniques of the “We Care” campaign and goes out many Sunday afternoons and knocks the doors with them hoping to set up Bible studies.
The elders have determined the need to set up a fund strictly for Shannon and his family at this time. Later, we may see the wisdom in continuing it for other members of this congregation who have needs they cannot meet. We have helped and continue to help out many with the “Local Benevolence Account” in our regular budget. This includes members as well as those that come from the community with needs.
This is a gracious congregation. We have responded to floods, natural disasters in this country and famine in other lands. This is something your Shepherds are asking for above and beyond the contribution you have determined that you will contribute on a normal basis. This new account is to provide on a continuing basis some financial assistance to the McGee family as they face what lies ahead.
There is application of 1 Timothy 5:8 with this. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This is our “family business”. We will call it “the Timothy Fund.”
One time contributions are certainly welcome. However, there will be a continuing need and we ask that each family discuss this and pray to God for wisdom in this matter. We are asking you to put a separate amount in this fund on a continuing basis for the foreseeable future. We believe that not only the McGee family will be blessed by this action but that each family participating will likewise be blessed. Please mark checks intended for this fund with a note “The Timothy Fund” or place it in an envelope marked “the Timothy Fund” and hand it to one of the elders.
GET OUT OF DEBT GOD’S WAY
The six hour seminar was great. If you were tied up and couldn’t make it April 28th we have great news. Bruce Ammons left us with a DVD that can be used for small or large groups that are interested.
See any of the elders if you missed being at the seminar and still want to have the advantage of all the helpful suggestions Bruce gave us. When several have indicated a desire to view this material, we will establish an evening or a Saturday time that is best for the group and cover the material.
There are far too many families that have credit card debt that is causing financial difficulties in the family budget. Bruce tells how to get rid of that God’s way!
MODIFICATIONS
By now you have noticed that the speaker system has been upgraded and that the big brown speaker box formerly located at the front next to the ceiling has been removed. Other changes include making the dark panels on the sides of the auditorium lighter and reworking the pulpit area to be symmetrical and on one level.