(Jer 29:11-13) . For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Although we did not reach most of our goals in 2007 they are still worthwhile to challenge us. As depicted in the table below we missed our target of new families by 10. These new families brought 40 Christians and 23 non-member spouses or children to be a part of our fellowship. We had 202 families at the end of 2007 for a total of 469 people.

We did not meet our goal for baptisms but 14 precious souls were added to the Lord’s body.

Our Sunday morning attendance had a slight decline over the year however our Bible School attendance had a slight increase. Both were short of the goals we set.

Our budget for 2007 was met. The building fund was started with a $10,000 transfer of funds and came in a little short.

We will keep these same numerical goals before us for 2008

During the year four Deacons were added, one Elder and two Deacons resigned and one Deacon moved out of town.

Additional Deacons

A committee has been appointed to assist the congregation with the process of selecting and appointing additional deacons. The committee members are:

  Ezra Bettis Joe Pearson

  Harrison Long Bill Snow

Following a screening/interview process the names of men to be considered will be announced on or about March 23, 2008.

Missionary to Retire

In his December letter, Norman W. Starling announced that his work in Jamaica which has lasted for over a quarter of a century will come to a close in 2008. He and his wife Betty will return to Jamaica to teach a Bible School each morning in Ty-Dixon, a community eighteen miles south of Ocho Rios prior to retiring