LATEST UPDATE ON 2006-07 THANKSGIVING OFFERING: $99,246.86

8 February 2007

When I wrote the 10 January article [posted below] which was printed in last month’s Mission Sheets (January issue), I appealed for the continuation of the Thanksgiving Offering until we reached at least the $85,000.00 goal we had set.

I WASN’T CRYING “WOLF!” We really did (and do) need at least the $85,000.00 and more.

At that time, I had just received the latest offerings report from our faithful Treasurer, and with the $42,635.00 given in December, that brought our Grand-Total-To-Date up to $78,591.38. A very generous Offering, but we needed to complete the whole goal.

I submitted that article to the Mission Sheets editor to go to press and then headed to Park Ridge Baptist Church for the BFM Winter Conference. THE LORD HAD SOME WONDERFUL PROVISIONS ALREADY IN STORE FOR US! [John 6.6: "...for He Himself knew what He would do."]

Brother Sledd told me Monday night of the Conference that a long-time Giving Friend of BFM (who wishes to remain anonymous) had given $10,000.00 to the General Fund/Thanksgiving Offering. And then, during the Conference, the generous saints of God at Park Ridge, in addition to graciously hosting the Winter Conference, also presented an offering of $9,180.48 to the Thanksgiving Offering! There were other generous gifts given by dear Giving Friends during the month also.

So, GOD BE PRAISED! The current Grand-Total-To-Date for the Thanksgiving Offering is $99,246.86. CAN WE EXCEED $100,000.00?

Let me repeat what I stated in the January issue article: We will need all this -- and increased regular monthly General Fund offerings also -- because we will be increasing our missionary outreach and commitments during 2007, and those increased commitments will require continued increased giving. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9.8.

God bless you for all you have done...are doing...and will continue to do for our missionaries!