News that Must be Told

            I wish money were not such an important part of our daily lives, but it is.  For me, it (the lack thereof, that is) is usually a source of stress.  So, when it is actually a part of something truly amazing, something that can only be explained as the work of the hand of God, I must share it.  A lengthy introduction but necessary to the event.

            Ten weeks ago, Hope Baptist Church started a new series of messages called The Big Journey. It was an explanation of the goals of the church as we ministered to a Big God with our Big Life in a Big World.  Some may say it was just a glorified building fund campaign.  While it did have this element, it gave it context.  We were not just attempting to raise money to erect another church building.  We were building a jumping off campus to reach Las Vegas, the Western U.S. and the world.  In eight years God has used Hope to already do that.  I encourage you to listen to the sermon podcasts during this time.

Here's a link to the church website and to a video about the series.

http://www.hopebaptistchurch.com/

            So, about 6 weeks ago, Pastor Vance set out our financial goals for the campaign.  A consultant told him we could expect pledges for the next three years of about $3,000,000 from a congregation our size.  So, he, and the board, set it at $4,000, 000. Since the former amount was what we could do, we had to do what God could do.  Part of that included a goal of raising an upfront cash offering of $275,000. 

            Four weeks ago we took the offering.  Finally, one week ago, Pastor Vance announced the results.  They were jaw-dropping.  The church pledged $4, 100, 000 for the next three years.  This in the middle of the worst financial time in the last 60 years at least, when our city of Las Vegas is close to double-digit unemployment.  You amy think of this as just getting just enough.  What I like about virtually hitting the goal on the head is that every pledge ends up being necessary.  It would be great if we raised tens of millions, but then the less fortunate would think their offering was not needed.

            Then there is the matter of the cash offering.  As our pastor said, we can pledge based on how we think things will be in a couple of years, but would we give today?  Well, I guess so.  In responding to a goal of a quarter of a million dollars, God blessed us to give over a $1,000,000 in cash.  Again, remember the financial situation.

            I am bragging on Hope Baptist, but it’s also part of my celebration of being part of such a great work of God, right here in the middle of a city that no one associates with the work of God.