Jan 09 2007
considering 2007
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Dicken’s famous quote describes 2006 for NEO Xenos. The changes were vast and without exaggeration our fellowship was transformed. That’s why the Sphere Leader’s Retreat this month forces us into deep planning-and-praying-mode. Foremost among our many concerns is whether we’ll make it financially this year. What do you think?
It was a close call in 2006.
Up to the last minute, we were running about $4,000 in red ink, but $8,000 in budget shortfall. We kept cutting budget plans to keep up with the shortfall, but still the red ink kept eating into our 40-day lifeline of financial reserves. When the reserves are gone we turn off the lights and go home, so it’s very bad to lose that buffer.
And then, suddenly! Just before the year ended, God provided yet again in many miraculous ways. First, the Body of Christ was moved, and many came to our aid. Then Rick was victorious at securing our deposit from the old warehouse. There were several other miraculous surprises as well, and all together they add up to one fact:
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. (Job 19:25-26)
This year should be a huge turnaround for us. Already we’re seeing delightful changes in all our ministries, although the adult home churches are still struggling. We’ll have much to say after the SLUM retreat, but keep this thought in mind: 2007 will be very, very different, because we have a huge ground-swell of leadership like never before. This alone is certainly worthy of much praise and thankfulness towards God’s continual support and leadership.
