I have family business to discuss with you this month.

 

            As you no doubt realize, our communication is based upon Galatians 6:6, "Let the one who is taught the words share all good things with him who teaches." We believe "good things" applies to all your communication back to us: testimonies, referrals, purchases, critique, prayer, and of course, your support.

 

            This month, I need to focus on finances. For the first time, Lifetime is being affected "real time" by the economic woes of the country. Ordinarily, we do not feel the economic pressures gripping the country for eighteen to twenty-four months after they begin to be discussed in the media. Consequently, during past downturns we have tightened our belt ahead of time, knowing leaner times are on the way.

 

But this economic downturn is different, and it is across the spectrum of our support. Our $5 per month donors are struggling mightily, if for no other reason than to keep gas in the car. Our large donors--$25,000 and above--are also struggling. Their businesses are failing. Their investment portfolios are sagging under the weak dollar abroad. They have lost their jobs.

 

Friend, we pray for you daily--multiple times daily--not in proportion to the amount of money you give, but because you are part of us. Ministry is not about money, it is about message; but money greases the wheels of everything from staff salaries to website functionality.

 

We are working to conserve. We did not grant raises for 2007. We have liquidated older and excess office machinery. We have deferred purchases of new computers. We have eliminated all non essential travel and professional development. I could continue, but you get the point: We are trying, knowing that you are making the same sacrifices in your home and office.

 

I am not writing to sensationalize. I am writing to communicate. You tell me often, "If you need anything, let us know." From now through the end of the year is going to be very demanding for LGI's finances. Said another way, if you can help one time, that is great, but this is not a one-month problem. Our real need is for a consistent increase in support. If we all work together, the load will not be nearly so heavy. And, if you are able to step in and fill the shoes of our larger donors who have suffered incredible loss, that would be tremendous.

 

The economic woes of our country will not resolve by Saturday night. Nor will they be resolved in November with the election. Even if gas prices dropped by $2, there is a great deal of lost ground to make up in our economic recovery. We must pull together.

 

Some ideas: If you have not arranged an automatic donation to LGI, please contact Caryn in our office to do that. Stable income helps us budget. If you can increase your regular donation--by any amount, small or large--that would be tremendous. If you are not a financial supporter but are blessed by the ministry of LGI, I encourage you to share back, just as Galatians counsels. If you continue to flourish and have extra resources during these difficult days, we have lost several of our large donors to catastrophic loss. You are needed, friend.

 

Money is not a popular topic, even though Jesus talked more about money than any other subject during His ministry. But it is such an abused topic today that we are all gun shy. I am sensitive to this, and try to err on the side of conservatism in writing about finances. Money is an integral part of life--just like food, water, sexuality, change, and so forth. Like these other basic aspects of life, they are best discussed within the family.

 

And that is what you are: family. Thanks for reading. Thanks for praying. Thanks for taking action. Above all else, don't stop discussing us with Father.

 

Bless you, friend. In His love,

PS These are challenging days, not just because of the economic woe, but these are days of calamity, war, insurrection, and evil. Nevertheless, they are not surprising days. Father knows. He has a plan, and is no doubt working His plan. We should encourage each other with this confidence. “But you, O Lord, are a shield / about me, / My glory, and the One who / lifts my head” (Ps. 3:3).