Sowing Generously—Reaping Abundantly

            Across the years, I have adopted a very simple principle concerning the stewardship of financial resources—let us sow generously that we may reap abundantly. This principle I gleaned from the Apostle Paul who wrote to the church at Corinth: “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” [II Corinthians 9:6] From the perspective of my experience, this principle holds for both individuals and churches. I believe it is self-evident that those who give generously—both individuals and churches—discover the joy that comes with participating in the kingdom of God.

            As a second principle of stewardship, I advocate that individuals should be given an opportunity to give, and they should freely determine their gift before God. Again, the Apostle Paul is my teacher here, for he wrote: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” [II Corinthians 9:7] Across the years, I have encountered many motivations for giving, and I have learned that there are many ways to encourage gifts. Yet, I firmly believe that the best motivation for giving is one’s conscious gratitude for the blessings of life one has received. If God has blessed me abundantly, surely I can share out of my abundance. I also personally take seriously the words of Jesus: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” [Luke 12:48] These words appear to me to be applicable both to individuals and churches.

            In recent years as a congregation, we have attempted sow generously, and I believe we have reaped abundantly. If one went by a purely financial analysis of the giving by members of Immanuel Baptist Church, there are many things we would not have attempted and accomplished during the last several years. Yet, God is his graciousness has provided the resources for us to minister here in Paducah and around the world. There have also been resources for improvements to our facility. As a congregation, we have been blessed by those individuals who have freely given of their money, time, and abilities.

            One expression of our desire to sow generously has been our offering for our Klintsy mission taken each year before our team departs. Each year we have been surprised by the generosity of members of our congregation to this offering. In Klintsy, this offering has given hope to a people providing them with the resources to minister at a very critical time in their history. Our offering is matched by the passion of the Klintsy believers and Pastor Eugene Voronin for the kingdom of God.

            As a congregation, we have faced some significant financial challenges over the past two years. Through most of last year, our expenditures exceeded our receipts. This pattern continued until December when we received $150,688.43 in gifts to our budget. Our December financial report showed that we had received $47,535.58 more than we spent in 2001. We give thanks and glory to God!

            If you look at our record of giving on the back of this Clarion, you will see that for the first time in 17 months our budget receipts now exceed our budget needs. Through the first Sunday of June, we have received $376,566.87 in gifts to our 2002 budget. Our budget needs through this period of time are $371,067.40. For this we give thanks and glory to God.

            From a faith perspective, I am convinced that our generous giving and our abundant reaping are connected. Yet, each year, as we move to this time, I am often anxious about our Klintsy offering in light of our own financial needs. I am aware that many individuals believe that our financial needs should take priority over any sharing of our resources with others. As your minister, I am also very conscious of my responsibility for the stewardship of what we have been entrusted. I am anxious as I seek to discern our way to faithful obedience in this matter of sharing. Yet, Pat Burnett, who has been our financial secretary for almost 24 years, pointed out to me the other day that our financial picture improves every year as we prepare for this offering. The proof of this observation is in the report.

            On behalf of the Finance Committee, I thank you for your faithful giving to the life of Immanuel—gifts not only of money, but also time, talents, abilities, and personality. For the members of the Klintsy Church, I express to you their thanksgiving for your generous and compassionate support of them during these critical years. You make the difference between hope and despair, between no resources out of  which to respond and compassionate response to the great needs they face. As we have been given much, may we choose to freely share our abundance.