Wednesday Morning - Part 1, Missions Business

Missions Business
The missions committee report was adopted without comment or opposition.

In the report of Brother Roger Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer (I guess it will be Secretary/Treasurer by the time you read this!), we recognized the loss of Brethren Abel Dimatulac (missionary in the Philippines), Tim Simons (Interstate missionary), Darrell Overton (former missionary to Bolivia), and Victor Guzman (long-time missionary in Mexico and member of the Standing Missionary Committee). On a personal note, I visited with Brother Tim Simons several times and was impressed by his servant's heart and godly spirit. 

Brother Stewart reports that this year there have been 5256 professions of faith, 635 baptisms and 12 churches organized. The Thanksgiving Mission Offering was just over $325k, creating a total surplus for this year of $95.5k. Next year, if things remain on track, the total offerings received through the Thanksgiving Mission Offering since its inception in 1995 will cross $6 million! The generosity of the churches continues to be an astounding and encouraging act of worship. Brother and Sister Stewart's 37k miles traveled this year raising money, encouraging missionaries, and raising awareness are greatly appreciated.



A motion was made to re-add Brother David Manary, who was brought up for a separate vote, during the missions committee. His sending church had authorized him to start establishing a church in Searcy, Arkansas while wrapping up work in Romania. There was discussion about whether or not it was appropriate for him to be marked as designated funds in Romania while serving in Arkansas. After much discussion, the motion failed, and he was not added back to the list of designated missionaries.

Brother Roger Stewart was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer without opposition. 

The 3% raise for missionaries on salary was approved. The 3% raise for the Secretary-Treasurer of missions was also approved. 

The Standing Missionary Committee was re-elected, with one substitution: Brother Ron Ballard resigning and Brother Steve Merritt was elected to fill his position. 

Nominations for the annual sermon were Brethren Justin Coburn, Caleb Wood, and Mark Tones.

Nominations for the missionary sermon were Brethren Joel Dillahunty, Mike Jones, and somebody else who I missed because somebody asked me a question at that exact moment. 

Brother Jeff Luellen's widow was recognized, Brother Victor Guzman's daughter was recognized, as well as the men who retired from the SMC last year.

Editorial

I would pay good money for the Brother Ed Button audio Bible.

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