In many respects January is the most exciting month at Palm Beach Lakes. It is the time we look ahead and focus on new programs—like the Sunday night’s Soldiers of Christ and the Cornerstone Groups in our new area program—and perhaps best of all to be part of Mission Sunday.
Mission Sunday History
Those who are new members at PBL may not fully appreciate just how special it is. It is the result of elders longing to do more to teach the lost but realizing that funds were limited. Five years ago they decided to separate almost all mission monies from our regular contribution (at that time about $50,000 each year), to “operate the church” from contributions from the other 51 weeks and to dedicate one Sunday each year totally to evangelism. Our elders made the commitment that whatever was given that day would be devoted to evangelism.
Two Obvious Truths
That first year two truths became obvious. First, the heart of this congregation is to let others know about Jesus. Second, this church will give sacrificially to make this happen! It was an amazement to all when on that first Mission Sunday we gave over $125,000—two and one-half times what we had given before to evangelism. Take a look at the front page and note how that number has exceeded $100,000 each year since then—totaling nearly $600,000.
How Mission Sunday Money Is Used
As you look at the front page reflect how the funds have been used and how God has used us in doing the greatest work on earth! Think about the impact of our missionaries and mission trips in so many places—among the Spanish, among Haitians, in Trinidad, India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, the Bahamas, throughout all of the South Pacific. Then add to this the worldwide impact of Apologetic Press. Closer to home is the work we have done—radio, television, House to House, the special Palm Beach County mail-out, the outstanding printed material being used locally, the plans for the South Florida Fair, the “Silencing of God” Seminar, the training of Troy Spradlin for mission work, the Paraguay mission team and many others! God has used us and our Mission Sunday efforts.
Mission Sunday—2009
Make your plans to be present this Sunday to hear about the plans for this year. Begin now to pray and plan about what you will be giving on January 25th.