Did the Thermometer Drop?

If you’ve been checking in with us from time to time, you might have noticed that our little financial partnership thermometer has dropped since January.  As disappointing as it is, we’re grateful that it does NOT mean our partners are bailing on us.  <wink>

What it actually means is that we have just celebrated the anniversary of our membership with Wycliffe.  And as is the case for all members, part of the celebration is reviewing our ministry budget for the next year.  <I saw you cringe, when you read the word “budget”!>

We have some input when making this budget, but mostly it’s put together by our very wise (and patient) finance people.  When figuring how much we’ll need monthly to live in Papua New Guinea during the next year, they take into account increasing airfare, rises in energy costs, the increasing cost of health care and insurance,  and among other things, the current devaluing of the US Dollar.  I don’t envy them their jobs, especially these days when they must deliver a lot of disappointing news.  We are, however, extremely grateful for their assistance!

It would be easy to blame the economy for the delay in completing our team of financial partners, but in reality our God isn’t affected by the economy.  He’s so much bigger than that.  If he wanted, he could arrange for us to win the lottery, or drop a gazillion euros in our laps or something equally spectacular.  It is pretty amazing that he usually allows his Church to be part of the miracle!  Whatever method he chooses, it will be in his perfect time and to his own glory--as it should be!