CEE Story From The Mission Field
New Year Blessings!
December 31, 2003
The following is a letter that was shared with hope4cee.org from IMB Missionary Mark Sauter, strategy coordinator for the Deaf people groups of Central Europe.
I wanted to share something encouraging regarding the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and one church's belief in its own significance for undergirding missionaries during this time of financial crisis. This church is Central Baptist Church of Melbourne, Florida, and they average about 200-225 on Sunday morning. My dad is a member there and they have been very committed to missions for as long as we've known about them. In 2002 they set a goal for $12,000 for the LMCO and by the end of December they had received over $ 18,000. For a congregation that size, it was, by the grace of God, a great accomplishment!
This year they have been following the financial crisis and limitations that our organization has been facing. They had already set a goal of $16,000 for the LMCO this year but as they've followed closely the information that was put out by Dr. Rankin, and the promotional material that was mailed out to all SBC churches during the fall, they had a desire to do more toward the challenge. The first Sunday's offering brought in $1,400 toward the goal. The pastor, Rev. Gary Gates, then asked me to speak to the church and talk about some of things the Lord is doing among the Deaf of CEF, and among other people groups within our field. He also asked me to speak to the congregation about the needs the IMB is facing currently around the world and to be honest about what significance the church family at Central could have. I spoke to the whole church on Sunday morning, Nov. 30, on the following Wednesday night to their prayer meeting group, and to several Sunday School classes on successive weeks. When I returned to Budapest, it had become apparent that they not only saw the serious nature of the financial limitations that seem to be all around us but that they also believe themselves to be of significance for helping to solve some of those problems. As of Sunday, Dec. 28, the church had collected over $ 37,800 for the LMCO (or $ 21,800 over their goal). They will be willing to receive gifts after the first of the year as well.
This year's total is nothing short of a miracle of God among His people and what God can do through a congregation of 225! I know you will rejoice with me, in the Lord, for His provision through this church and pray that all Southern Baptist churches around the USA will share a similar vision with regards to the significance they can make, too!
Blessings on you and your families for 2004!
Thanks,
Mark Sauter
Thank you, Central Baptist Church of Melbourne, Florida, for your incredible commitment to reaching this world for Christ through your LMCO giving!