The Lord’s amazing provision!
It is truly amazing to see how the Lord continues to provide for the World Mission Prayer League. This year I am happy to report that his provision included 100% allowances for all WMPL workers in 2020.
When we look at overall giving in 2020, we see that General Fund contributions were down 26% compared to 2019; giving to the General Fund supplements many of our workers’ monthly allowances. Giving designated for specific workers remained about the same, while giving to designatedoverseas projects was up 14%. Our overall giving was up 1% for 2020 compared to the previous year.
WMPL relies on our Estate Fund and investment income to help cover yearly expenses. The Estate Fund also provides legacy funds for the Prayer League’s future. It is sad that these Estate Fund gifts also represent the passing of a friend, a supporter and a prayer warrior. We thank God for these saints and their legacy.
Gifts to the Estate Fund comprise a large portion of our investment income. Investment gain was significantly down in 2020 compared to 2019, and we continue to look for ways to wisely steward the gifts that the Lord and our supporters have entrusted to us. Some investment strategies need to be re-evaluated as the market for CD’s and bonds is not currently providing measurable interest income. This is forecast to continue for the next three years.
The League’s overall expenses were at a 7% increase in 2020 compared to 2019. This was largely due to board approved and executive grants given to overseas projects and workers. We praise the Lord for gifts to our Estate Fund that enable us to bless and support partners in the gospel worldwide. In addition, the Estate Fund provided more than $214,000 in 2020 to help pay for our workers’ benefits. Without these contributions we would not be able to keep our workers 100% funded. Other regular expenses were largely down in 2020 as compared to 2019.
What does this mean for our future?
Last year, my predecessor Terry Beyer reported that we were anticipating using new accounting software as an analytical tool to help us evaluate and justify our financial distributions through the lens of our Ends Policies. I am hopeful that we will continue to grow in understanding of our organizational needs and expenses, and that this will lead us to join together in informed prayer for God’s ongoing provision for the furtherance of the gospel as we live out WMPL’s Ends Policies and our commitment to Commissioned Living.
The Lord we serve surely knows the future! May we continue to put our trust in him to provide, and may we continue to wisely use all of the resources that he gives us.
Thank you all for your prayers and gifts!