Statistics are very tricky things. They can be helpful when used properly, but great care must be taken to compile and interpret them in a way that is accurate and useful. I really enjoy statistics, and I try to use them responsibly. The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has recently released their annual “State of Giving Report,” which is a compilation of giving trends among member organizations. (See http://www.ecfa.org/Content/2012-ECFA-Annual-State-of-Giving-Report) The Prayer League has been an accredited member since 1987. The report shows year-to-year changes in giving in 2010 and 2011.
Revenue among all ECFA members has increased in each of the past two years. There was a 5.8 percent increase in 2010, followed by a 1.7 percent increase in 2011. While all ECFA members are evangelical in purpose, their missions vary greatly. Ministry types are divided into 27 categories. Only three ministry types realized decreased giving in consecutive years. Fourteen ministry types experienced an increase in revenue one year and a decrease in the other year. Mission agencies are in this group, as well as church denominations and relief and development ministries. Ten ministry types had consecutive years of increased revenue. Adoption ministries, pregnancy resource centers, orphan care, short-term missions, and the local church all saw consecutive years of increased revenue.
We may note a recent emphasis on giving to ministries related to children and families. Adoption, orphan care and child sponsorship ministries all experienced large increases in revenue. Short-term missions, which tend to lend themselves to children’s and family ministries, were among the highest groups for growth. The local church, a place where the family can find refuge and practical help, has seen consecutive years of increased giving as well. Pregnancy resource ministries are also seeing increases in donations. It is possible to see in these numbers a trend toward strengthening the family in our country. And there is perhaps a deeper conclusion: God is in control. When our families need help, God is able to raise people and resources to meet the challenge.
There remains another important challenge, however: the need to bring the gospel to those who have not yet heard it. In this area as well, we may trust that our God is able to mobilize his people into action and provide them with every necessary tool to accomplish the task.
In December we were able to pay all of our missionaries 100 percent of their target allowance. We used $31,995 from the General Fund to meet these needs, leaving a General Fund balance of $183,772. Our Benefits Fund carried a balance of $108,753. Thank you for your ongoing support!