For the World Mission Prayer League, 2007 was little different than previous years. God was faithful in meeting all of our needs. We again sent out new missionaries to new areas of service. Our seasoned veterans persevered as they have done for decades. And thousands of members joined together in praying for the advancement of the gospel throughout the world. Things like these have been reported year after year and will continue to happen, as long as God wills.
God did indeed meet all of our needs last year! Financial activity, I realize, is only a part of the picture, but this is the realm that I work with. And I see that God was at work here, too. We received over 2.4 million dollars in donations during the year an increase of 9 percent over 2006. These donations represent hard-earned dollars given sacrificially, and given for the sake of the kingdom. We appreciate every donation. And we pledge to use every donation in a way that pleases God, as best we can.
Although God never changes and many things stay the same, the world we live in is ever changing. The past few years, retirement and health care have been concerns for the Prayer League. We have made recent changes in each area.
In 2007 we changed our retirement plan to allow all WMPL missionaries to take advantage of a new Roth 403(B) retirement account. This plan has tax advantages that could be especially advantageous to missionaries. In 2008 we changed our health plan from a low-deductible plan to a high-deductible plan accompanied by a Health Savings Account (HSA). This health plan change has only been implemented for our home staff. The pension plan we hope will provide for a better retirement with minimum increase in costs. The new health plan we expect will save us money while not putting extra financial burden on our home staff.
So 2007 was the same for us in many ways. But circumstances around us continually change and we attempt to make appropriate changes, too, using the precious resources that God has entrusted us with wisdom and integrity. All of this is driven by the mission that God has given to us: to love him and to serve him, and to bring the gospel to areas where it is little known. Thank you for your part in our fellowship.