God has been with us since the beginning of his creation. He has always loved us and he has always cared for us. However, because of sin we distanced ourselves from him. We thought that we, alone and independent of him, could follow his commands, that we could please him and love our neighbors as ourselves. Well, we know how that story went.
Time after time we failed miserably trying to obey God’s commands. Through sacrifices and atonements, the Jewish people received God’s forgiveness. They temporarily reconciled with him, only to sin again and return to their old ways. The condition of the Jewish people of the Old Testament has many similarities with many religions of the world today: being trapped in a vicious cycle from which it is almost impossible to escape, and trying to obey an endless list of instructions to obtain salvation with our own human efforts.
But the most important and fundamental aspect of Christianity that sets us apart from any other belief system or religion in the world is the fact that God himself saw the need to come to us and to meet us where we were. God himself descended from heaven by sending Jesus, his one and only Son, to be physically among us, to walk among us, to share a meal with us, and to experience pain and suffering.
“[Jesus] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
Philippians 2:6-7 ESV
What great news for us and for the entire world! God, Immanuel, came for all peoples and nations of the world. We cannot contain this great news just to ourselves. By his Holy Spirit we are moved, compelled, and commanded to share this Good News with anyone with whom God gives us the opportunity.
We praise the Lord for his faithfulness and provision for the month of October. We are pleased to report that all workers were able to receive full allowances and benefits. Thank you for your partnership in global prayer and mobilization for the advancement of God’s Kingdom around the world. May this Christmas renew our joy and understanding of the amazing miracle of the Incarnation.
GOD’S PROVISION – OCTOBER 2024
| ALLOWANCE: Designated Support Funds: | $35,221 |
| General Support Fund: | $27,319 |
| Transfer from General Fund: | $6,592 |
| BENEFITS: Designated Support Funds: | $60,131 |
| Transfer from Estate Fund: | $0 |
| Donations to Benefits Fund: | $75 |
| Number of full-time worker units: | 26 |
| Worker Units with 100% allowance | 26 |
| Minimum allowance provided: | 100% |