Almost half a year ago I referenced inflation which was about 7%. Now it is over 8%, with energy prices rising a staggering 30%. And speaking of big changes, major stock market indexes are down around 20% since the beginning of the year and it seems they decline daily. I have been purposely avoiding a glance at my retirement account, because I know the figures will not be good! A recent conversation with one of WMPL’s financial advisors offered some good news, however: though the value has decreased slightly, our primary WMPL investments have been performing much better than the market average, which is a testament to WMPL’s conservative approach.
And there is better news: for 85 years, WMPL has been trusting the Lord to meet our financial needs, and God has sustained us through many times of uncertainty. The Apostle Paul admonished the believers in Philippi, “Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 GNT, emphasis mine). The world is going through uncertainty right now, but as believers we pray and put our trust in God, for he will continue to provide for us.
Please keep WMPL in your prayers as we have our Annual Meeting June 12. If you are near the Twin Cities area, I hope you will join us. During the meeting we’ll hear how God has faithfully sustained and provided for the work over the past year and praise him together, reaffirming our trust that God will guide WMPL into the future.
Our workers are also looking forward to an event immediately following the Annual Meeting: a week of WMPL family camp at Mt. Carmel Ministries near Alexandria, MN. It will be the first WMPL annual camp gathering for our workers since the COVID shutdown. We anticipate a wonderful time of prayer, worship, fellowship and reconnection.
Again, God’s Word to us through Paul is good news: we don’t fear uncertainty – we ask God for what we need. We praise the Lord that God has met WMPL’s financial needs during the past month: our workers received 100% of their allowance. Please pray that God will continue to provide for us during times of economic uncertainty.
Happy summer from all of us in the WMPL Business Office!
GOD’S PROVISION – April 2022
| ALLOWANCE: Designated Support: | $43,128 |
| General Support: | $37,221 |
| BENEFITS: Designated Support: | $24,493 |
| Transfer from Estate Fund: | $41,082 |
| Donations to Benefits Fund: | $75 |
| Number of full-time worker units: | 36 |
| Minimum allowance provided: | 100% |