Missions In 2008

On Wednesday night Rick gave us the great news about how we finished the year strong financially. He shared with us how YOU the people of CSF gave so faithfully as stewards who understand the principle of tithing and giving sacrificially. I am so glad that many of YOU believe in giving to something that is larger than any one person and is the agent of change in thousands of people's lives. As Rick said on Wednesday, the budget numbers are more than just boring numbers.....they represent lives that are being impacted for Christ. Great job CSF!

Rick also gave us the budget proposal for 2008. If you want to know more about the 2008 budget...you should have come Wednesday night! HA HA

No, seriously, the budget sheets are in the info kiosk area and you can pick one up this Sunday. I do want to highlight one thing that we are very pumped up about this year again. We have designated 10% of our budget giving to missional causes. We will give over a $100,000 to our mission causes again this year.

** Once again we will be a level five supporter of the church we help plant in Ethiopia. We give and fully support the pastors salary and insurance in the church . Because of how much the American dollar can purchase there, our monthly giving fully supports the ministry of this dynamic church. They have seen hundreds of former Muslims come to faith in Jesus Christ and are making an impact in the lives of many of the poor children there.

** Starting this year we are supporting our former youth pastor and his wife in their mission efforts in West Virgina. We are excited about what this new ministry will accomplish for the poor and needy in WVA and as they build teams to go to foreign countries.

** We give money directly to some local ministries here in Charlotte.

** We will be using this mission money to plant a new church fully funded by CSF. We have begun the prayer and seeking aspect of planting a new church that we will see launched in January 2009. That is the same month CSF turns 10 years old. We will celebrate our 10 year anniversary by launching a new Fellowship!

We truly believe that 2008 is the year we Expand in our faith, influence, missions and as a Fellowship as a whole.

Today's daily reading: Luke chapter 11!

Jesus gave us the reason why we should pray daily and how to have effective prayers! This coming Sunday we will conclude our CHEF series and I will use this passage to share with us all what you and I need to do to have an effective prayer life!

See you Sunday!

PS...If you must come to the 10:30 service, please park across the street or in the back. Last week we were completely out of parking and our guest were forced to park in the drop off area. That is a nice parking spot, but makes it hard for everyone to leave at the same time.