Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

156 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
The Directors of Publication have subsequently reported both positive
negative results from this purchase. Initially, many of the publications projects
were "frozen" in place because of the time needed by the staff to learn the
machine. In some ways the Witness had to be redesigned as well. Although
"interface bugs" slowed the breaking in period considerably, by March, 1996, the
situation had improved greatly, and the savings anticipated by the purchase seem
not to be unrealistic. With every succeeding issue of the Witness some new effect
of the Risograph may be seen.
The financial situation in the office continues to be precarious, despite some
encouraging signs. Witness subscriptions resulted in a record income, as did sales
from Crown and Covenant Publications. Because of a shortfall in the RPMscM
giving, however, Synod's grant to our Board was less than expected. Several other
sources of income were less than normal.
One major news item should be reported. During a particularly severe cold
snap this past winter, the office suffered a damaging "flood" raining down from
above, which resulted in a loss to books, carpet and plaster of above $1,500.
Providentially, we were spared what could have been a much greater loss. During
the spring there has occurred a considerable amount of change in the office staff.
The latest reports show, however, that most of the necessary replacements have
been made, for which we are grateful.
In every action the Directors of Publication have attempted to serve the Church
with zeal and prudence. Theirsis not an easy task. They too, in some respects,
are undermanned, but thereis much to be encouraged about as we continue to
advance the witness of the RPCNA, particularly in the use of God's book of praise.
Norman Carson, Chairman
THE FOREIGN MISSION BOARD REPORT
The Lord Jesus commanded His church to disciple the nations. As the For
Mission Board of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America we are
pleased to be called to serve the LORD of the Church through this branch of His
Church in obedience to this command of Jesus. Since Synod met in 1995 and
heard our last report MUCH has taken place in Japan, our one major field of
ministry, as well as on the field of Cyprus. We may only praise the LORD that He
knows what Heis doing to build His Church in His time and through His servants.
(Some might say the call of Bill Sterrett to Cyprus by the Trinity Community
Christian Fellowship and his acceptance of the call in March of 1996 can be
compared to the Great Hinshin earthquake of 1995! Some think the foundation
of the mission in Japan has been shaken again!)
While the Foreign Mission Board meets twice a year the work of the Boardis
not confined to two regular meetings! Executive Director, Bob Henning, is kept
quite busy handling correspondence, answering questions raised by folks from
around the world concerning missions, keeping the denomination aware of