Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

168 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
For the first time in recent years, the Board is projecting a deficit positi
future years. Due to the dramatic reduction in RPMscM grants in 1996 and
1997, coupled with the rapid expansion of possible new ministries, we are
projecting that all of the HMB funds will be exhausted before the end of 1998.
Because of this, one aid request had to be delayed by about one year and another
potential aid request was told that if they actually applied they could not be helped
for several years.
We know that "what God orders, He pays for" (Matthew 28:18, 20b) and that
He will "supply our needs according to His riches in glory" (Phillipians 4:19) and
that "we walk by faith and not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7). With these promises
and His clear instruction to "disciple all the nations", we will continue to press
ahead.
The Board thankfully received the firstcontribution from the J.D. Edgar
Memorial Fund which will become part of the Board's endowment.
Time to Plant Fund
In light of this situation, we urge congregations and individuals to continue
giving to the Time to Plant Fund. These "above and beyond RPMscM"
contributions are essential for the work to go forward.
Publicity
This past year we published in the Covenanter Witness (July/August 1995) an
explanation of the general process of church planting which the Board is
promoting. We hope to put this in pamphlet form for use by Presbyteries. In
many locations this material is presented to a potential core group of people as
they consider whatit means for them to be involved in a new ministry.
We want to pay special tribute to Mrs. Eileen Falk, a very faithful member of
the HMB for the past six years. She has coordinated the publication of over 40
pages of articles in the Covenanter Witness which have wonderfully highlighted the
work of our Lord in new ministries. She has diligently contaaed by phone all of
our organizing pastors/church planters regularly to gather prayer requests for the
Witness' Prayer Calendar. And she has developed the HMB's mobile display which
many have seen across the church. She and her family have been members of two
new works over the years - Hays, KS, and Kokomo, IN ~ which has given her a
deep commitment to new ministries that is reflected in her keen service through
the HMB. We will greatly miss her work and fellowship as she "retires" due to
Synod's two term rule. As Eileen's replacement, the Synod has eleaed Marcia
Elliott to serve on the Board beginning this summer.
Our Greatest Need
Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Proverbs 29:18
In recent years we have seen a greater vision for outreach, evangelism and
disciple-making that is bringing renewal, growth and multiplication to this branch of