December 2007 - Seventh Day Baptist | General Conference of the ...

SR FinancesF inancialFAITHWhite Christmasand red budgetsby George CruzanWhen we see a tragic story ora special need, we all want to help.This is especially true this timeof year as we think about WhiteChristmas gifts.A local child with a serious disease,a family devastated by a fire,or an out-of-work employee arouseour empathy, and we dig deep intoour pockets to help.There are many who need assistance.In fact, Jesus said we will alwayshave the poor among us, andthat we are to look out for those inneed. That’s what White Christmasis all about. I encourage you to givegenerously to your church’s WhiteChristmas collection if it has one.Why do some projects attract lotsof funding while others receive littleor nothing? Publicity—or the lackof it—is often the reason.Twenty-one years ago, “babyJessica” fell into a narrow well inTexas and was rescued three dayslater. A myriad of news stations andother media covered the event. Ultimately,Jessica had to undergo surgeryand rehabilitation, costs thatthe family couldn’t afford. But contributionspoured in from all acrossthe U.S. and the world, covering allof her medical expenses.The leftover money was put intoa trust fund that Jessica can draw onwhen she turns 25. So, about threeyears from now, this now-grown,fully recovered baby will have accessto a $1.5 million trust fund, thanksto the generous contributions of allthose people.How many of those contributors,I wonder, expected their money tomake Jessica rich? I hope that she’lluse at least part of that money tohelp others.Giving to those in need is important,but supporting the ongoingwork of your local church and GeneralConference is also important.It’s difficult to get excited aboutdonating money to clean or paint thechurch, heat and light it, and compensatepastors for their leadership.Giving tothose in needis important, butsupporting theongoing work ofyour local churchand General Conferenceis alsoimportant.Likewise, Conference expensesfor utilities, salaries, publications,training, and missions seem humdrumwhen compared to a needychild or a pregnant mother withoutproper medical care. But God’s workcannot prosper if there is no Church.So, as you consider White Christmasor year-end donations, pleasealso consider how God wants you tosupport the ongoing work of your localchurch and General Conference. S RGeorge Cruzan serves as presidentof the Memorial Fund Trusteesand is a deacon at the Shiloh, N.J.,SDB Church.12 The SR