Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

56 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE4192, which is available each weekend. Also News concerning our Missionsis circulated through the monthly NEWSLETTER which is sent tocongregations, and many individuals both in the U.S. and overseas. Wethank those congregations which have enhanced their vision and support ofmissions and missionary personnel through participation in the CongregationalMissionary Sponsorship Program, and through other programs expressingmissionary concern. Your interestis much appreciated.We acknowledge God's faithfulness and the generosity of God's people inthe past in funding our Mission program, and we are trusting God to supplyour needs in the future, but the Board is facing a severe financial crisis.Deficits in the past have been met through certain major Bequests and withmonies returned from the sale of properties in Cyprus. Both of theseresources have now been virtually exhausted. In addition, in 1994approximately $15,000 of our unrestricted endowment was sold to balanceour Budget, and meeting our 1995 Budget will require the sale of thebalance of those unrestricted funds, plus additional gift money. Pray with usthat God will provide for our needs as He has promised, and make us wisestewards of the resources He supplies.Let's continue to work and pray that Christ's Kingdom would come andHis will be done on earth asitis done in heaven!RECOMMENDATIONS:1. That since the term of Robert McCracken expires at this meeting, therestructured Class of 1999 consisting of two members, should be filled bythe Synod. The Bd. nominates Jonathan Watt, Joe Copeland, and FikreMenbere for this Class. (Mr. McCracken is not eligible for re-election).The terms of Bruce Backensto, Marjorie Cox, and Robert Heimburgerexpire next year. (Mr. Heimburger is not eligible for re-election). TheBoard nominates the incumbents, Bruce Backensto and Marjorie Cox, andalso Jim Wittke, tofill the two-member Class of 2000.2. That the Board be granted $60,000 from RPMscM to help meet its 1996Budget of approximately $316,000. Also for 1997 we request$65,000 for our anticipated budget of $314,000.3. That Bob Henning be appointed for one year as Executive Secretary.4. That Synod confirm the decision of the FMB to begin immediately topublicize the need for a pastor-missionary for Japan in anticipation ofGene Spear's approaching retirement with the understanding that before areplacement is appointed, the finances must be in order. (NOTE: Thismotion comes in response to a request from the Japan Commission to thiseffect, and is in accord with the Board's desire to maintain two pastoralmissionaries on the field in Kobe.)5. That Synod grant Bob Henning and Bruce Backensto a combined total of10 minutes to report on their visit to Japan last March.The report of the Joint Commission on Chaplains and MilitaryPersonnel was taken up. Item 1 was adopted. In keeping with this