We have spent the last few days trying to digest the implications of the Hillcrest vote and we are both excited about the possibilities and somewhat daunted by the enormity of the challenges. Even so, we are convinced that we are seeing the providential hand of God directing our steps and we are praying that God will increase our faith as we move forward. We see blessings in the possibility of acquiring all of the space we will need for the foreseeable future. Needless to say, we intend to be very diligent in evaluating this opportunity, and we are praying for wisdom and discernment as we move forward.
As we began to prepare our operating budget for 2011 and beyond, we were gearing up for the normal cost increases that occur every year. We were also anticipating additional costs associated with our proposed move to Plano. With the Hillcrest acquisition, we will potentially see some of those increases much earlier in 2011. We are painfully aware that many NDCBF members have lost jobs or have been otherwise impacted by the economic downturn, and our prayers are with those families.
We firmly believe that God is leading us into a brighter future by His powerful, providential hand. We are equally convinced that where God guides, He also provides. If God is leading us to acquire the Hillcrest property, and we believe He is, then He has already made provision for us to accomplish it. That provision is through the combined efforts of the people of NDCBF. I want to thank all of you who have faithfully supported our ministry through one of the most difficult times in our history. We are grateful for your sacrifices and your service.
In the future, we all will be asked to do more. We are looking forward to a new era of volunteer service to the church and to the community-at-large. We simply cannot afford to add enough paid staff to perform every task that needs to be done. In addition, we need to broaden the base of our financial support. We are trusting that members and frequent guests who are currently not supporting the church financially will be led to do so. We are also praying that those who are currently committed to give will seek the Lord as to how they might be able to do more. Won't you join me in this great move of God? We are not asking for equal giving but equal sacrifice.
To God be the glory.
