The Wright Word
April-June 2005

Serving Together to Make an Eternal Difference

The first two months as your associational missionary have been great. The transition has been incredibly easy for our family and Mobile already seems like home.

I appreciate the invitations that are giving me the opportunity to visit our congregations. I am enjoying getting to know you and your ministry and hope to visit all of our congregations in the next year.

Emphasis Areas
These months of praying and listening have led me to suggest these five emphasis areas. Please see the article inside for detailed information.
Biblical Prayer, Luke 18:1, 1 Tim. 2:1-4,
Evangelistic Ministry, Luke 4:18-19, Luke 19:10
Church Development/Growth, Acts 16:5, Rev. 7:9
Church Planting, Acts 2:46-47, Eph. 5:25-27.
Partnership in local, state, national and international missions, Matt.28:18-20, Acts 13:2-4

Prayer List
The pastor/church prayer list has been adapted to help us pray for four pastors by name each day. This list will allow us to pray for every pastor and associational leader each month. Please pray for unity, anointing, wisdom, holiness, and that the fruit of the spirit would characterize everything we say and do (Galatians 5:22-23). Watch your mail for an updated copy or go online at www.mobilebaptists.org.

Associational Finances
The budget and finance committee will be focusing budgets on strategy. We also will be looking at how to maximize the return on the investment of MBA dollars in current ministries. We will be working to ensure your confidence in our excellent stewardship of every penny that is entrusted to the MBA from your churches.

Receipts from the churches
We received $43,381.93 total income ($36,028.10 from our churches) in January 05. We received $43,272.14 total income ($37,497.22 from our churches) in February 05. Total required monthly income is $47,569 ($42,066 from our churches). So $95,138 required for Jan-Feb -$86,654 actual receipts =$8484 shortfall so far this year or projected $50,904 shortfall for the year. (January and February historically are accurate indicators of monthly receipts.)

The Lord will Fund what is in His plan through His people. We have an exciting year ahead to discover and participate in His plans for Mobile County. Please pray for our finances and consider ways to show your financial support of our strategic emphases.

Please consider a special offering during the day of prayer for associational missions on May 22.

In the lamb,
Brother Thomas