Issue #5: Reflections of Faith
A Heart Warming Story You're Got to Hear

(c) Copyright 2009 Walter O. Smith, CFP, ChFC, CLU
A Rose of Sharon Publication

Notice:  The content of this newsletter is intended for purposes of consumer financial education only:  The content is not, nor intended to be, accounting, tax, legal or financial planning advice of a pesonal nature to readers.  If you want, or need, professional advice, you are advised to consult a properly qualified professional.  The author is solely responsibel for all content.  This newsletter is a free benefit to members of GMAX1, a faith-based consumer financial educational organization. 

6/4/09

       *  Pointer/News Development:  $250,000 FDIC Insurance Extended
In a housing bill signed into law in May, the $250,000 limit in FDIC account insurance was extended through 2013.  Originally, the $250,000 limit was to expire 12/31/09.

The principles of economics have no feelings.  They just cause them in us.  
In all this chaos and confusion these principles are causing, we're all looking for evidence of hope.
We're finding some.  Sometimes, in what we think of as the oddest, and even, most illogical ways, to our human reasoning.

The financial condition of our churches, and other places of worship, and at the many nonprofit organziations that are fighting on the frontlines of this econimic battle are in bad shape.  "Staggering" is the word used in this battle in which "bullets" are counting in dollars.  In one way, the story isn't complicated:  Our "frontline troops" are running out of "ammo".  They need an "air drop" of supplies.  Our rescuers need rescuing.

Staggering Stories  Three messages of desparate need, all independenty called, "staggering", by those calling in the battle situation:

*   LaSalle University survey of 185 Philadelphia area nonprofits.  The decline in donations message ends, "It's really, really scary".;

*  Cathoic Charities USA, reporting the same, in essence.;

*  The National Center on Family Homelessness message:  "It's getting worse because of the depth of recession and staggering number of home foreclosures".

The Numbers Behind the Messages  The Barnas Group, a California-based organization that tracks religious statistics, estimated that, in 2008, donations declined by 4%-6%, which worked out to a decline of $3 billion to $5 billion.

A Flower in a Field of Darkness   Carried in the corner of a page in the May 19, 2009 issue of USA Today, an article entitled, "Collection Plate a Reversal of Fortune".  You've got to hear this heart warming story.  It will give you hope, and right now, that's something we can all use. 

This is the story of a Pastor.  His name is Toby Slough.  He's the Pastor of the Cross Timber Community Church in the North Texas town of a place called Argyle, Texas.  A non-denominational church.
Pastor was in the tough spot all of our Pastors are in -- declining donations and skyrocketing demands for help.  But Pastor knew the members of his congregation were in a tighter spot.  So he decided to do something that just defy human reasoning and logic.  (A character of faith thing.)  Pastor still passed around the collection plate, as usual.  But with one very big difference:  Pastor told the struggling members of his congregation to take what they needed out of the collection plate.  God must have given Pastor Toby a real "Light Show" of Divine Guidence and Direction.  Had to be, because what happened as a result of that sure doesn't fit any kind of human logic and reasoning.

*  That day the church took in the largest offering, ever.

*  Over the next two months, the church gave away $500,000 to single moms, widows, a local mission, and people behind on their utility bills.

Personally, it reminded me of something, Pastor Charles F. Stanley of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta always says every Sunday:  "Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him".  Amen.

Till next time,  My best regards to each of you.
     Walt