State of the Ministry Letter, March 2010

Dear Ministry Friends,

This letter will not receive the Media attention of the President’s January 20 State of the Union address, but as President of Missio International I would like to take this opportunity to speak directly to your kingdom investments.

More than anything we—I include here our principal ministry partner, Eugen Groza—want to thank you for your continued involvement with us through this challenging economic period.  Many non-profit organizations—both here and around the world—were forced to close their doors last year due to financial reasons.  And though program budgets have been reduced due to the financial environment, because of your willingness to invest in the work of God’s people in Romania none of the projects associated with Missio Link International had to terminate ministry activity last year. Thank you for your generous and sacrificial giving that has made this a reality.

Because funding and financial issues remain central to the ongoing fulfillment of our collaborative mission, we want you to know that we fully understand how tight things are for you—in your families, businesses, and churches.  And we want you to know what we are doing in response.

First, we want to insure you that all our ministries are constantly evaluated not only for spiritual integrity and fruitfulness, but as well for financial efficiency in the ratio between direct and indirect costs.  Our goal, in this regard, is to keep administrative costs—inclusive of all costs incurred in Romania and America—as low as possible.   Secondly, in accomplishing this goal, we are pleased to say that 90% or more of your donations have been, are being, and will be disbursed for direct ministry costs, with never more than 10% being set aside for ministry support services here or in Romania.  As with a “tithe” this small portion each month enables Eugen and I to address the essential but oftentimes overlooked support functions critical to the integrity and accountability of our collaborative ministries.

To further reduce administrative costs we have recently developed a financial office in Atlanta, Georgia that will receive and receipt all donations in the most cost effective manner through a blend of professional and volunteer services.  A long-time ministry supporter and Certified Public Accountant is managing the details.  Please note the new PO Box for our finance office: PO Box 725432, Atlanta, GA 31139.

Our funding model is responsive to current global economic realities and reflective of our seasoned (now in our 17^th year) approach to ministry.  We are keenly aware of the economic complexities challenging our world.  We are also keenly aware of the growing critical needs and kingdom opportunities that exist in Eastern Europe. And we want you to know that we are not only doing everything we can to embody the life of Christ in effective ministry, but we are also doing everything possible to be good stewards of the resources you continue to entrust to us.

Again, thank you for your partnership!  And now to close my presidential address: I pray God will bless you and that he will continue to bless the work of his kingdom people in America and in Romania—and everywhere the name of Jesus is proclaimed as Lord!

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