Last October we launched a two-year generosity initiative called, Light the Way. As you may remember, our goal was to raise $5 million above our regular tithes and offerings to help us eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ (learn more HERE). God is doing an amazing work at ABC, and I believe even greater things are to come as we reach these three critical objectives together. I’d like to give you a brief update on how we are doing in these three areas.
First, we are inching closer to fully eliminating our debt. I am thrilled to report the debt has been reduced to $1.7 million! This is a remarkable number considering the debt was at $10 million just a little over four years ago. It is incredible to think we could be debt free as a church in the next 12-18 months through Light the Way. I encourage you to begin praying with me now about the future missions and ministries that will be launched because of this amazing feat.
Second, we are expanding our mission locally, nationally, and globally through LTW. Here in Austin, we are now feeding over 250 children every weekend through the Baptist Community Center. We have also updated their outdoor recreation areas in preparation for children and youth outreaches this summer. In Los Angeles, we are funding a residency program for six aspiring church planters. In the coming months, we will choose one planter to come alongside in the launch of his church. In Myanmar, we are in process of purchasing land that will be used to build a Healing and Trauma Center that will minister in the name of Jesus to hundreds of people in crisis.
Third, we have now finalized the design work with Paragon 360, our media ministry partner. They are going to help us extend the message of Jesus by overhauling our video, lighting, and broadcast technologies over these two years. We are still waiting for a few more LTW funds to come in before we can launch phase one of this project, which focuses on replacing all cameras and updating our video/audio online broadcast systems. After that project is completed, we will move on to phase two which will focus on lighting systems and updating our video screens.
Thank you for your continued generosity, and I want you to know your partnership is making a difference for the Kingdom of God. I encourage you to stay faithful in your pledge commitments for Light the Way. We are off to a great start, but we still have a way to go. Thank you for being a generous church, and I believe God will Light the Way forward through us as we advance our mission and expand our ministries in these coming days. I look forward to seeing you this weekend in worship.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 