Spring
1987
An open letter to the Banner Family.
Two letters have been sent out asking for help in lifting
the financial pressure from the ministry of sending out the
Banner, and of preparing lives for Christian ministry.
Before the first letter was sent, there was a debt load upon
Pinecrest of over$250,000 along with an overly large accounts
payable balance that was overdue.
The first letter was sent to around twenty thousand families,
who receive the Banner. About 900 responded, and the amount
received from these lifted most of the past due debt load
from Pinecrest. This released me from a very heavy and painful
burden.
However, the large accounts payable balance remained, and
was beyond our ability to clear, through normal operating
income. A second letter was sent asking for help in paying
these bills, that the Bible School and the Banner ministry
might be free from debt and pressure.
About 500 responded to this letter and most, though not all
of these bills were paid. There yet remains about $25,000
that is over due in debts.
I have been both blessed and encouraged by those who have
given, and criticized by others for asking for help, rather
than "trusting the Lord". Yet, I truly feel that
I am trusting the Lord, and that it is right to make the need
know. The Scripture clearly teaches that ministry is to live
from the fruit of its efforts.
If the Banner has been a blessing to you, and if you consider
it to be an anointed ministry, then it is right for me to
"pass the basket," and to ask for your help.
The Banner is mailed to about twenty thousand families. The
letters asking for help were sent to these. Altogether, about
fourteen hundred responded. This means that more than eighteen
thousand who receive the Banner did not. In being a good steward,
I am concerned that these really want to receive the Banner,
and value its contents.
If you have not already responded to these letters, would
you prayerfully do so, and give towards the remaining needs?
Also, let me know if you value the Banner and wish to continue
receiving it.
I believe that this is being a good steward of that which
the Lord has given.
I prayerfully put much time and effort into the Banner, and
into the Bible School program. I need your encouragement and
support that I might continue.
Thank you for taking time to read this, I trust you will
respond.