David Richardson

$70,150.  That’s how much the First Baptist Sebring family gave this weekend to our “Drop The Debt” Campaign.

Folks, that is big.  Really BIG!!

Thank you to everyone who was able to give anything to this.

Now, you may be wondering where do we go from here?

Well, if we keep making our regular monthly payments through December of this year, and if we can raise an additional $50,000 by December of this year, First Baptist will be DEBT FREE at the end of this year.

How cool is that?!  We could be DEBT FREE in 2010 instead of waiting until 2012.

Think about how good that would be.  When we get debt free, we will have an extra $8,000 per month to use for doing God’s work.  We will be free to invest in evangelism, discipleship, missions, and ministry.  What a thrill it is to think about that!

Some folks have already told me that they will be in a better position to give more in a couple of months.  I totally understand that.  That’s just the way life goes sometimes.

Here are some things folks can consider in totally dropping our church debt this year.

[1] Give to our “$5 A Week Club” or increase it to “$10 A Week”.

[2] Roll up, cash in, and donate that loose change that has been laying around the car or the house.  Quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies do add up pretty quickly.

[3] If you are blessed to receive a nice tax refund this year, maybe part of it could go towards dropping the church debt.

Anyone who knows me will tell you quickly that I’m not a guy that talks a lot about money.  I don’t want to be THAT kind of pastor.  But, I do really believe with all of my heart that First Baptist Sebring will be able to do great things with her financial freedom.

Just do this:  talk about it as a family, and pray about it.  Ask God what He would have you do to help our church experience financial freedom.  Then, just do whatever God tells you.

If He tells you to do something big, then do it.  If He tells you to do something small, then do it.  If He tells you to hold on to your money and focus on your own family right now, then do it.  Just follow His leadership.

Above all else, may we continue to be a church that knows Christ, and makes Christ known to the world!