Members of our conference committee are concerned that conference funds are used for maximum effectiveness in serving the conference constituency and reaching its communities with the gospel.

We wrestle with pastoral staffing, support of K-16 education, church growth through evangelism, church planting and revitalization, and church programs for various age, ethnic, and interest groups. We want funds to be used productively, but at the same time maintain adequate reserves for unforeseen needs. We want to communicate effectively the conference's programs to its constituents to inspire confidence and generosity.                                         --Jerome S. Lang, Nebraska

Working on the 2004 budget for the Hawaii Conference was a most difficult and painful process. We had been operating on a deficit budget for the past two years, praying for increases in the tithe and offerings to cover the shortage. Finally, drastic measures were implemented to present a balanced budget by reducing staffing, school subsidies, programs including radio-TV prayer and women's ministries, Pathfinders, office hours, travels to the mainland, and our Ohana goals.

We did everything we could to continue the mission of our conference, and we appreciate the sacrifices of our members and workers.
                                                          --Naomi Yamashiro, Hawaii

My term on the Oregon Conference Executive Committee started soon after September 11, 2001. What a difference a day makes!

Oregon's economy has been crippled by the stock market, Enron, and jobs going overseas. Today's paper said we have the second-highest unemployment of all the Northwestern states. Seventh-day Adventists suffer the same economic effects as everyone else. Church members can't give what they don't have.

Fortunately, we had financial officers who acted as our Joseph and built up financial reserves during years of plenty that we've drawn on during these lean years. They gave us time to make staff reductions by attrition rather than give pink slips, make changes to our health insurance policies that were gradual and less severe, and meet increased obligations resulting from changes to North American Division retirement policies, etc. The Lord of the harvest is building up lay leadership to take a stronger role in evangelism; the church in Oregon is growing.

I cannot fail to mention God's great blessings in sustaining us. Church members blessed financially during these trying times have been generous in sustaining and supporting the work. They have not built bigger barns for themselves, and the Oregon Conference has been blessed because of it. Faithful givers of "widow's mites" have acted nobly, trusting their heavenly Father to supply all their needs.

Every time I go to an executive committee meeting I see God working miracles, moving with a mighty hand in the lives and hearts of His people in Oregon.                                                  --Bekki Gardner, Oregon

Local conferences are facing many challenges to balance budgets and provide meaningful services and support to the local church. In the face of rising costs and funding of health plans, retirement, and insurance, very little is left to provide adequate support for local churches. Consequently, the church is encountering de facto congregationalism, where members, in an attempt to address the financial and ministry needs of their local churches, are channeling tithe toward the budgetary needs of their congregations. Some find little or no relevancy to support the various strata of the administrative structure of the church.

It's time to take a fresh look at the plethora of programs and ministries in our church, as well as the administrative structure, to see if we can conserve funds by eliminating duplication of effort, streamlining, prioritizing, and reallocating financial resources to support the most functional programs. The health of the church at large depends on how well the local church is served and nurtured, so that it can meet the spiritual needs of its members, as well as witness to the community.
                                                         --Mumtaz A. Fargo, Idaho

Each year as we prepare our conference budget, I am humbled and amazed that there are so many in our conference and all over the world who implement plans, create visions, and organize their personal finances based on their confidence in the faithfulness of God's people.
                                                                --Phyllis Ware, Kansas

In recent years our conference is experiencing some of its greatest financial challenges ever. I have seen how our finances have triggered stress, fear, discouragement--even selfishness--in all of us. However, God has a holy purpose regarding finances, and He has counseled members and administrators alike about proper giving and spending.

Yes, we are perplexed in our conference; our prospects at times have grown darker and darker, and we are daily threatened with loss. But we will not become discouraged; we will cast all our cares upon God and remain calm and cheerful (see Ellen White's book, Steps to Christ, p. 122).                                              --Timothy Hullquist, New York