The Ministry Village Commitment Sunday was a big success. After the cards came in our counting team went to work. The preliminary total of pledges and cash came to $1.5 million. The goal for the first year is $2 million. So we are well on the way to making the first phase a reality. Thank you, church family, for a marvelous faith response. Commitments and checks are continuing to arrive at the office. It is not too late for everyone to get onboard.

On Sunday evening we enjoyed glorious weather for the ice cream fellowship and prayer walk. I was elated to see families out on the grounds having fun in the bounce houses, talking to friends and asking God for His favor on the Ministry Village. Sharon Parrish was my coordinator for the event. Many of our staff team and an army of volunteers made the evening possible. Thanks to all who helped pull off the event. Yes, we are going to have some more nights like this!

To effectively touch our culture we must endeavor to grow new ministry opportunities like our own Ministry Village. Baptists must continue to lay up treasures in heaven by continually investing in people going there. The two accounts to which we must make deposits are our “gospel” account and our “good works” account. We cannot attempt to allocate all our resources to one or the other. Balance is a crucial link. I look forward to the future at Olive.

In order to accomplish our vision walk more funding will be required. Olive is a generous people. However, to do what we envision will necessitate a large infusion of money. I was pleased to announce last Sunday evening that at the end of this month Sheila Reed will be coming on our team as our Fund Development Director. Pray for her as she becomes involved through entrepreneurial means of facilitating the raising of money for the Ministry Village.

For several weeks many of the church family members at Olive have been praying with me about being nominated as a candidate for the president of the Southern Baptist Convention. It has become apparent to me in the past couple of weeks that now is not the time for me to pursue this role. Do pray for the SBC. These are critical days and we must have the right leader elected to take us into the future.