Business Manager’s Report - August 2023

Business Manager’s August 1, 2023  Report:

Paul wrote of the need for someone to preach, tell, or witness of the saving grace of our Lord to the unsaved of humanity, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent” (Romans 10:14-15)? The gospel is in the Word and as churches send preachers to preach the gospel, so the churches of the American Baptist Association have sent the BSSC to publish the gospel to the world. The work of Bogard Press plays an important role in the process that ultimately gets the Word out to the world. It may be considered a big role or a small role, but we see it as an all-important role. Pray for us as we do our part in this great ministry of the Lord.

            The first 6 months of 2023 have been tallied and the results are good. The cash balance in the ministry account is holding steady. This is an improvement over the 2022 movement which showed a large loss. The rise in literature prices will not take effect until this Fall, so it is a good sign that the cash flow is good.

            Also, a comparison between the first 6 months of 2022 and 2023 reveals an increase in sales. The internet and phone sales increased a total of $129,458.73 these first 6 months over the same period in 2022. The retail store sales have shown an increase of $22,634.15 over last year’s first two quarters, which again, is very positive. To summarize, both the cash flow and sales are good and steady. This is certainly encouraging to us when considering the last three years under the Covid influence.

            The rain finally stopped long enough for us to finish some needed repairs on our Parking lot. The rear area was sinking, and water was pooling badly. The repairs went well, and the lot is now in good shape. The photo shows the repaired area with recent rainwater running down the drain valley as it should.

            Recently, I was privileged to preach at Calvary MBC, Magnolia, Arkansas, First BC of Delight, Arkansas, and will soon preach at First Columbia Association meeting in South Arkansas. I deeply appreciate opportunities to preach the Word and be used among the churches. I plan to visit with the LMBIS Seminary July 31^st for their Homecoming services, and the TBI Seminary, August 15^th for their Fall opening day.  With the help of committeeman Ray Meigs, we hope to have a presence at the Eastern Baptist Association meeting in Hope, Indiana on August 1^st. We, at Texarkana, are here to serve the Lord’s churches. Please let us know how we can better serve you.

J.A. Crain