Business Manager’s Report - July 2023

Business Manager’s July 1, 2023  Report:

 I was blessed to have the opportunity to meet with the brethren in Spokane, Washington for the meeting of the messengers of the churches of the American Baptist Association. The fellowship was sweet, as many commented that the meeting was like a family reunion. Valley Landmark MBC and Pastor Caleb Wood did a wonderful job in hosting the meeting. The music was very glorifying to the Lord and very uplifting for the people of God. Hearing of the work of missions and seeing the messengers endorse 147 missionaries was a heart-filling blessing. I was reminded of the words of the Psalmist, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1). God is good and being with the brethren makes me glad. I personally thank the messengers for their kindness in allowing me to continue to serve in the office at Texarkana. I am excited for what God is going to do with the work of Bogard Press and Baptist Bookstore.

            The messengers, meeting at Spokane, voted to approve a 9% raise in literature prices. This raise was very much needed. There has not been any adjustment in pricing for 3 years. Just as prices on so many things around us have increased greatly during the last 3 years, and partly due to Covid, prices on almost everything that the ministry must purchase have increased. Also, the simple cost of operations has increased. Everyday things like utilities, labor cost, equipment and such have all increased. Therefore, a raise was needed, and I thank the messengers for their kindness in helping us in this way. With this help and with the ministry making efforts to save on costs, I am looking for better years ahead than the difficult year we had in 2022.

            As I desire to be out among the churches and thank the brethren for their support and prayers, I recently spoke at White Oak Grove MBC near Hope, Arkansas. I also hope to visit some at the Youth Encampment groups this summer. I will be preaching at the First Baptist Church, Delight, Arkansas in July, and visiting with the brethren at the opening of some of the Seminaries as fall semesters begin. These appointments are in addition to filling in and serving at my home church, Calvary MBC, Magnolia. I could not ask for a more kind and understanding home church. Anytime I can be of service to you, the brethren, please call on me.

A. Crain