CEO’s Report - October 2023

BSSC CEO’s OCTOBER 1, 2023 Report:

The Psalmist wrote of the glorious evidence of God’s handywork in creation, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). As the Fall season approaches, the air becomes cooler and the leaves turn, I am reminded of the greatness of God’s work in creation. As the Psalmist ended his book, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

The group of employees at Texarkana has stabilized in the last few months. The longer an employee remains, the better he or she fills a position. We have been blessed with several long-time employees who do a great job, and even our recently hired employees are learning and growing to be very productive. For this, we are grateful. I feel we are truly blessed with a wonderful group of employees.

Sales for most published items are up and continue growing. It seems the rebound from the Covid experience is continuing although slowly. BTC sales in particular are up for the Fall quarter, which may be a good health marker of the churches.

Unexpected expenses associated with an aging building and inflationary raises continue to affect costs of operations and challenge the ministry. Finances, however, remain stable with some increased profit over last year at this time. Fall sales from both the publishing and the bookstore are expected to reflect an increase in revenue which will help the outcome for the year 2023. Christmas sales in the bookstore in particular are usually beneficial in the Fall. The bookstore employees have certainly done a good job preparing for this fall season.

We who work in the building from week to week enjoyed having the Baptist Sunday School Committee visit in September. These brethren are always a source of encouragement. They not only visit with the leadership, but visit throughout the building with the employees, and everyone enjoys the time together. Similarly, as associational meetings occur this Fall, time among the brethren is always good time. I look forward to seeing many brethren at the meetings. Please come visit when you are in Texarkana.

J. A. Crain