When we produced the annual report last year we noted how we faced a very uncertain future. We could clearly see the hand of God that helped us in the past fiscal year but as we looked forward toward the 2020-21 fiscal year there were many uncertainties before us. The Scripture below was on our hearts as a faith challenge. We were challenged to not be anxious and to present our requests to God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:6-9
As we look back over the 2020-21 fiscal year in the context of all the turbulence of that year the goodness of God cannot be overstated. There are many highlights that could be made operationally but below is a summary of some of the major financial highlights for which we want to give to God our heartfelt things and exalt his name.
Outreach giving totaled more than $1.1 million in the fiscal year. Giving would have been higher but some projects were delayed because of COVID restrictions in some countries. This funding is taking the message of hope and life to communities around the world.
We have now been tracking our outreach giving using the same method of tracking for 21 years. During these 21 years we have given nearly $30.1 million and that represents 22.4% of all giving less capital stewardship.
General Fund was able to finish the year will all bills paid, reduced internal borrowing by $220,000, commit $350,000 for a campus plant, $75,000 for a future ministry imitative and carry $75,000 forward to assist with next year’s budget. This was an amazing blessing of the Lord considering the difficult year of ministry navigating all the COVID protocols and people issues related to them.
In the last fiscal year all debt related to the Holland Campus was paid off in addition to saving more than $800,000 toward the next planned capital project. This represents more than $2.9 million in capital investment for the fiscal year, far exceeding our expectations.
Total income for all Water’s Edge churches was $10.7 million, just about the same as year-ago giving even though there were operational challenges with COVID restrictions and two of the campuses had a reduction in Capital Stewardship challenges.