Why are we moving? If you received the newsletter of April last year, you will remember that we were granted a sabbatical by the Board of Directors of WGO to receive biblical counseling through a ministry in Ft. Wayne, IN. Lynne has been struggling with bouts of depression, and it became more debilitating in November, 2007. The counseling pointed out how transient Lynne’s life has been and how she longed for geographic and relational stability. A local doctor also diagnosed her with subclinical hypothyroidism, which can also cause depression. For that reason, we have decided to move back to Huntington, Indiana, to be near Lynne’s family. Although it means significant changes for both of us, I (Steve) realize how much Lynne has sacrificed these past years. It is now my turn to invest in Lynne’s peace and happiness.
As the Chief Financial Officer for WGO, I am currently working on what I believe is the most significant project I can accomplish for the ministry. WGO contracted with an independent financial auditing firm in the fall and our first annual audit is underway. The audit should be complete by the end of May and upon the receipt of a favorable report from the auditing firm, application will be made to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Membership in ECFA indicates that the ministry has met the highest standards of compliance with accounting procedures and moral, ethical, and spiritual conduct.
As for our personal support, 2009 was a difficult one, as it was for many of you. Our approved budget was only met for three months, leaving us a 25% deficit for the year. Staying with WGO means we will continue to raise support for our living expenses which will be higher due to added expenses of living in the States, such as federal and state income taxes and insurance. The transition to the U.S. will also be more challenging than the transition to Honduras. Shipping costs are more expensive going to the North, so we are selling almost all our personal belongings. We will be starting over again.
Please be in prayer for us during this time. We have no doubt that God will meet all our needs as we face each challenge. Pray that God would provide housing, financial support, and physical strength during this transition.
If you sense God asking you to be a part of our ministry and the blessings that will follow, please send your financial gift to: World Gospel Outreach, P.O. Box 14348, Humble, TX 77347 Attn: Razor Family Fund.
Our desire is to keep you informed by updating our contact information, using our Internet blog site, and our Facebook pages. We appreciate your love for us. We have worked at being open and transparent about what we have gone through, so if you have any questions, you can e-mail us at the5blades@juno.com. God’s grace and peace be upon you. - Steve
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