March 12, 2007

Dear Pantego Family,

Plastic tokens aren’t token at all. Several weeks ago, when we launched our Larger than Life Stewardship Campaign, we invited children to give up their treasured Kid Pix tokens as their expression of generous giving. Adults in several Community Groups are matching each token with a dollar donation. The first week, children offered 107 tokens. The next week they gave 247. In our church, the littlest understand large sacrifice!

By now, you have received news that we are moving forward with a Children’s Ministry building on site. God closed the door on State National Building across the street and clarified our pathway for the future. And, I am excited about what lies ahead. By God’s grace, we hope to raise $6 million to $10 million over the next three years. While this is a faith-stretching goal, I am pleased to tell you that we have already received 3-year pledges and/or cash totaling $2,500,000. Combined with other designated cash resources (from the sale of our 22-acres and previous donations to our future children’s facility), we are more than 50% toward the $6.9 million goal of construction! God is so good!

As we approach First Fruits Sunday on March 18, I invite you to follow the example of our children. Generous giving isn’t measured by the amount of your gift, but the extent of your sacrifice. And, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit at work in us, all of us have the capacity to give! Following are several important pieces of information:

A Campaign Brochure gives you the big picture of our vision and our project. If you have missed any of the Q&A forums in the last few weeks, you'll find more information on this website. A “Trusting God for Large Commitments” brochure offers creative suggestions to help you adjust your earthly spending in order to make an eternal investment. You’ll be surprised to discover how a modest increase in weekly giving can go a very long way. A “Larger than Life Commitment Card” helps you communicate your commitment to this special ministry project. As the Lord leads, you may make a weekly, monthly, annual or one-time gift over and above your normal tithe.

Next Sunday, March 18, I ask you to bring 3 things:

1. Your faithful Sunday offering. Please don’t neglect your tithe to our General Fund that allows us to keep our present ministries in place.

2. Your Commitment Card indicating your 3-Year Faith Promise to our Children’s Building. We will have a special collection for these cards in the service.

3. A First Fruits offering. If the Lord leads you and has provided, would you consider bringing an over-and-above offering that is not a part of your 3-Year Commitment? The more generous we are at the front end of our campaign, the sooner we will begin construction!