On Wednesday, January 17, the elders held their monthly meeting to review financials, receive an update on India missions from Vineet and to consider a list of administrative items. Pat opened the meeting with prayer, mindful of our dependence upon the Spirit of Christ in our endeavors for Him.  

A review of the December and Year-To-Date financials revealed we are nearly breakeven for the current fiscal year. December’s General Offering was significant at $75,079.13, with corresponding expenses of $62,137.25, resulting in a Net Ordinary Income of $12,957.71, helping contribute to a near breakeven status for the current fiscal year.

We are always incredibly encouraged by how our Lord works through His body at OBC, having blessed us spiritually and materially to the glory of Christ alone.    

After reviewing the financials, we had Vineet Sasane, our pastor in India, provide a status report, which was encouraging. As we listened to Vineet speak of the changes God has brought about in the ministry in Pune, you couldn’t help but be greatly encouraged by our Lord.

Six plus years have transpired and in that time, the ministry has gone from meeting in a home to meeting at a facility called the Bible Center in the middle of Pune. It’s gone from light participation on Sunday morning at Living Hope Church to having 40 regular attenders with visitors showing up on a regular basis.

For the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation, a special promotion through Facebook aided in garnering an attendance of 100 persons; the Lord is kind! Baptisms are being performed, the ladies’ group at Living Hope is meeting once a month, and in February the kick-off is planned for Children’s Sunday school. Wow!

We have much to pray about and praise our faithful God for who, in Christ, is building His Church, “sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!” (Ps. 66:2).

Furthermore, Vineet indicated that they are looking to take things to the next level at Living Hope with prayerful consideration in designating elders and deacons. Vineet has been absolutely resolved in preaching Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23), having been able to expositionally preach through the entirety of 1 Peter, Mark and Ephesians.

Lastly, Vineet traveled to Manipur, India (1,300+ miles from Pune), where Saiya grew up, to visit Saiya’s family. In God’s providence, Vineet was able to establish ministry relationships in Manipur, so please add Manipur to the list of items for which to pray.

Our meeting wrapped up with the elders addressing four administrative items in particular: the approval of seven new members to OBC; the dropping of group healthcare for staff in order to pursue more financially feasible options; the approval of new wall paint schemes for the children’s classrooms; and, the approval of partial financial support for Jay Wipf as he pursues a degree from Midwestern Baptist Seminary.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age – Matthew 28:19-20