We rejoice today that last week the people of this church committed to give $544,770.00, above their current giving over the next three years to the building fund for the construction of a new facility. This is the largest commitment in the history of the church. More will be adding to that fi gure today. Others will give signifi cantly in today’s offering. We will celebrate God’s working in our midst as we gather on the new property this afternoon. It is a day to thank God for His blessings in our lives.

In the last three and a half years God has allowed us to give more than $775,000 over and above the budget needs of First Baptist. We have paid every loan early. We own ninety-two acres free and clear. The parking lots, roads, services, ground work, and site work will soon be debt free as well.

The leadership of the church has examined the fi gures, checked the facts, and faithfully sought God’s direction through Scripture, the people of this church, and Christ’s commands to reach the lost and edify the saints.

Therefore, consider the following over the next two weeks.

1. Proceed to construct the multipurpose building as designed. Sufficient money is committed along with current giving to meet the payments on a loan which can be secured using the Spring Street property as collateral.

2. Instead of building the education wing at this time, build an auxiliary structure to meet immediate needs.

3. Instruct the trustees to seek fi nancing and contract with engineers to begin preparing for construction of the above structures and have the trustees establish with the architect a time line for preparation of construction and bidding documents and the bidding process.

4. Seek buyers for all or part of the current church facilities.

God has seen fit to direct God’s people to give this amount to the new facility, and it is sufficient to carry out the portion of His work that He wants us to do at this time. Let us be faithful in doing our part.