This is the time of the year when we, as a convention, as well as many of our churches and partner institutions, finalize financial reports for the previous calendar year. We are praising God that Cooperative Program giving through Texas Baptists reached almost 100% of the budget. Furthermore, we are thankful that our expenses did not exceed our budget.

I pray that was also true for your church and/or ministry. Even more importantly, as we look ahead for 2025, we realize that the needs are great. We rely on God to provide all the resources we need to do the work He has called us to do.

When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he affirmed that their generosity would be a fragrant offering and pleasing to God. Their giving was also an act of faith that God would meet all of their needs according to the richness of His grace. Paul was referring to cooperative giving! In other words, giving for the sake of the Kingdom.

Last week, I had the opportunity to communicate with Baptist leaders in California to express our support as Texas Baptists and our desire to help. We are blessed to relate to Texans On Mission, the disaster relief arm of Texas Baptists, who began ministering in California shortly after the fires began. You can read about our initial gift to the Orange County Southern Baptist Association and give directly to the effort by clicking the link at the bottom of that article and designating your gift accordingly.

We invite you to pray for these recovery efforts as human needs are met for pastors, Baptists, and all others who were affected. May the love of Christ be shared with people who are hurting in deeds and words.

We are confident that as we cooperate with others, give generously, and participate in Kingdom work, God will provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory. Thank you for being a part of it!

A ‘fragrant offering’ for Orange County Baptists