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In my previous report, I explained that for year-end 2023, Lakewood had a roughly $100,000 deficit, and we were projecting about the same deficit for 2024. I encouraged everyone to increase their giving by a little over 10% to eliminate this projected deficit.
Well, sometimes God uses ordinary people to produce a miracle. Stimulated by the Holy Spirit and in memory of Rosemary Walterhouse, the Walterhouse family has offered to match our contributions to reduce or eliminate our deficit, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $50,000. The Walterhouse family includes Rosemary’s husband Duane (who lives in Orlando and views our services online), son Jim and his wife Debbie, daughter Janis (a member of Lakewood), two grandsons and their wives and four great grandchildren.
We have until the end of May to make our donations, which will be matched.
It is essential that your gifts be designated “Matching Gift” and be received by Lakewood on or before May 31st.
The Walterhouse family's goal with their gift is to eliminate our operating deficit for 2024. To achieve that goal, our giving between now and the end of May must be additional sums over and above our regular giving. So, over the next three months, we need to collectively donate an extra $50,000 to Lakewood and designate these contributions as “Matching Gift.” This is a challenge for our congregation, but it is less than the 10% extra I previously asked you for – thanks to the generosity of the Walterhouse family. Every extra dollar we give between now and the end of May turns into two dollars. We’ll be tracking this extra giving (marked “Matching Gift”) and reporting regularly to the congregation.
It’s funny that last week, I had Some Chinese take-out, and the fortune said, “People find it difficult to resist your persuasive manner.” But I know it is not me, it’s the Holy Spirit that will motivate you to give these extra dollars. We can do it, Lakewood family!
We all owe a heartfelt THANKS to the Walterhouse family.
Ken Perry
On Behalf of the Finance Team
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