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"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
Managing the finances for St. Paul's comes with much responsibility. Not unlike being mindful of your own household income and expenses, keeping St. Paul's on track is both a privilege and often a challenging duty.
Since joining the staff in 2001, we have always held an outstanding loan, making monthly payments to pay for our wonderful church and school properties. Yet year after year, the Lord has taught me multiple times that He will provide for all of our needs. Especially when it comes to having the funds in the bank to pay all of our employees and all of our bills.
Looking back over the past 24 years, I have witnessed our congregation boldly build or expand:
- a new school building at the south campus;
- a ministries and office building where the former parsonage stood;
- the balcony and organ expansion in the sanctuary;
- a new three-story state-of-the-art school building for all K-8th grade classrooms; and
- the south campus school and kitchen renovations for the Early Childhood Center.
Most church members would think we should be millions of dollars in debt after completing all of these projects. And we were for a short time. After Phase 1 was completed, we had over $4 million in debt at the end of December 2020. However, through generous and faithful member contributions and the wonderful benevolent heart of saint Bill Meisch, as of July 31, 2025, St. Paul's has paid off our loan with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Wow!
We have seen God do what only He can do. St. Paul's is currently debt-free — thanks to YOU, our members who love the Lord, and this faith family in Des Peres! YOU, who want to continue sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. YOU, who want to walk in the light and have fellowship with one another for generations to come. We can never doubt God for His faithfulness. And I have been shown firsthand over the past 24 years that your faithfulness is extraordinary too. Thank you!
As we continue to act boldly through the Phase 2 ministry expansion project, I may get anxious from time to time. I will wonder what the financial situation will be by April of next year. I most likely will stress over how the new loan for this building campaign could impact all the normal ministry expenses incurred day-to-day at St. Paul's. At such times, I will trust that we will witness His faithfulness to provide for all that He intends to accomplish through us. Through faith we will draw on His unlimited resources and reflect on His words to us in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." I ask you to please join me in taking our needs for St. Paul's to Him in prayer. I pray that God will continue to provide all things. I pray to the Lord, who is my Shepherd; I want for nothing. I trust He will provide for St. Paul's and shine His light to each and every one of us. To God be the glory!
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