News & Stories

Financial Struggles Inspire Praise

March 4, 2009

By JB Hecock, serving in Russia

Editor’s note: Following are excerpts from a Special Edition newsletter JB and Iris Hecock published on February 24. During the current economic downturn, may this message serve as a reminder to all of us: our Heavenly Father is our source of stability-all of the time.

This is a praise update . . . but let me give you some info to chew on first.

About a week ago we received a letter from Gary Benedict, the president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Since the same time last year, funding for our Alliance Great Commission Ministries is down nearly 20 percent. Because of this reality, some changes are going to have to be made.

Because of this, we want to write this letter of PRAISE.

Thank You!

We know it is no small sacrifice that some of you make when you give to the Great Commission Fund or any of our other funds. We know it is no small sacrifice when you give to your local body of believers [in] obedience to Christ. And for this we thank you.

So, you might still be wondering, why a praise letter?

“He Alone”

We are praising Jesus that though we have taken a hit financially, He, and He alone, has enabled us to continue to work here in Russia and draw people into relationship with Him-like Katya and Naira, two girls baptized last month.

Folks, if Christ isn’t the One we look to for stability, for peace, and as the owner of the “cattle on a thousand hills,” then it doesn’t matter what kind of financial support we have or don’t have-we have bigger problems.

We want to ask you to join with us, not just in praying for those [facing financial difficulties] in the States and for the C&MA, but in FIRST PRAISING HIM. Why?

Looking Without Seeing

A friend of mine, whom I respect and admire greatly, reminded me that though we often look for God to do something big, especially in a major crisis like this, we often don’t see Him working in our individual lives.

Are we looking but not seeing Him because we’re so focused on Him doing something “big?” I don’t know, but it has caused me to pray for awareness.

Continue to Praise God

Again, I ask that you join us in praising Him for what He has given us and what He continues to give us. Join us also in praying for awareness to see what He is doing in our lives through dependency on Him.

I don’t know where we’re going, and that’s okay, but will you join us on a journey of utter dependency on Him? Think of what He could do through us!

Learn More

Check out the Hecock’s C&MA Web site.

What You Can Do

Join the Hecocks in praising God for what He has given us and what He continues to supply during these turbulent economic times. Ask God also to provide awareness about what He is doing in your life through your dependency on Him.