So, I tuned into the "Prairie Home Companion" radio program last Saturday night to listen to Garrison Keillor. (I try to do this every week, as preparation for my sermon on Sunday.) I turned on the radio and, instead of hearing "The news from Lake Wobegon", I had to endure a pledge drive. You see, twice a year, National Public Radio raises money from its listeners, and they break into regular programming so that they can remind their listeners that they can only remain on the air if listeners help them pay the bills.
I must confess that I quickly tire of these pledge drives. I want to hear the regularly scheduled program, not someone rambling on about financial need. They tell me that this program I want to hear may go away if we do not support them, but I don't believe them. These programs have been on the air for years, and my paltry sum will not make any difference. Besides, I don't like all of the programming on these stations and may not want my money supporting programming to which I am opposed. Plus, I don't have all that much money, and maybe I will do it later, and what's in it for me? (After all, do I really need another tote bag, coffee mug, or umbrella with the radio station's logo on it?) I find myself running these objections through my head while I'm waiting for the fund drive segment to end and return to "A Prairie Home Companion"; otherwise, I will feel guilty for not phoning in a pledge.
Why don't they just leave me alone? It is because, if they stop reminding me of their need, I will assume there is no need and never think about giving. The radio station seems to have two options: advertise their need a couple of times a year and stay in business or remain quiet and go off the air.
I am not, by nature, someone who enjoys talking about money. I come from the school that says, "Just do your job and let God provide". I did not place a lot of emphasis on the stewardship drive in February, and we are now in difficulty because of it. We are not in crisis, but we could easily be in trouble by the end of the year, if things do not change. So, rather than quietly going "off the air", I need to be more honest with you and keep our financial status in your attention as well as, I hope, in your prayers.
In June, you will be receiving a letter addressing Kiowa Creek's financial situation more fully with suggestions as to how you might help. As always, these decisions need to be made seeking God's direction, but I urge you to take the issue to God, rather than wait for God to put the matter on your heart. As you pursue God's will in obedience, know that you will be blessed by Him as you bless His church.
