Parity ! Never !
Apologies to all reformed baptist brothers - this isn't about eldership but about the euro.
I don't often write about the economic realities of mission, but they're there nevertheless. Our American colleagues have lived for years with a weak dollar. When they came to France their support was OK. Now it's inadequate. In addition the American economy has struggled for a long time and American churches are sometimes overstretched in world mission. With the best will in the world ( and American goodwill is surely among the best in the world ) churches cannot do more.
Finding new sponsor churches is a challenge. The USA is big so to become known amongst the churches is a huge challenge and involves a lot of travelling. Denominational ties help to establish relationships of trust but churches still sometimes need forms to be filled in, interviews to be held and committees to meet and it can take months before a decision is taken.
It isn't easy.
Now it's the turn of the Brits !
When we came to France in 2005 the pound was at about 1.6 euros. Now it's about 1.13. Just 70% of its former value. That means that £100 in 2005 is only "worth" £70 now, and what £100 bought in 2005 now takes about £140.
The mission pays our support in euros, but our sponsor churches and individuals give in pounds. All give so generously but to increase giving by 40% ? That's almost half as much again !
Meanwhile the good news is that because we have a fixed rate mortgage and low euro-zone inflation our allowance is still the same as 2005 and our housing costs are slightly lower, and this has been OK so far. ( Other factors help, too, like the generosity of friends with holiday homes, etc. )
We draw near to the end of our first four-year term of service in August 2009. This is an administrative concept but it will involve the recalculation of support needs for the next term of service (2009 - 2013). Our costs in euros will probably not change much - there was already a 10% rise built in the last time we worked it out which we have not had to use - but the figure in pounds will be much higher !
There we are. Part of the reality of overseas mission.
Perhaps you could pray for the mission team at Swindon, especially for our financial guy. You can imagine the stresses of his role. Also remember that what I write is true for all overseas workers, not just in Europe but all over the world.
The weak pound and the kingdom of God. Who would have thought it, eh ?
I don't often write about the economic realities of mission, but they're there nevertheless. Our American colleagues have lived for years with a weak dollar. When they came to France their support was OK. Now it's inadequate. In addition the American economy has struggled for a long time and American churches are sometimes overstretched in world mission. With the best will in the world ( and American goodwill is surely among the best in the world ) churches cannot do more.
Finding new sponsor churches is a challenge. The USA is big so to become known amongst the churches is a huge challenge and involves a lot of travelling. Denominational ties help to establish relationships of trust but churches still sometimes need forms to be filled in, interviews to be held and committees to meet and it can take months before a decision is taken.
It isn't easy.
Now it's the turn of the Brits !
When we came to France in 2005 the pound was at about 1.6 euros. Now it's about 1.13. Just 70% of its former value. That means that £100 in 2005 is only "worth" £70 now, and what £100 bought in 2005 now takes about £140.
The mission pays our support in euros, but our sponsor churches and individuals give in pounds. All give so generously but to increase giving by 40% ? That's almost half as much again !
Meanwhile the good news is that because we have a fixed rate mortgage and low euro-zone inflation our allowance is still the same as 2005 and our housing costs are slightly lower, and this has been OK so far. ( Other factors help, too, like the generosity of friends with holiday homes, etc. )
We draw near to the end of our first four-year term of service in August 2009. This is an administrative concept but it will involve the recalculation of support needs for the next term of service (2009 - 2013). Our costs in euros will probably not change much - there was already a 10% rise built in the last time we worked it out which we have not had to use - but the figure in pounds will be much higher !
There we are. Part of the reality of overseas mission.
Perhaps you could pray for the mission team at Swindon, especially for our financial guy. You can imagine the stresses of his role. Also remember that what I write is true for all overseas workers, not just in Europe but all over the world.
The weak pound and the kingdom of God. Who would have thought it, eh ?
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