Even Amid a Global Pandemic!

Editorial by Bob Cundiff

Not too many people have heard the story I’m about to share with you. When the pandemic broke in Spring 2020, many conference administrators contacted the North American Division asking for counsel on how to continue ministry in the new economic fabric brought on by COVID-19.

The division called a meeting of conference presidents and shared their recommendations, saying, “We advise you to develop three new budgets. The first budget, you should assume a 10 percent deficit in tithe from whatever you received in 2019. Your second budget should assume a 20 percent deficit and your third budget should assume a 30 percent deficit in tithe.”

That meant furloughing and terminating numerous employees, including pastors, teachers and office workers. That also meant that many children would not have the benefit of receiving a Seventh-day Adventist education.

Let me tell you what no one said at that meeting in Spring 2020. Nobody said, “Get ready for a huge increase in tithe! Watch how God is going to work and how His people are going to press together. Watch how something unprecedented is going to take place, even amid a global pandemic!”

As we navigate ministry two years out from the first days of the pandemic, God has blessed His people in tremendous ways. The Ohio Conference constituency has been faithful! You have stepped up to the plate and answered the call. God has used you in a tremendous way!

Ellen White tells us we need to continue to press together as a people and all the more so as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for pressing together as we continue to do mission here in Ohio.

Bob Cundiff serves as the president of the Ohio Conference.