Dear Bill,

I want to preface this by saying I don’t usually send in letters because I have never really felt my story is any different than anyone else’s. At any rate, I wanted to share this with you -

I have been at UBC for over 30 years and Tom has now been a part of the UBC family for 17 years. I have participated in many campaigns and Tom has been a part of two. Needless to say, when the RE campaign was announced we didn’t really dwell on it too much as we knew what we needed to do. We decided early on that we would pledge more than we did for the last campaign and agreed quickly on a number. Around the same time, we decided as a family to go on the Bahamas Family Mission Trip over Spring Break. We knew that it was going to be an expense hat we hadn’t really planned for, but trusted God that it would work out. We attended a dinner at the Riviera and still remained with “the number” we had agreed upon.  We also wrote our check for the missions trip that same week and once again trusted that it would all work out. I attended the Reach Rally and at some point during worship time realized that I wanted to give more. Tom, very nicely said, “I don’t think we can.” I said, “ok” and left it at that. I have always believed that God placed Tom in my life because he is an excellent money manager and let’s just say that I never really knew what a budget was until August 2, 1992 - the day after our wedding! :) Last Friday, the day after the event, Tom and I went to lunch and he said, “I have been thinking - why don’t we increase our pledge and also go ahead and give the one time gift in addition to our pledge”. WOW - I was thrilled! I then also understood why we hadn’t turned our pledge card in early like we had been asked to.

This morning I was so excited to be a part of this church family. As you were speaking during service, I looked over to see my 12 and 10 year old daughters filling out pledge cards for the RE campaign. My eyes filled with tears not because of any amount written on their cards but because they too felt called to commit to giving for the next generation! We had made a decision as a family, but then they wanted to make their own commitment too.

Thank you for guiding this church and leading by example. I thank God for leaders who are investing time in my children and leading by example too. Even at their young age, they get it and for that I praise God!

Tom and I just completed our small group study on REVEALED and on the last evening a verse was discussed which says, “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)

I truly believe that God spoke these words to me and I am excited to see what is ahead for our family and for the UBC family.

Love you Bill and thanks for blessing our lives!

Barbara